Higher Underbank House

SD 92 NE SD 970266 7/39

BLACKSHAW C.P. PENNINE WAY Charlestown Higher Underbank House

G.V. II

House, c.1770. Hammer dressed stone, ashlar dressings, stone slate roof. 2 storeys and attic. Double depth. Projecting rusticated quoins, plinth, band and eaves cornice forms stone gutter. Window surrounds and doorcase project slightly from the face of the wall. 3-bay symmetrical facade. Doorway has shouldered architrave, pulvinated frieze and triangular pediment with 6-panelled door. Over is single sashed light. To either side 5-light double chamfered mullioned windows to each floor. Some lights retain small leaded panes. Left hand return wall has 4-light chamfered mullioned window to each floor and simple Venetian window with impost and false expressed keystone. Rear has cross window lighting staircase and 1st floor taking-in door with tie-stone jambs the lintel bearing unusual inscription in relief, possibly a vernacular version of the Greek for "Jesus Christ". Right hand return wall has doorway with monolithic jambs with chamfered mullioned windows to either side formerly of 2 lights and 3 lights with one of 5 lights over to lst floor. Venetian window to attic. Coped gable with kneelers and stacks. Interior not inspected. An interesting mixture of 'polite' and vernacular features. Although not dated it is of very similar design to Horsfall House, Horsfall Street, Todmorden (q.v.) which bears the date 1777.

Listing NGR: SD9699726610