8, 10 AND 12, FRIAR STREET

The buildings at 8, 10, and 12 Friar Street consist of two houses, subsequently divided into three shops. Number 12 likely dates to around 1750-1760, with later alterations, while numbers 8 and 10 were probably rebuilt in the 1850s. The construction uses reddish-brown brick in a Flemish bond pattern, with a colourwashed finish on the right side. Red brick dressings are present, and the roof is covered with plain tiles. A brick party wall stack topped with pots is visible, along with a ridge stack featuring oversailing courses. The building has three storeys, with a window arrangement of 2:1:1 on the first floor. The first floor features 6/6 sash windows; two on the left are in flush frames with elliptical arches, while those on the right are in plain reveals with sills and flat arches constructed from gauged brick. The second floor has two flush casements on the left and two 3/3 sash windows in plain reveals, complete with sills and flat arches at the right. A continuous modillion eaves band runs along the top of the building. On the ground floor, a plank door is on the left. The remaining shop fronts feature end pilasters with acanthus corbel brackets, a fascia, and a cornice with end stops. A panelled plinth sits beneath the tripartite window, which incorporates chamfered mullions canted into the entrance. A part-glazed door is positioned to the right. Further shop fronts follow a similar design with six-pane shop windows and entrances. Part-glazed doors have two lower panels: those on the left are flush-faced, while those on the right are raised and fielded, topped with a frieze and fluted cornice resting on paired scroll brackets. The interior retains original features, including an axial beam on the left. Historically, numbers 8 and 10 were originally one house, known as 'The Big House'. Number 8 has been occupied by the Collins family as a grocery and sweet shop since around 1900. Friar Street began as a rear access lane, later becoming the site of the Franciscan Friary in 1235. The street’s development progressed from the mid-14th century, with later plots appearing in the early 15th century. Many of the existing buildings arose following the Reformation and the suppression of the Friary in 1539, when its property was sold and much was repurposed for building materials. Construction continued from around 1540, with modifications in the 17th century and replacements of older buildings during the 18th century. The street historically housed tradesmen, including weavers, clothiers, brewers, and innkeepers.