Finings House and Drying House at Isinglass Factory

This is a former drying house and workshop, later used as a finings house within an isinglass factory. The building comprises three distinct sections, with the northern part likely dating from the late 18th or early 19th century, and the southern section from the early to mid-19th century. A single-storey section is located to the north, probably dating from the early 19th century. The northern section has a red brick base and timber framing above, clad in weatherboarding, with a pantiled roof. It extends over three storeys. The west elevation has a central ground-floor access opening with a small inserted window to its north. Loading doors are situated at first-floor level at the north end, and a smaller loading door at the south end. A blocked opening is present in the east elevation, which originally featured adjustable louvres. The interior contains four structural bays and steep wooden steps. The second floor has been removed. Structural details include timber bolted knees to posts and beams. The building’s original use was as a drying house for hides and skins associated with a tannery, with later use involving three large wooden vats for preparing liquid finings (isinglass in solution).