Forecourt walls, piers, gates and railings to the front York House

Forecourt boundary and gateway, later C17 with C20 replacement railings.

MATERIALS Wall and gate piers of ashlar; wrought iron gate, railings and overthrow.

DESCRIPTION The boundary wall is about 0.5m high with cambered coping, terminated at each corner by a square pier, each with a moulded cornice and pyramidal cap. The gate piers are taller, being square on plan with rebated angles and banded rustication, finished with moulded cornices, stepped caps and ball and pedestal finials, the balls being enclosed by a band of vermiculated rustication. The pedestrian gate is central and highly ornamented featuring rinceaux, scrolls and reversed wheatear drops, topped by alternately twisted and wavy finials. The overthrow above is similarly ornamented including intertwined foliage enclosing a 'WS' monogram and the motto 'VINCE MALUM BONO'. Railings to either side of the gateway are similar, but include a square section open-work column with twisted finials to the centre of each side. Railings to the side returns joining to the house are of a much simpler (probably modern) design.