The Post Office And The Beehive

PAINSWICK NEW STREET SO 8609-8709 (Part) (north west side) 8/160 The Post Office and the 21.10.55 Beehive GV II* Two houses and Post Office, in row; possibly at some time three dwellings. C16 base with later modifications. A complex layout in which The Beehive appears to be an L-plan interlocked with the Post Office. Beehive is built independently from and at a slight angle to the adjoining property to the left; squared lime- stone rubble with stone slate roof, one storey and attic, cut down front gable has 2-light chamfered mullion casement over a 3-light casement and a panelled and glazed door, then, set back, a small single light with leading in a gablet over C20 door. The Post Office has a heavily timbered gable to right with a returned gable cutting into the left, stone slate roof two storeys, 2-windowed: at ground floor, under a continuous stone-slated pentice roof a part-glazed door flanked by 10-pane and 19-pane shop windows, and at first floor a 2-light case- ment with leading and a 3-light steel casement. The timber framing returns to the right flank of the building. Interior of Beehive not inspected, but Post Office contains a 4-compartment ceiling to very heavy chamfered beams at ground floor, a large single stone 4-centred flat arched fireplace with rosettes; at first floor plastered ceiling including fleur-de-lys, two pairs of crucks, and reported smoke blackening of some roof timbers, suggesting an open hall construction as part of the main timbered wing to the right. At back, behind the Post Office, room includes a 2-light chamfered mullion casement, and stain flanking fireplace. An unusually rich interest in a part of the town where much seems to have been rebuilt in the C18 and C19.

Listing NGR: SO8666709767