| Abstract: |
The photographic recording of the building (see Appendix 1) was undertaken during renovation works from October 2021 – July 2022, using digital photography. The prime focus of the recording was to document the historic fabric of the building, repairs and alterations made during the works. To accompany the record, a written description detailing the historic fabric of the building was conducted by Peter Ryder. All elevations were photographed as far as possible face-on and from a consistent height and perspective. Where possible, all record photographs included a scaled ranging pole. Where it was not possible to capture an entire elevation in a single photograph because of the constricted nature of the site, a series of partial elevations were recorded along with an oblique overall view of the full elevation. In addition, an attempt was made to research the history of the buildings through locally available historic maps and records which could shed light on the history of the building. A programme of historic building recording has been carried out at ‘The Rabbit’, a public house encompassing Nos. 1-3 High Street West, Bishopwearmouth, Sunderland, during a programme of renovation and refurbishment to the historic property. A photographic record of the building was undertaken during the renovation works from October 2021 – July 2022, using digital photography. The prime focus of this recording was to document the historic fabric of the building, repairs and alterations made during the works. To accompany the record, a written description detailing the historic fabric of the building was conducted. Additionally, an attempt was made to research the history of the buildings through locally available historic maps and records which could shed light on the history of the building. The building comprises three former terrace houses, at the west end of High Street and on its north side, with their western return fronting onto Paley Street. The terrace steps gently downhill to the west, with the slope of the ground; the central and eastern houses are at the same level, the western at a slightly lower level. Although the ground floor has been significantly altered in the 20th century, the building is a good example of an early-19th century terrace, appearing on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey Town Plan of Sunderland c.1858 as two terraced houses, with a later third house extending westwards from the block, visible on the 2nd edition OS map c.1897. Along with properties 4-7 on High Street West, including the Empire Theatre, the building appears in the national British listed buildings marked Grade 2 and has been within the designated Bishopwearmouth Conservation Area since July 1990. Listed on 10th November 1978, it has been given List Entry Number: 1293137. Much of the current renovation work has concentrated on the historic façade of the building, which has original 19th century four-pane sash windows along its first floor. Repair work was needed, especially on the architrave surrounds of the windows, some of which were crumbling and with broken pediments. Overall, the renovation work was successful and remained sympathetic to the historic fabric of the building. The before and after shots of this work are detailed in the photographic record. |
