21-24 Free Cottages

SX 99 SW 871/24/10081 23-JUN-00

MOUNT DINHAM 21-24 Free Cottages

GV II

Block of 4 cottages, part of a group of free cottages comprising 42 historic units, built for the elderly and funded by William Gibbs. 1862 (datestone) with later alterations. Red brick with painted stone dressings; slate roofs; stacks with rendered shafts; cast iron rainwater goods. Tudor style. Plan: Part of a complex built on a bluff overlooking the river Exe & grouped with a church and school, also funded by Gibbs. This block fronts a vista down to the Exe. Like the other blocks on the site this consists of 4 units with paired front doors in the centre and entrances on the returns for the outer units. Single storey service blocks have been added to the rear. Exterior: Single storey and 2 storeys. Symmetrical 4-bay front, the 2-storey outer bays gabled to the front. Deep eaves and verges on brackets. Painted stone openings with quoined jambs. 2 & 3-light transomed mullioned windows with hoodmoulds & C20 glazing. Central gabled porch with stone Tudor arched doorway; plank doors; matching gabled porches to the returns. INTERIOR: Not inspected but may retain features of interest. Historical Note: Mount Dinham was purchased by John Dinham to prevent its being turned into a fairground site. Gibbs, of Tyntesfield in Somerset, was a guano merchant and banker. He was born in Exeter and an effigy of him survives in St Michael's Church (qv) next to the free cottages. This is part of an important Victorian group of philanthropic buildings, designed together.

Listing NGR: SX9149392652