Midland Bank

The Midland Bank, built between 1727 and 1741, is an imposing palazzo-style building fronting southwest. It is three storeys high with a basement. The building is constructed of ashlar stone, set upon a moulded plinth, with full-height angle rusticated piers. Moulded cornice strings are positioned above the ground and first floor windows. A bold moulded cornice is followed by a square section balustrade with panelled dies, a moulded base, and a moulded coping. There are seven windows to the upper floors, each within a stone architrave surround with moulded cills and projecting aprons on moulded bases. The ground floor has six windows of a similar type, except for the fourth and sixth from the right, which have been altered to create two doorways. The fifth window has been slightly widened and has been restored. A central eight-panel door is accompanied by a rectangular fanlight, set within a stone surround featuring Doric engaged columns, an entablature with a triglyph frieze, and a modillioned cornice. The central first-floor window is distinguished by a surround of engaged Corinthian columns, an entablature with a curved frieze, and a segmental pediment. The right-hand return front features five similar windows to the upper floors and four to the ground floor. A central six-panel door with a three-pane rectangular fanlight is set within a rusticated surround, incorporating a Doric doorcase of stone pilasters and an entablature, now blocked. The central first-floor window is framed by fluted Corinthian pilasters and an entablature with a pediment. The rear elevation is notable for a central flight of three narrow, round-headed stair windows, two of which are now blocked. All windows have raised, flat surrounds with beaded inner edges. A blocked doorcase features a bolection surround. A lead rainwater pipe is present, accompanied by a conical hopper to the right. The interior retains a fine oak ramped staircase and a magnificent hallway arch. First-floor panelled doors lead to a fine shell-niche cupboard with shaped shelves on the landing. A carved bank counter has been inserted on the ground floor. The building forms a group with Nos 37 to 44 (consecutive), No 38A, and Nos 46 to 48 (consecutive), together with No 13 Church Walk. Building No 43 is of local interest.