Midland Bank

FORE STREET 1. 5411 (North East Side) No 46, Midland Bank (Formerly listed as premises occupied by Midland Bank and Sun Insurance) ST 8558 5/26 ST 8557 7/26 29,12.50. GV

1. Built between 1727 and 1741, an extremely imposing palazzo fronting to south west. 3 storeys and basement. A tall square block of ashlar stone on moulded plinth, with angle rusticated piers full height, moulded cornice strings over ground and 1st floor windows. Bold moulded cornice and square section balustrade with panelled dies, moulded base and moulded coping. 7 windows to upper floors in stone architrave surrounds with moulded cillsand projecting aprons on moulded bases. 6 windows on ground floor of similar type, except for the 4th and 6th to right hand, now 2 doorways. The 5th window has been slightly widened and now restored. 8-panel central door with rectangular fanlight diagonal pattern in stone recess with stone doorcase of Doric engaged columns and entablature with triglyph frieze and modillioned cornice. The central let floor window has surround of engaged Corinthian columns and entablature with curved frieze and segmental pediment. The right hand return front has 5 similar windows to upper moors and 4 on ground floor. Central 6-panel door with 3 lane rectangular fanlight in rusticated surround with Doric doorcase of stone pilasters and entablature now blocked. The central 1st floor window has surround of fluted Corinthian pilasters and entablature with pediment. Interesting rear part with a flight of 3 narrow round-headed stair windows in centre (outer ones now blocked). All windows have raised flat surrounds with beaded inner edges. 1 blocked doorcase with bolection surround. Lead rainwater pipe with conical hopper to right. Interior retains fine oak ramped staircase and magnificent hallway arch. Panelled doors on 1st floor; fine shell niche cupboard with shaped shelves also on 1st floor landing.. Fine carved bank counter inserted on ground floor.

Nos 37 to 44 (consec), No 38A and Nos 46 to 48 (consec) form a group with No 13 Church Walk. No 43 is of local interest.

Listing NGR: ST8564857997