North End Of West Range, Blackfriars

The North End of the West Range at Blackfriars in Gloucester is part of a Dominican friary, originally constructed in the mid-13th century. It was remodeled between 1540 and 1545, possibly for use as a house or cloth manufactory for Sir Thomas Bell. The building underwent further alterations and additions in the late 18th century and is currently managed by English Heritage.

The structure is made of stone rubble with dressed stone features, ashlar, and brick, topped with a slate roof. The layout includes the north end of the 13th-century range, which is separated from the main part of the range (the refectory) by a 13th-century cross wall. A small closet wing was added to the west side in the late 18th century, and a gabled wing on the east side has a further cross wing projecting to the north.

The exterior features two storeys and a cellar, with the upper storey now opened into the former attic. The north gable-end has been remodeled as the main front of the house, featuring ashlar facing and a coped gable. The ground floor, partially obscured by a temporary building to the north, includes a three-light stone-framed mullion window on the right. The first floor has a symmetrical pair of stone-framed two-light mullion windows with moulded architraves, along with a similar two-light window in the gabled wing to the right. Each light contains a late 18th-century sash with glazing bars. In the gable, a pointed arched window with a hoodmould holds a late 18th-century sash with intersecting glazing bars in the head.

Inside, the ground floor reveals exposed 13th-century and 16th-century masonry, along with a 19th-century chimney-piece featuring a stone surround. Above the first floor, there is a remarkable surviving 13th-century open roof with close-set timber scissor trusses in the former attic. The cellar was formed in the late 18th century. This building was formerly listed as No.11 Ladybellegate Street and is now part of an Ancient Monument that includes Blackfriars Church, also under the care of English Heritage.