17 and 18, Devonshire Street

Nos 17 and 18 on Devonshire Street are 18th century buildings that have been altered over time. They feature painted ashlar stonework with rusticated quoins and a top cornice, standing three storeys tall. A plaque indicates that the grandparents of William and Dorothy Wordsworth lived here. The facade has been rebuilt, and the current draper's shop has been in operation since 1742. The shop fronts, which are elaborate Victorian designs, are located on the west and south sides and include narrow colonnets, glazed scrolled friezes, and some round arched moulded windows with triple keystones. There are also panels with raised lettering stating "drapers, silk mercers, hosiers, glovers etc." The two upper storeys feature sash windows, with five on the west, three on the south, and two on the east facade, on each floor. Inside, the building has iron columns and iron balusters on the staircase, along with shop fittings made of mahogany that include dentilled cornices.