The Old Vicarage

Cadw's description

Location

At the E end of the Cathedral with main elevation to Tan-y-Fynwent. Comprises former house and church hall.

History

Built in 1815 and enlarged in early C20 with the addition of the hall at right angles. The latter is by Harold Hughes (diocesan architect) whose architectural office was in a nearby building.

Exterior

Pebbledash elevations and slate roofs. The 2-storey, late Georgian, house (now converted to offices) has an asymmetrical entrance front to Waterloo Street; narrow recessed bay flanked by projecting gabled bays, the left hand of which has a deeply recessed entrance to the return angle. Asymmetrically gabled extension at S end and 4-window rear facing the cathedral with splayed bay to ground floor. Various small pane sash windows throughout.

The single storey church hall is in the free Arts and Crafts style with tall lancet windows characteristic of H L North and P M Padmore with whom Hughes was well acquainted. Stepped windows to the gable ends, with containing arch to W, and crucifix above formed of applied diamond shaped pieces of slate. A larger but similar crucifix is at the left end of Tan-y-Fynwent elevation. Central gable with corbelled lateral chimney breast truncated at gable apex; flanked below by 2 windows and with a further window to the right, each in stepped recesses. Small pane sash windows throughout; grilled ventilators to basement. A rubble wall is attached, at left returning up Waterloo Street, with inset triangular stones - possibly pieces of medieval window tracery.

Interior

The hall has a 3-bay interior with segmental arched roof and simple trusses.

Reason for designation

Group value with St Deiniol’s Cathedral and the Gateway into the Bible Garden.