Mermaid Inn

Location

In the block between Jehu Road and Powell's Lane.

History

The building is probably of C16 origin, but the frontage was remodelled c1890, by Frank H. Shayler, architect, of Shrewsbury. Early illustrations of the building show that prior to this it had a thatched roof, and that the timbering was not exposed.

Exterior

Frontage range and long rear wing. Timber-framed, the original structure enriched with applied decorated framing c1890 to the main elevation; the earlier heavy box-framing in square panels, with brick infil exposed in side elevation and in rear wing. Plain tiled roof (replacing thatch). Axial brick stack, set at the front of the roof to the right. 2 storeys, 2-window range. Render over ground floor, which has doorway offset to the left, a battened plank door with ornamental hinges; 3-light canted oriel window to right, and a smaller similar window alongside it to the left: both windows have traceried lights with decorative leaded glazing. Passage entry to the right. Upper storey has decorative timber work, divided by a middle rail, with cusped close-studding below, and quatrefoils above. Canted oriel window above the doorway, and 3-light casement to the right. Long rear wing is box-framed in square panels with brick infil, forming 3 principle bays; plain-tiled roof; side wall stack onto passage.

Interior

Single room in frontage range has ceiling panelled by transverse and axial beams, all with step-stopped chamfers. Similar stop-chamfered joists.

Reason for designation

Included as a small C16 town house, which is also of particular interest for its late C19 elevation, an early example of the vernacular revival work of Frank Shayler.