Survey Data
Reg No
40000108
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Historical, Social
Previous Name
Provincial Bank
Original Use
Bank/financial institution
In Use As
Office
Date
1860 - 1865
Coordinates
241926, 305126
Date Recorded
06/06/2012
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached three-bay three-storey over basement neo classical style former bank, built 1862-3, with single-storey entrance bay to north, dormer attic and return to rear. Now in office use. Pitched slate roof with moulded cornice and pulvinated frieze, rendered chimneystack to gable, two dormer windows to the rear pitch, and some sections of cast-iron rainwater goods. Smooth rendered walls with raised block-and-start quoins and shouldered window surrounds and pedestals to second storey, cornice hoods with consoles and keystones to first floor windows. Rendered fascia with dentilated cornice extending across single-storey entrance with traces of former lettering reading “Provincial Bank of Ireland”. Channel-jointed rusticated render to ground floor with shouldered architraves to entrance door. Smooth render and raised block-and-start quoins to the rear elevation and return. Replacement uPVC windows to front, six-over-six timber sash windows to return. Bolection panelled timber main entrance door with single-pane overlight opening onto curved flight of limestone steps with cast-iron railings having fleur-de-lys finials on moulded cut-stone plinth enclosing basement area. Cut jostle stone protecting corner railings.
Appraisal
An elegantly-composed substantial former bank, prestigiously sited on Farnham Street which forms an ensemble of important civic and ecclesiastical buildings. The building was designed by William Hague (1836-1899) architect of many buildings in Cavan town. Its classically inspired design is typical of many banks built in the period and was intended to lend gravitas and inspire confidence in banking customers. The classically-derived rendered dressings have been left unpainted to resemble ashlar stone. This finely wrought railings enrich and enliven the overall appearance of the building and streetscape.