Survey Data
Reg No
50930090
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic
Original Use
House
In Use As
Office
Date
1795 - 1800
Coordinates
316496, 233155
Date Recorded
10/09/2015
Date Updated
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Description
Terraced three-bay four-storey over basement former townhouse, built 1797. Now in use as offices. M-profile slate roof set behind brick parapet wall with granite coping, cast-iron hopper and downpipe breaking through to west. Part rendered buff brick chimneystacks with lipped clay pots to west party wall. Red brick walls laid in Flemish bond with cement pointing and steel wall-ties to parapet. Painted masonry plinth course over ruled-and-lined rendered basement wall. Gauged brick square-headed window openings with patent reveals, granite sills and replacement one-over-one timber sash windows throughout with horns, decorative iron window shades to the ground floor. Gauged brick round-headed door opening with masonry Ionic doorcase comprising square-headed door opening flanked by engaged Ionic columns, infilled sidelights and Ionic pilasters, all supporting stepped and fluted lintel cornice with plain glazed fanlight. Original timber panelled door with eleven raised-and-fielded panels and brass door furniture opens onto shared granite platform with cast-iron boot scraper and granite steps to street. Platform and basement enclosed by original wrought- and cast-iron railings set on granite plinth wall. Concrete steps provide access to basement. Forming part of a continuous terrace of former townhouses lining north side of Fitzwilliam Square. Two-stage return abuts to rear elevation. Recent mews building and wall lining north plot, to Pembroke Lane.
Appraisal
Forming part of a cohesive terrace comprising Nos. 56-9 (50930091-88), which are characterised by the narrow three-bay frontages, this terrace was the first to be constructed on the square. It retains its traditional form and proportions, mellow brick which contrasts with the granite dressings, well executed ironwork, and a handsome Ionic doorcase. It contributes to the historic character of the square and the wider south Georgian core. According to Casey (2005), the interior retains joinery and friezes similar to later houses on Merrion Square. Laid out in 1791 by the surveyors J & P Roe, Fitzwilliam Square was the last of the city’s Georgian squares to be completed. Development was staggered and progressed slowly until after the Napoleonic Wars.