15 And 17, Castle Hill

LANCASTER

SD4761NW CASTLE HILL 1685-1/6/36 (East side) 22/12/53 Nos.15 AND 17

GV II

Pair of cottages, now a folk museum and a house. 1739, converted c1820 into 2 cottages, and restored c1977. Roughly coursed sandstone rubble with quoins, stone slate roof, and a gable chimney stack on the left. Shallow double-depth plan. 2 low storeys and 3 bays, previously symmetrical around 3 doorways, of which the central one led to the back yard; the right-hand doorway was recently altered as a window, while the remaining coupled pair have chamfered surrounds and deep lintels, inscribed 'RTA' and '1739' above the central jamb, (formerly a semicircular plaque with the same initials over the date above the original central doorway). To left the first bay has a square chamfered surround with a C19 sixteen-pane sashed window, similar to that in the former right-hand doorway. To right a large square 20-pane sashed window within a plain surround, which has the marks of former shutter-lugs in the jambs. The first floor has 3 low rectangular windows, all now with C19 eight-pane sashes but with evidence of original chamfered flush mullions in the centre. To the rear, just outside the present yard wall, is a restored well protected by a circular wall. INTERIOR: in the museum is a fireplace with shouldered jambs and a small cupboard in the staircase with a fielded panelled door and H-hinges.

Listing NGR: SD4745461806