Lee Public Library

Lee Public Library, built between 1771 and 1772, was probably designed by Richard Jupp. It is a two-storey building with a basement, originally having five windows, with a slightly projecting central three-bay section topped by a half-storey. The exterior is constructed from yellow stock brick, topped by a stone entablature featuring a fluted architrave and garlands in the frieze, with a blocking course above. An attic storey has four flat pilasters supporting a cornice. The roof is low pitched and slate-covered. A ground-floor cill string runs along the building, while the basement is rusticated stone. A two-storey and basement right wing has been partly rebuilt, and the left wing is largely blank, with the exception of a round window on the first floor and a small door. Gauged flat brick arches frame sash windows with glazing bars, set within stucco lined reveals. A set of seven stone steps, with side walls and wrought iron inner railings, lead to a tetrastyle porch featuring capitals with leafy decoration, garlands in the frieze, and a pediment above. A later inscription reads "MANOR HOUSE" in the tympanum, which is now glazed. A cast iron gallery is located on the flat roof of the centre section. The south-facing garden front is similar in style and proportions, with the three central windows forming a large round bow. Moulded stone architraves and cornices frame the windows. A long, dog-leg staircase leading to the entrance is set back under a round arch, with a three-light sash window above, beneath a plaster fanlight. A round arched niche is positioned under the round window on the right. Inside, a hall screen is composed of columns with leafy capitals. The reading room, with its large south-facing bow, has ceiling and cornice detailing in shallow, Adam-style plasterwork. Similar plasterwork and a screen of Ionic columns define an ante-room to the east. There are enriched window architraves, reveals, and shutters. A similar south-facing room exists on the west side. The first-floor landing features an arched screen with Ionic columns, leading to a groin vaulted passage behind, decorated with Adam style plasterwork on the walls. A central niche is present, along with a niche at the stair head. Enriched cornices adorn the principal upstairs rooms. The house was once owned by Julius Angerstein, who married the widow of the first owner, Thomas Lucas, and in 1796 he sold it to Francis Baring, the founder of Baring's Bank. The building is part of a group with Lee Public Library Walls and Gate Piers and Pentland House and Walls.