Survey Data
Reg No
50930200
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic
Original Use
House
In Use As
Office
Date
1835 - 1845
Coordinates
316448, 232868
Date Recorded
25/07/2015
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Mid-terrace two-bay four-storey former townhouse over basement, built c. 1840, as one of a pair with No. 36 (50930201). Two stage return to rear. Now in use as offices. M-profile slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, hipped to south, concealed by ashlar granite parapet with moulded cornice and coping, pair of brick chimneys to north party wall with clay pots, parapet gutters and cast-iron rainwater goods to rear. Red brick walls in Flemish bond, rusticated granite walling to ground floor level over coursed ashlar limestone basement with granite stringcourse. Square-headed window openings with brick voussoirs, patent reveals, projecting granite sills, replacement timber sashes with horns one-over-one to ground and first floor, six-over-six to second floor and three-over-six to third floor. Decorative cast-iron balconettes resting on granite platband at first floor level, iron guard rails to upper floors. Block-and-start granite surround to basement window, with replacement six-over-six timber sash, with metal shutters to interior. Four-light oriel window to ground floor rear (west), having one-over-one timber casement windows, over uPVC window to basement level (remaining rear elevation not visible). Round-headed opening to principal (east) elevation with pole-moulded rendered reveals, projecting Ionic columned entablature, replacement plain glass fanlight and timber twin-panelled beaded muntin door with brass furniture. Granite entrance platform accessed via three granite steps. Original cast-iron railings to basement well affixed to granite plinth, concrete steps to basement level. Coal-hole cover to pavement. Two-stage cement rendered boundary wall to west lining Lesson Close, with segmental-headed vehicular and pedestrian gates, having steel gates and recent timber door (respectively). Converted two-storey mews building with square-headed carriage-arch to south bay, cement rendered walls and recent multi-paned timber windows. Street-fronted on western side of Fitzwilliam Place, forming part of larger terrace comprising similar former townhouses.
Appraisal
This Georgian-style former townhouse is one of a terrace of three. It is shown on the 1843-7 OS map - the similar adjoining terrace, to the south, is not. With restrained detailing, vertical massing and well-balanced proportions this unified terrace forms an integral part of Fitzwilliam Place and contributes much to defining the character of the wider streetscape. The restrained façade is enlivened by decorative cast-iron balconettes, which add visual interest, while the boundary cast-iron railings and granite step enhance the street setting. The overall character of the terrace has been largely retained, Although the streetscape is largely cohesive in appearance, slight variations between the groups of terraces on Fitzwilliam Place is illustrative of the incremental nature of speculative development.