Numbers 49 And 49A And 51 And 51A And Attached Railings

Numbers 49 and 49A and 51 and 51A, with attached railings, are a pair of houses, now shops and offices, built around 1818 to 1830, with later alterations including mid-20th century shop fronts. The building is constructed of pinkish-brown brick with a painted stucco facade, a concealed roof, cast-iron railings and a balcony.

The building is four storeys high, with five first-floor windows arranged in a 1-3-1 pattern, the outer bays projecting from the first floor. The ground floor retains some horizontal rustication. From the first floor upwards, the facade features Tuscan pilasters, a frieze, and a cornice. The first floor has eight-pane French windows with divided overlights in plain reveals, the outer bays under recessed, cambered-arched surrounds. The second floor has a band, and the second and third floors feature two-over-two sash windows with sidelights in plain reveals, the second-floor windows being taller and with sills. A cornice tops the building, followed by a low parapet and copings.

A pair of central entrances share a Doric porch with three pairs of columns on plinths and single engaged pilasters to the sides, topped by a frieze. There are three steps leading to part-glazed, panelled doors. The remaining ground floor space is occupied by plate-glass shop fronts. A stack is located to the right. A continuous balcony runs across the first floor, featuring a balustrade with a circle-and-anthemion motif.

The interior was not inspected.

The gate and railings to the porch have bars and dog bars with lozenge and scroll finials.

Originally known as Lillington Lane, the area was renamed Union Row around 1809, becoming Union Parade by 1814. Building activity occurred in the lower section between 1810 and 1818, and in the upper, east side section between 1824 and 1840. Initially built as houses, hotels, and lodging-houses, by 1850 most had become shops and, by 1860, the area was known as the Parade.