Kings Arms PH

Cadw's description

Location

On the street line, at the steep upper end of Vale Street, at the corner with Melling's Lane.

History

The Kings Arms is probably of early C17 origin and appears to have been an inn since at least the C18. In 1835 and 1856 it is recorded as being an 'old established inn' in the hands of the Roberts family; in an advertisement for the latter year the virtues of its 'most moderate charges' and 'well aired beds' are extolled. It is also stated that 'premises have lately undergone great alteration and improvement', which apparently included the addition of new sitting rooms. It is probable that the second-quarter C19 street-facing block relates to these alterations.

Exterior

Two-storey inn of L-plan; of rubble construction, the primary, rear range whitened, and the later front section pebbledashed; slate roofs. Projecting rubble lateral chimney to the SW (upper) side of the primary range, with C19 end chimneys to the 3 gable ends. The street range has a former entrance, off-centre to the L, with arched stucco head and keystone; this is now a plain 2-pane window. Sashes to the L and to the R return, with plain lower sections, though retaining small pane glazing to the upper sections. The latter window has an associated pair of larger windows lighting the W corner, facing the front; these have C20 glazing, plain below with 3-pane to the top. Two 12-pane C19 sashes to the first floor, and a further, similar window in the gable; moulded stucco surrounds. The earlier rear range has two 12-pane sashes to the first floor, with a modern small-pane casement to the L.

Reason for designation

Listed for its special interest as an historic inn with C17 origins in a prominent location.

Group value with other listed items in Vale Street.