The Old Wool Market

Cadw's description

Location

Situated with gable ends to Quay Street and to the quay just N of the Bristol Trader inn.

History

Late C18 former wool market later used as a warehouse, converted to offices c. 2000. There are arches each end and two on S side, possibly originally open. A plaque of 1777 referring to the building of the Quay by J. Argust may also date the building.

Exterior

Warehouse, rubble stone with slate close eaved roof. Long building of two storeys and loft, with six-bay sides. E end to the quay has modern bargeboards, a big round arched former entry now glazed, with stone voussoirs, a first floor loading door, now glazed, with concrete head under sill of loft loading door with timber lintel. One window to each side of first floor door, with brick heads and stone keystones. Windows are part-louvred over 4-pane casements. S side has six first floor casement pair windows with cemented brick heads, and ground floor with two broad arched former entries alternated with two inserted big square headed entries, cemented around and with modern glazing. The arch to left has recessed rubble stone blocking, the arch to right flush rubble blocking of some antiquity, with inset blocked door with stone voussoirs. To right of first floor windows is a stone plaque: 'This Quay was rebuilt at the expense of this Corpn in the MAYORALTY of Wm Moore Esq 1777', signed below '? Argust'. Gable end to Quay St has modern bargeboards, stone steps up to left to adjoining warehouse and to a first floor side door. Loft door in gable with brick head, first floor door with brick head, altered with one side in brick, with window each side with brick heads. Ground floor big arched entry with stone voussoirs. Modern glazing to openings. Rear N wall has four upper windows with brick heads.

Interior

Interior altered as offices.

Reason for designation

Included for its special historic interest as a large late C18 warehouse, former wool market.