43 Drybridge Street

Cadw's description

Location

On the main street in Overmonnow, going north from St. Thomas' Square and opposite the junction with Wonastow Road.

History

Cottage perhaps originating in C17, with attached outbuilding probably from earlier C19, when the interior of the main block was updated. Drybridge Street has existed since the medieval period, and remains of a pottery kiln of the C14 have been found at the rear of the property.

Exterior

Stone rubble walls, rendered and painted, Welsh slate roof, red brick stacks. Cottage and attached outbuilding with vehicle entrance, single depth range parallel with street. Single storey plus attic, two bays with central entrance. Doorway offset to right, single small window to each side, both boarded up at time of resurvey (May 2004), recessed plank door. Moderate pitch roof with two small gabled dormers, end chimneys. Rear elevation not seen.
To left of cottage, attached outbuilding. Painted rubble walling with tiled roof. Large vehicle entrance with double wooden doors glazed to upper part. Lean-to extension to rear.

Interior

Interior not available at resurvey, description taken from listing visit in 2003. Unmodernised interior with entrance passage flanked by boarded partitions and stone-flagged floor. The principal room to the right has a winding timber stair around the principal chimney. In the far wall of the left hand room is a very small opening with chamfered oak frame suggesting earlier origins to the building, this wall being formerly external before the addition of the outbuilding. Windows with deep splays, 4-pane timber glazing (visible only from interior since exterior covered at time of inspection).

Reason for designation

Included for its special architectural interest as a rare example within the built up area of Monmouth of a small, possibly C17, house retaining much character. It also forms a part of the important group of historic buildings in the suburb of Overmonnow.