Former Workhouse, 24 Strangford Road, Downpatrick, Co. Down, BT30 7SG

Former Workhouse

A symmetrical two-storey three-bay former workhouse administration building dated 1841, located on the north side of Strangford Road, north of Downpatrick. The building is rectangular in plan with gabled breakfronts to either end, each with a responding rear return; the left return is further extended by a slightly lower extension. A large modern extension abutts the building to the west, formerly Down District Council offices.

The pitched natural slate roof has angled ridge tiles and replacement brown brick chimneystacks. Cast iron rainwater goods run over exposed rafter tails, with profiled bargeboards to the gables at front and rear. The principal elevation (facing south) is lime rendered, with roughcast to the ground floor and ruled and lined render to the first floor over a painted masonry string course. Feather edged granite quoins define the angles. The rear elevation comprises random schist rubble generally bedded in lime mortar.

The principal elevation is symmetrically arranged about a central segmental entrance with modern glazed doors set within a granite surround and hood mould. A stone string course steps up above the door, surmounted by a datestone reading '1841'. Most windows on the principal elevation are timber sash (1/1 sashes to first floor, 2/2 sashes to ground floor breakfronts) with fully chamfered Mourne granite surrounds. Label moulded timber casements flank the entrance. Gablets project over three first floor windows. Each breakfront contains a window to both floors. At the extreme right is a timber door set in a three-centred arched ashlar granite surround contained within a rubble stone screen wall leading to a small enclosed yard. Steps to both entrances are generally granite, with some modern replacements.

The rear elevation comprises a recessed central section with a modern rear door, terminated by returns and an extension. The extension appears originally to have been single storey, subsequently raised, with an enlarged window opening to the inner cheek. The right side of the rear is partially obscured at ground floor by Portacabin extensions. A central dormer with original lattice windows is set to the right side. A further flat-roofed ground floor addition occupies the re-entrant angle with the left return, cement rendered to the rear.

The west elevation is partially abutted by the modern office block; the exposed rear portion is painted rubble stone without openings. The east elevation features a large multi-paned timber window to the first floor left; the extension is lit by a replacement casement. A large twentieth-century timber transomed and mullioned window occupies the ground floor. To its right is a small narrow lattice window with two original bars fitted into the opening, lighting what was a cell. Assorted abutments exist at ground floor level.

Original diamond lattice casement lights survive to the rear, including an attic dormer. Otherwise, replacement casement windows are set in brick dressings.

The building is set back from Strangford Road in an area now characterised by varied late twentieth-century residential developments. It has a bitumac forecourt with a Council garage extension to the east and large office extensions to the west (circa 1970). To the rear is the Council vehicle depot.