White Hart Inn

Cadw's description

Location

Occupying a prominent position in the centre of the village and backing onto the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal at a higher level; the Caerfanell River and aqueduct adjacent to W, and the former railway to E.

History

Probably C18 and C19, of two main builds, the original building being the 3 main front bays, which was later extended by a further bay left and a rear wing. Former stable wing left with hayloft above converted to accommodation. Old photograph shows whole building formerly rendered. This is the largest of the 3 local inns and would certainly have been important both in relation to the canal to rear and the Brecon and Merthyr Railway which crosses road and canal to side. Tethering rings were used for local sheep market.

Exterior

A late Georgian Inn with some Victorian remodelling. Of sandstone rubble with Welsh slate roof and part dressed stone ridge and end corniced stacks; overhanging eaves; part roughcast rendered to rear. Double depth plan with central entrance; former stable wing at right angles to front forms a cobbled courtyard. Inn has 2 storeys and deep cellar, the former stable wing is single storey with loft. Main 4 window range to first floor of 2/2 pane horned sashes under cambered voussoirs, with stone sills; 3 similar to ground floor; the left bay shows division in builds. Centre right doorway with plain wooden surround incorporating gas lamp above and a 2 pane rectangular overlight, 4 panelled double door, 2 stone steps. To right at plinth level opening with steps and ramp down to flagged cellar below. Former stable wing has some segmental arched openings and external steps to former loft.

Interior

Interior remodelled to create single large ground floor room with bar in place of former hallway. Fireplaces retained: that to right has bracketed surround with cast-iron grate; to left two open fireplaces. Some panelled reveals to doors and windows retained; plaster removed. Reputedly pegged roof trusses.

Reason for designation

Included as a large C18/C19 inn in a prominent village position.

Group value with neighbouring listed items in the village.