| Title: |
The Former Band Hall, Barn Street, Liskeard, Cornwall - Heritage Assessment (Revised) |
| Series: |
South West Archaeology Ltd. unpublished report series
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| Downloads: |
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southwes1-509659_193391.pdf (2 MB)
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Download
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| Licence Type: |
ADS Terms of Use and Access
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| DOI |
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| Publication Type: |
Report (in Series)
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| Abstract: |
This report presents the results of a heritage assessment that was carried out by South West Archaeology Ltd. (SWARCH) for a residential development at The Former Band Hall, Barn Street, Liskeard, Cornwall. The Former Band Hall presents clear structural evidence of having been constructed in two phases and due to the strongly Gothic character of the front half of the building (of more typical late 19th century style) it may be more likely that the Henry Rice (1808-1876) designed portion of the building is the rear two-thirds of the structure whereby its once decorative façade was removed when the building was extended and possibly developed by one of Rice’s co-workers utilising elements of Rice's detailing. The Cornwall HER records a date for construction in 1876, however contemporary 19th century records indicate that the chapel that was constructed in 1876 could have been a nearby Bible Christian Chapel and not the Baptist Chapel that was built in two phases in 1858 and in 1881. This seems to be a more cohesive explanation for the visible structural phasing of the building. The building obviously makes a positive contribution to the Conservation Area despite some of the aesthetic damage that has been caused by layers of historic paintwork. It is also of communal value and of obvious architectural interest, with the building successfully conveying the town's nonconformist and 19th century narratives of expansion. The building has a landmark status within the Barn Street streetscape and it forms something of a group with the converted chapel opposite and the Wesleyan chapel just a few hundred meters to the north. In contrast, the shop has no value to the Conservation Area and a more appropriately designed building is likely to improve the appearance of the streetscape and the Conservation Area. The rear portion of the building, although possibly more interesting from a historical-associational point of view, is failing structurally and it is felt that there is considerable flexibility in the rear of the building for a programme of full historic building recording followed by total removal and reconstruction to ensure the overall survival of the structure. It is felt that if left unconverted then the building will likely collapse and such a loss of an undesignated heritage asset should be avoided if at all possible. Since the retained frontage would screen views from the Conservation Area an innovative design can be encouraged to maximize the use of the space that is available. The overall public benefit of providing quality and affordable in-town accommodation, of providing jobs during construction, and of retaining an important historic façade would seem to be overwhelming. It is felt that retaining the façade is the key to facilitating the rest of the work. The loss of the façade is otherwise seen as harmful to the Conservation Area and to the narrative of Liskeard. |
| Author: |
E Wapshott
Bryn W Morris
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| Publisher: |
South West Archaeology Ltd.
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| Year of Publication: |
2022
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| Locations: |
| Parish: |
Liskeard |
| District: |
Cornwall |
| County: |
Cornwall |
| Country: |
England |
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Grid Reference: 225059, 64279 (Easting, Northing)
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| Identifiers: |
| OASIS Id: |
southwes1-509659 |
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| Source: |
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| Created Date: |
04 Jul 2023 |
