Offices of the Denbighshire Free Press

Cadw's description

Location

Within the colonnaded row.

History

The colonnaded island row to which this building belongs is shown in John Speed's 1610 map of Denbigh. Originally timber-framed, the row retains its original covered lower stage, although the columns are mostly replacements of the C18 and C19. This feature is known locally as the Piazza, or 'Y Bylciau.' A watercolour by Sir Richard Colt Hoare of 1815 shows the colonnade returning as a single-storey pentise in to Crown Square, though this arrangement was swept away shortly afterwards. This building probably gained its present appearance in the second-quarter C19, when the upper section appears to have been rebuilt in brick.

Exterior

Three-and-a-half storey gabled building of 2 bays. Of brick construction with timber-framed origins under a slate roof; stone quoins and projecting keystones, all now painted and with ashlared stucco over the brick. The ground floor has modern shop windows; the upper floors are jettied-out over the pavement and are carried on 3 Tuscan stone columns. Two recessed Victorian 4-pane sash windows to each of the first and second floors, with a smaller, similar sash to the attic floor above.

Interior

The interior was not inspected at the time of survey.

Reason for designation

Included for its special interest as one of a colonnaded row of buildings retaining good external character and forming a significant element in the sub-medieval morphology and aspirations of the town.

Group value with other listed items in High Street.