Alfred Barrow School, Centre Block

SD2068NW 708-1/14/57

BARROW IN FURNESS DUKE STREET (North East side) Alfred Barrow School, centre block

II

School. 1888. By JY McIntosh. Red brick with ashlar sandstone dressings, graduated slate roof. U-shaped plan having gabled crosswings and double-depth centre; in Renaissance style. 2 storeys with half-basement; 1:4:1 bays. Basement has pedimented central doorway beneath offset band. Upper floors have architraved cross-windows linked by continuous sill and transom bands and by mid-floor sunken panels with ribbons, swags and flowers carved in relief; modillioned eaves cornice. Wings have fielded apron panels to mullioned and transomed 3-light windows in moulded surrounds with ballflower ornament; corbel tables beneath mid-floor panels that read 'HIGHER GRADE SCHOOL'; hoodmould over 1st-floor windows. Gables have a quatrefoil in keyed oculus, shaped kneelers moulded copings and finials (that to front left missing); terracotta ridge cresting. Short right return of left wing has panelled door under basket arch with hoodmould. Left return of same wing: transomed 1- and 2-light windows; doorway on right has panelled double doors in pilastered and pedimented surround with carved panel and word 'COOKERY' in tympanum. Lombard frieze at eaves. INTERIOR: central part has transverse partition wall formed by 3-bay arcade of moulded brick basket arches with consoles on the keystones; within are original part-glazed partitions and classroom doors beneath wooden tracery; former hall at front has later divisions. Scheme repeated on 1st floor, the arches obscured by false ceiling. Foundation stone (beneath front-left window) laid by Lady Cavendish on 11.8.1888; when completed provided for the higher education of up to 1,200 pupils. Later additions not of special interest.

Listing NGR: SD2002568921