5-8 Free Cottages

SX 99 SW 871/24/10077 23-JUN-00

MOUNT DINHAM (East side) 5-8 Free Cottages

GV II

Block of 4 cottages, part of a group of free cottages providing 42 units for the elderly and funded by William Gibbs. 1861 (datestone) with later alterations. Red brick with painted stone dressings; slate roofs; stacks with rendered chimney shafts; cast iron rainwater goods. Tudor style. Plan: Part of a complex built on the bluff overlooking the river Exe and grouped with a school and church, also funded by Gibbs. Like the other blocks on the site, this consists of 4 units with paired front doors in the centre and entrances on the returns of the block for the outer units. Single-storey service blocks have been added at the rear. Exterior: 2 storeys and single storey. Symmetrical 4-bay front, the 2-storey outer bays gabled to the front and broken forward. Deep eaves and verges on brackets. Original openings are painted stone with quoined jambs. 2 and 3-light transomed mullioned windows with hoodmoulds & C20 glazing. Central gabled porch with stone Tudor arched doorway; plank front doors; similar 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 used as 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 complex of philanthropic buildings, designed together.

Listing NGR: SX9145692689