The Star Inn

Cadw's description

Location

Located towards the lower end of the street, almost opposite the gaol.

History

C17 lobby-entry building, said to bear a date inside of 1639. Two-unit front range, with further unit to rear. The rear wing appears to have been extended later, probably in the C19. Exterior remodelled in C18-19, but probably retains timber-framing beneath render. An Inn since at least the C18, its position opposite Ruthin Gaol significant; both wardens and prisoners are said to have drunk here until the 1830s.

Exterior

Two-storey 2-window range with central entrance; roughcast on a plinth under a slate roof, with renewed brick ridge stack. Shallow open-fronted gabled wooden porch with chevron boarding to gable, moulded barge boards and finial, containing double panelled doors, reached by 1 stone step. To L, C19 wooden window surround, consisting of panelled pilasters with decorative scrolled brackets supporting a moulded cornice; it contains a 3-light wooden window with central top-hung pane. To R of entrance, a large C20 3-light wooden window. Upper storey has shallow 3-light wooden casements, that to L offset towards end. Mounting block against far R of front, consisting of 2 stone steps. West gable end is heavily battered, with double boarded doors to R, and top-hung light to upper storey. Lower 2-storey 2-unit rear wing adjoining to R; an offset suggesting that the R-hand unit was added later. Stone ridge stack (probably an end stack to C17 unit), and brick end stack to S. Irregular wooden windows, 2 to ground and 3 to upper storey, those to R with segmental heads. Single-storey lean-to against S end of wing.

Interior

Lobby-entrance with rooms to L and R. Back-to-back fireplaces, rebuilt in stone with small grates. The ceilings are mainly altered, some of the cross- and spine-beams probably re-set from elsewhere, and with plain joists. Rear room to R, containing bar, has original ceiling with medium-chamfered spine-beam and chamfered joists with run-out stops; large stone fireplace to rear, with original timber lintel.

Reason for designation

Listed for its special interest as a C17 lobby-entrance building with integral rear wing, possibly a purpose-built Inn, retaining its plan-form and historic character. Group value with surrounding listed buildings in Clwyd Street.