83 and 85, Southgate Street

Nos. 83 and 85 Southgate Street is a public house that originated as a shop and dwelling. The building dates back to the 15th century, with alterations made in the 16th century and a rear wing added, along with further extensions in the 18th and 19th centuries. It features a timber frame with a brick exterior and a tiled roof. Originally, it was a single-storey, three-bay structure aligned with the street and had an open timber roof. In the early to mid-17th century, the building was heightened, and an upper floor was added. A two-storey wing from the 16th or early 17th century was constructed at the rear on the left side.

The exterior is two storeys high, with a brick front that includes a late 19th-century shop front, which was altered in the 20th century. The shop front has a doorway on the left, framed by pilasters with consoles supporting a fascia cornice. To the right, there is an entrance doorway leading to a side passage that goes to the yard at the rear. On the first floor, there are two window openings with projecting stone sills, which were formerly fitted with sash windows.

Inside, the 17th-century inserted floor is supported by a bridging beam and chamfered joists. Above the first floor, there are chamfered principal rafters from an original truss, along with other evidence of timber framing.

Historically, this building is significant as it survived the destruction of the suburb south of the South Gate during the Civil War siege of the city on August 10, 1643. At the time of inspection, the building was undergoing alterations, and its complex structural history requires further detailed investigation.