The Old Nag's Head P H

Cadw's description

Location

On the historic north and east entry to the town, but now a cul-de-sac.

History

Early C19, but incorporating in its structure remains of a tower of the eastern or Dixton Gate of the town. The medieval work is probably C15 and how much fabric from this date may survive in the present building is unknown. The Dixton Gate was otherwise demolished probably in the C18 and was replaced by the turnpike gate further down the street.

Exterior

The medieval fabric is red sandstone rubble, the C19 fabric is probably also red sandstone but may be brick, particularly in the upper storey. The tower remains unpainted, the inn is rendered and painted and the south-east wing of the inn, formerly the stable, is painted rubble; Welsh slate roofs with red brick stacks. Main rectangular block with the half round tower on the north gable, east wing projecting from south-east corner. Two storeys with an understorey, the tower has a battered base. The entry to the main block is in the gable end and has a recessed door on the left with a flat hood on brackets. Two windows on each floor, all 4 over 4 pane sashes except at top left which is 6 over 6. Gable with wavey bargeboards. The street front has a small cellar door, a plate glass oriel on the ground floor left and two 6 over 6 pane sashes left above. Plain roof with stack on left wall front slope and another on right gable. The tower has a 6 over 6 pane sash on the ground floor and an 8 over 8 above. Small casement in timber framed gable of main block behind. The east wing, formerly the stable, has a plain door and a 2 x 2 light casement window, plain roof. Rear elevation not seen.

Interior

Only the ground floor was seen at resurvey, no pre-C19 fabric is visible.

Reason for designation

Included in a higher grade for its interest as an early C19 public house which retains its character as well as a significant portion of a medieval gate-tower.