Former weaving factory to the rear of 40-44 High Street

Cadw's description

Location

Immediately behind Nos 40 to 44 and overlooking car park to the rear.

History

ca 1840 flannel mill building formerly known as the Great Oak Street Factory; built by Thomas Evans of Maenol. It is said to have manufactured high class flannel and in 1864 it became part of the newly formed Welsh Flannel and Tweed Company.

Exterior

3-storeys and slate roof; 6-window rubble front with red brick quoins and window dressings. Mostly 6-pane modern casements with cambered heads to ground and 1st floors; cement cills. 1-blocked window besides modern stairs up to boarded door. Red brick 2-storey and loft range attached to right with boarded door and gabled winch cover. This extends as far as the cross range at the rear of No 44. Rubble left gable end. 6-window rear with some original windows to 2nd floor, modern ground floor extension. The adjoining brick range is stepped back on this side. Modern extensions attached to west side not of special interest.

Interior

Ground floor converted into bar and function room. First floor part converted to flat at southern end. Second floor accessed by timber stairs at northern end of flat and remains a single open space with exposed king post trusses displaying notches, possibly for the installation of machinery. The numbers '1855' have been cut into one of the king posts. Interior of brick range not inspected.

Reason for designation

Included for its special architectural interest as a rare and well preserved example of an urban back yard flannel factory. The development of the textile industry in mid-Wales during the nineteenth century is historically significant, and this building is of special historic interest as an example of the small-scale factory that preceded the development of larger water-powered mills. It also has group value with Nos. 40 to 44 High Street.