9-12 Free Cottages

SX 99 SW 871/24/10078 23-JUN-00

MOUNT DINHAM (East side) 9-12 Free Cottages

GV II

Block of 4 cottages part of a group of free cottages containing 42 units for the elderly, funded in 1861-62 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 & grouped with a school and church, also funded by Gibbs. This block fronts onto a central vista down to the Exe. Like the others it 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 the rear. Exterior: single storey and 2 storeys. 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 and C20 glazing. Central gabled porch with stone Tudor arched doorway; 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 became a 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: SX9146992676