Shops Nos 1 To 8 (Consec)

Shops 1 to 8 form a continuous row of shops built around 1774, on Pulteney Bridge in Bath, designed by Robert Adam for William Johnstone Pulteney. The present appearance largely dates from a 1975 restoration, as indicated by a plaque. The shops are constructed from limestone ashlar with Welsh slate roofs.

The street-facing elevation is on the north side of the bridge and has been significantly altered from its original form. The building is in the Palladian style, with two storeys and attics within pavilion towers, culminating in a central pediment. The ground floor features continuous timber shopfronts; the windows are mainly three-light sashes with slim mullions and arched heads, mostly dating to the 1975 restoration. The shopfront at number 3 retains a surround dating circa 1875 by C Wibley, while number 8 has a surround from 1891 by Browne and Gill. Above the shops are a pattern of one, five, one, four, and one windows, all six-over-six sashes. The end bays and the central bay project slightly and are topped with pediments. The central feature includes a window within an arched recess, flanked by blind roundels, with the arch rising to break the pediment. A cornice and parapet run along the top, with a continuous roof incorporating one ashlar stack with pots.

The return elevation at the east end has a six-over-six sash window above a three-light shop window. The return elevation at the west end is bowed and features a three-over-six sash window, with a shop window extended to the left below. Adam’s original designs are preserved in the Soane Museum. A drawing by Thomas Malton from 1788 illustrates considerable differences from the present appearance, including alterations to the end pavilions, the loss of domes, and Doric porticos.

The interiors of the shops lack noteworthy features; however, they include cantilevered rear extensions. The site is also designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.