Library

SHREWSBURY

SJ4912NW CASTLE GATES 653-1/11/153 (West side) 10/01/53 Library (Formerly Listed as: CASTLE GATES (West side) Museum and Library)

GV I

Library, formerly Shrewsbury Grammar School. 2 phases, one dated 1595, the other dated 1630. Coursed and squared rubble, with roof not visible behind parapet. PLAN: main entrance range, with tower at angle, and gabled cross range beyond to right. EXTERIOR: entrance block of 1630, 3 storeys, 5-window range with central shallow segmental archway with fluted Corinthian columns on high bases. 2 male figures stand on the columns, with inscriptions in Greek beneath and between them, and the date. Four 2-light chamfered mullioned windows each side to ground floor, 4-light mullioned and transomed windows over, and on top storey, 2- and 3-light mullioned windows, one cut by carved Royal Arms with lion and unicorn. String courses are Greek motifs, each different. Parapet which sweeps up into fleur-de-lys finials. Decorated window in gable end, lighting principal room within. Massive sundials etched onto stonework on each facade. Tower to the right, 6 unequal stages, with blocked door to ground floor, then mullioned windows of 2 and 3 lights, one to each stage, lighting stair within. Clock in upper stage. Embattled parapet with pinnacles. Earlier gabled range to left dated 1595. Principal room at first-floor level, with wide Decorated-style window. Smaller mullioned and transomed window to lower storey, and date stone with inscription recording David Lloyd and Thomas Lewis. Chamfered segmentally-arched doorway and narrow window in the lowest stage. INTERIOR: cambered trusses. In the earlier block, the main hall has been extensively modified, and the ceiling, with moulded tie beams and traceried decoration, is a C19 alteration.

Listing NGR: SJ4937012803