The Piggin

Cadw's description

Location

Situated attached to No 2 Rock Cottages at NW edge of town.

History

One of a pair of rubble-stone fronted timber-framed small houses, C18 probably, sited opposite the stone quarry at the foot of Castle Hill. Formerly the Piggin Tavern, or Pig & Whistle. Marked on 1833 map as owned by the Powis estate, and on 1839 tithe map as The Piggin, occupied by Thomas Weaver Sr. In churchyard are memorials to Mary Ann wife of Thomas Morgan, Piggin Tavern, died 1887, and Thomas Weaver, Piggin Tavern, died 1896. The present road on to Caerhowell was not made until the mid 1840s.

Exterior

Cottage, white painted rubble stone with slate eaves roof and red brick left end stack. One storey and attic, double fronted with large C19 eaves breaking gabled dormers and cambered-headed window each side of door. On ground floor, a casement-pair window with small panes, iron opening light and old catches each side of a cambered-headed ledged door in late C20 gabled oak porch. The two gabled dormers have bargeboards and finials and long casement pairs with small panes, iron opening lights, and old catches. A recessed panel above the door has been infilled since 1983. Straight joint in front wall to No 2.
Windowless stone right end wall. Single storey C20 addition to right. Exposed square panels of timber-framing with plaster infilling in rear elevation.

Interior

Ceiling joists on NW - SE axis.

Reason for designation

Included for its special historic interest as one of a pair of C18 double-fronted cottages, combining timber-framing and stone construction and retaining some good detail including locally distinctive fenestration.