Custom House And Rear Courtyard Walls

The Custom House in Falmouth, built in 1814, is a significant example of Greek Revival architecture. It features a rectangular plan with a stucco exterior on rubble and a dry slate roof. The front is single-storey and showcases a hexastyle Doric portico with a plain frieze that includes the central Royal Arms and a triangular pediment above the parapet cornice. The original round-arched doorway, centrally located within the portico, is complemented by a spoked fanlight. To the left of the doorway is a 12-pane hornless sash window with a pair of panelled shutters, and iron railings stand behind the columns. To the right of the portico is a granite niche dedicated to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, followed by a 20th-century 12-pane horned sash window. The rear of the building is single-storey over a basement and features a 7-window range with original 12-pane sashes, except for a 20th-century copy on the left. A mid-floor string runs along the façade, while the basement has segmental-arched openings with original 20-pane sashes and shutters, except for one opening on the right that has a ledged door and a 9-pane fixed light. There is a small rubble-walled courtyard on the left. The interior is not accessible but is likely to be of interest. Historically, Falmouth has had a custom house since 1650, and this purpose-built structure was erected in 1814 to accommodate increasing trade, following the relocation of the Custom House to No.2 Bank Place in the late 18th century. The architectural style of this building is similar to other custom houses, such as the one designed by Foulston at Devonport.