Gazebos In Gardens Of Numbers 7 And 8

SE 3071 1/19 27.5.49

RIPON PARK STREET (north side) Gazebos in gardens of Nos 7 and 8

II*

Early C18, perhaps linked in mid C19. Red brick. Ashlar dressings. Pyramidal pantile roofs. Two 2-storey pavilions with plaster coves, ashlar bands and rusticated ashlar quoins, linked by a 2-storey gallery (which has brick over-sailing courses to rear). The ground floor of the latter is divided into 4 brick tunnel-vaulted bays reached through semi-circular arches with rusticated ashlar jambs and voussoirs. The first floor has an ashlar balustrade with balusters of square plan, and with umbrella-shaped knobs 1/3 way up; piers with some traces of ornamental carving on their fronts. Rear of gallery has 4 niches with rusticated ashlar jambs and voussoirs set against a wall which only reaches up to their impost level. Gallery reached by doors from first floor of each pavilion, that from No 8's with a 2-centred arch.

History. Although little is known about this unusual building, the property was owned by the Baynes family from 1679 until 1791. They may well have been built by 1719, when Richard Baynes' will refers to the burgage as "Cupola Close". The only detailed C18 map which shows them does not show the link, which is the most unusual feature, and it might therefore be C19. However, everything about the link (except the apparently mid C19 doorway from the second floor of No 8's pavilion onto the gallery) appears to be contemporary with the 2 pavilions. Pending further evidence, the building history remains a mystery.

Listing NGR: SE3094571348