17-20 Free Cottages

SX 99 SW 871/24/10080 23-JUN-00

MOUNT DINHAM (West side) 17-20 Free Cottages

GV II

Block of 4 cottages, part of a group of free cottages for the elderly, comprising 42 historic units. 1861-62, funded by William Gibbs. 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 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 for the outer units. Single-storey service blocks added to 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. Openings are painted stone with quoined jambs. 2 and 3-light transomed mullioned windows with hoodmoulds and C20 glazing. Central gabled porch with stone Tudor arched doorway; paired plank doors; gabled porches to 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 group of philanthropic buildings, designed together.

Listing NGR: SX9147392632