Free Cottages

SX 9192 NE MOUNT DINHAM 871/2/10086 41 AND 42 23-JUN-00 Free Cottages

GV II

Pair of cottages. Part of a group of free cottages for the elderly, funded by William Gibbs. 1862. Red brick with painted stone dressings; slate roof; stacks with brick 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. This pair, at the entrance to the complex and visible down Dinham Road, has more architectural detail than the rest. The 2 units are entered on the returns. Exterior: 2 storeys. Openings are painted stone with quoined jambs. Asymmetrical front with gables to the front with deep eaves and pierced curly bargeboards, that on left to half dormer with one-light window above Tudor-arched doorway and that on right to broad projecting bay with 2-light window above parapetted canted bay window. Similar doorway to right. INTERIOR: Not inspected but may retain features of interest. Historical Note: The site was purchased by John Dinham to prevent its becoming a fairground. Gibbs, of Tyntesfield in Somerset, was a guano merchant and became a banker. He was born in Exeter and an effigy of him stands 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: SX9155292662