Registry Office

This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 14 June 2021 to update the name and address and to reformat the text to current standards

SE 1633 SW 36/138

MANOR ROW (east side) BD1 No 22 (Registry Office)

(Formerly listed as No 22 (Register Office))

14.6.63

II

Built as Poor Law Offices in 1877, Andrews and Pepper architects. The building presents a well proportioned three bay palazzo front to Manor Row but extends well back on a deep site with more heavily detailed elevations to the long side ranges. Three storeys, sandstone ashlar. Rusticated plinth, horizontal grooved rustication to ground and to quoin pilasters up to second floor where they are simply panelled. Deeply moulded cornices over ground and first floors. Sill course at first floor level gives the effect of an apshalt parapet. Deep modillion bracket eaves cornice broken forward over quoin pilasters. Hipped slate roof with enriched Italianate chimney stacks set above eaves to sides. Plain segmental arched windows on ground floor, architrave surrounds on first floor with panelled aprons and prominent cornice - hoods on console brackets, floral swags to friezes. The central window is emphasised by a richly modelled aedicule surround with segmental pediment overall breaking the first floor cornice. The second floor windows have eared architrave surrounds. The central portal has pedestaled Cornithian columns backed by pilasters, deeply moulded entablature. The broad spacing of the fenestration gives full value to the quality of the wall surface. The return elevations are more crowded though with similar details, the bays divided 4:2:2 by pilasters repeating the design of those flanking the front. Large canted bay to first floor taking up two bays off centre. The front elevation closes vista of Upper Piccadilly.

Listing NGR: SE1628133452