National Westminster Bank

The National Westminster Bank, located at 51 Cheap Street, is a corner block building dating back to 1625. Originally a late medieval timber-framed structure, it underwent extensive restoration in 1965. The building features a three-storey gable end that oversails at the first-floor level, supported by stone corbels on the side walls. The upper two floors have modern timber framing exposed, with four-light casement windows on the first floor and a single-light window above. The ground floor has modern four-light bank windows. On the left side, there is one moulded post with a curved brace. The front facing Abbey Road is constructed of stone rubble and has a two-storey, three-window facade with a tiled roof. The first floor includes wood casements, while the ground floor features, from left to right, a two-light window, a modern segmental-headed doorway with a ledged and nail-studded door, and a four-light window. Internally, an original doorway remains on the south side, along with a fireplace and a two-light window at the south end of the Cheap Street front, both discovered during the 1965 restoration. This building was once the Tuck Shop for Sherborne School and was known as Noah's Ark. The building is part of a group that includes Nos 2 to 30 (even) and Nos 34 to 50 (even).