Former City Lending Library

The Former City Lending Library, built in 1831, was originally designed as a meeting hall for Liberals by architect William Flint. It features a plain classical facade made of stucco, which is divided into three sections by pairs of giant Doric pilasters. The building has a parapet, a wide frieze, and a moulded cornice. The central entrance consists of a double door set in a projecting rectangular case, which has a plain frieze, a dentil cornice, and an acroterion ornament at the top. Flanking the entrance are two windows with shouldered moulded architraves and small cornices, each topped with a moulded rectangular stucco panel that includes reliefs by William Pitts. The property also has simple cast-iron area railings.

Adjoining the library, Nos 50 and 52 were built in the mid-19th century and feature a curved front with stucco, a modillion cornice, and a parapet. This two-storey building has four windows with sashes that include glazing bars and segmental pediments on console brackets. Between the central windows is a shelf supported by decorated console brackets, with a stucco torch above it, and cartouches flanking the central windows. The ground floor has large display windows with a fascia and cornice.

Hansom Hall and the Former City Lending Library, along with Nos 50 and 52, form a cohesive group.