Talbot Hotel

ST 8032-8132 MERE THE SQUARE (west side)

6/77 Talbot Hotel

GV II

Inn. Probably C16 or C17 origins, but substantially modified in C19 and C20. Front block rendered on rubble, and applied timber framing, back limestone rubble; plain tile roofs. A complex layout, the earliest block, facing the clock tower (q.v.) being L-plan, with short wing to right end; to this in later C19 a further extension to left; between two back extensions a third projection, probably service accommodation originally, further extended with wing containing 5 prominent dormer windows: this last unit not of special interest. Front is 2 storeys, ground floor has 4 square C20 casements with some leading, first floor six 2-light early C19 casements. Part-glazed door between bays 1 and 2, and plank door centrally, probably to an original cross passage. Two brick gable stacks and one similar ridge stack off centre left. Upper storey is applied timber framing, as on return gable left, which has a 2-light casement over C20 part-glazed door. Right return has plain gable with niche and two low deep buttresses, then half-hipped wing in 2 storeys and attic with various lights: a small flat-roofed projection added with canopy taken over rear entrance door. Adjoining wing has two C19 2-light casements at first floor and a brick stack. Beyond left gable of front block a late C19 house, now incorporated, rendered, 2 storeys, 2 windows, 4-pane sashes, left over C20 door, and right in canted bay to hipped roof. The interior ground floor completely modified in C20; the main entrance door a good wide plank one. Building, although heavily modified, main- tains its overall form, and holds a vital townscape position.

Listing NGR: ST8122532364