The Athenaeum

The Athenaeum, built in 1856 by local architect W.J. Stent, is a 2 and a half storey building designed in the Jacobean style. It is constructed of ashlar stone and features a slate roof. The front elevation has three gables, including a central shaped and pointed gable adorned with scrollwork and topped with a pinnacle, flanked by two shaped gables, all three gables featuring keyed occuli. The building has a three-bay front with a slight break in the outer bays, which have cornices. The central bay includes a two-storey angled bay with a pierced balcony above the cornice. On the first floor, there are mullion and transom windows, with two lights in the outer bays and five in the central bay. The ground floor features Ionic doorpieces in the outer bays, with scrollwork above panelled friezes and cornices. The round-headed doorways, approached by steps, have head keys and glazed overlights, with Ionic pilasters resting on panelled bases. The central bay has been altered to serve as the main entrance, which includes a projecting canopy. There is an angled return to the Close with three bays and a further six-bay continuation after an angle, dating from around 1900.