Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Customs House
Holyhead, Isle of Anglesey, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Civil
- Date of designation
- 11 March 1993
- Locality
- Salt Island
- Community
- Holyhead
- Unitary authority
- Isle of Anglesey
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 53.31464, -4.62524
- Cadw reference
- 5771
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
Shown on 5 historical map sheets, the earliest the 1799 "Ireland." (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries).
Cadw's description
Location
Situated within the security zone of the Port of Holyhead, facing south across the inner harbour that is now the ferry terminal. Adjacent to Harbour Office.
History
Built 1821 probably to the design of John Rennie, the widely renowned engineer who specialised in the design of bridges and harbours. Modern alterations and large extension to rear. In 1810 an Act of Parliament was passed which included much needed improvement to the harbour at Holyhead which had by that time become established as the principal port for communication with Ireland, in particular it was the station for the Post Office steam packets. This work involved the construction of the Admiralty Pier and lighthouse to the east of Salt Island and included the George IV Arch, Harbour-Master’s Offices and Customs House.
Exterior
Georgian, similar design to that of the Harbour Office. 2-storeys and built of local Mona marble stone; hipped slate roof and stone chimneys with modern caps. 3-bay front framed by prominent pilasters, sill band, plinth and a shaped cornice with blocking course above. Horned small pane sash windows (modern replacements) and blocked central entrance, now with window inserted. Pebbledash right hand end with adjoining rubble wall linking Customs House with Harbour Office. Brick chimney and lean-tos at rear and large flat roof modern extension to left with horned small-pane sashes; this range projects at left end and includes present main entrance. Replacement customs offices have been built detached to rear. Interior altered in office conversion and renovation.
Reason for designation
Group value with the Admiralty Pier and listed buildings thereon.
Listed as an integral part of this important harbour scheme designed by Rennie.
Nearby in the register
- Harbour OfficeMaritimeunder 1 mi
- George IV ArchCommemorativeunder 1 mi
- Admirlaty Pier (including Sea Wall between Salt Island Bridgea and George IV Arch)Maritimeunder 1 mi
- Lighthouse on Admiralty PierMaritimeunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.