18 And 20, Northgate Street

18 and 20 Northgate Street

This is a single building divided into two houses, comprising two storeys with an attic. It dates substantially from the late 17th century, with high quality alterations to the main elevation carried out in the 18th century.

The building is constructed of stuccoed brick with a roof of plain clay tile and brick stacks. The plan is single depth with a projecting gabled wing to the rear.

The 18th century main elevation is set on a slightly projecting plinth with a string band, moulded cornice at the eaves, and rusticated quoins of stucco to either side. The seven-bay main elevation features a three-bay central section with rusticated quoins that breaks forward slightly and is surmounted by a triangular pediment. Within the pediment sits a central elliptical window with moulded architrave, retaining its original leaded lights. The central first floor window has a moulded architrave with scrolled eared head. At ground floor level, the central semi-circular-headed window has a pedimented surround with slender pilasters and paterae, set inside a semi-circular-headed reveal. To either side are identical doorcases of high quality, featuring geometric fanlights, six-fielded-panelled doors, moulded architraves, a fluted frieze and dentilled cornice. Windows throughout are six-over-six sashes.

The centre of Warwick was radically altered by a fire on 5 September 1694. Beginning in the area west of Northgate Street, it spread when householders moved smouldering furniture to St Mary's Church at the south end of Northgate Street. The church itself caught fire, and flames rapidly spread along Northgate Street, destroying all houses on the east side and damaging those on the west. Some rear walls on the east side appear to have survived. The houses were rebuilt immediately following the fire, before the end of the 17th century, with further alterations in the 18th century, including much of the detailing to the main elevations. Originally substantial private dwellings, by 1896 trade directories show several in commercial or professional use and some as lodgings, though some remained private family dwellings. Number 16 was an office for Warwickshire County Council by this date. In the early 21st century, the houses were in use as offices for departments of the district council, together with later 20th century offices built to the rear.

The building has group value with other listed buildings along both east and west sides of Northgate Street.