31 And 33, Market Square

Two shops, built in the 1880s and 1890s. The front is of Ham Hill stone ashlar, with brick to the rear; the roof is slate with brick stacks at the centre and gable ends. The shops have a double-depth plan and are three storeys high with attics. Each shop front has a symmetrical two-window arrangement. Each unit features an ornamental forward-facing gable, with pediments above the apexes resting on panels that sweep outwards and sit on moulded cornices with acorn-like finials to the sides. Paired sash windows with 6/1-pane glazing cross the eaves cornice and are topped with hoodmoulds featuring keystones. Scrollwork consoles are located between the upper and middle cornices, and the sides and centre have large ball finials. The first and second floor windows have gauged segmental arches with keystones, moulded hoods, and a continuous string course; the first-floor windows are tripartite. The shop fronts have ornamental reeding to the pilasters and gabled consoles flanking the moulded cornices. Entrances to the upper rooms are accessed via five-panel doors with a horizontal panel at the top, and two large overlights, separated from the plate-glass shop windows (which also have continuous overlights) by painted wooden pilasters that mirror the stone style but with foliate capitals. Panel ceilings are located above the recessed double doors. The interior of No.31, on the left, retains its late 19th century character, with tongued and grooved panelling, a four-panel door to the left, and a central rear door with ornamental margin-panes. The buildings are included for their group value.