Liskeard Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan

Consultation Draft December 2012

Telephone: 0300 1234 100 www.cornwall.gov.uk

Consultation Draft

December 2012

Acknowledgements This report was produced by Cornwall Council

Maps The maps are based on Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office (c) Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution and/or civil proceedings. The map data, derived from Ordnance Survey mapping, included within this publication is provided by Cornwall Council under licence from the Ordnance Survey in order to fulfil its public function to publicise local public services. Cornwall Council Licence No. 1000490

Cover illustration ©Historic Environment, Cornwall Council, 2005; F70-078

2 Contents 1 Introduction ...... 4 2 Planning Context...... 5 3 Summary of Special Interest...... 6 4 Location and Setting ...... 7 Historic Landscape Characterisation ...... 7

5 Designations ...... 8 6 Historic and Topographic Development...... 9 Prehistory - ...... 9 Medieval - ...... 9 Sixteenth Century - ...... 11 Eighteenth Century...... 12 Early Nineteenth Century - ...... 13 Late Nineteenth Century - ...... 14 Early Twentieth Century – ...... 15 Late Twentieth Century – ...... 16

7 Archaeological Potential ...... 17 8 Present Settlement Character ...... 20 9 Character Areas ...... 30 9.1 Understanding Character ...... 30 9.2 The Character Areas...... 30

10 Problems and Pressures...... 67 11 Recommendations...... 70 12 Opportunities ...... 72 Sources ...... 73 Liskeard Conservation Area Management Plan ...... 78 General Guidance ...... 79 Archaeology ...... 79 Roofs...... 79 Walls ...... 81 Joinery ...... 83 Enclosure ...... 86 Townscape features...... 88

3 1 Introduction service centre for both the local community and the surrounding agricultural hinterland. A market The purpose of a Conservation centre since medieval times, Area Appraisal Liskeard still holds a weekly cattle The purpose of this conservation market. The medieval street area appraisal is to clearly define pattern, high survival of historic the special interest, character and buildings (including a large appearance of the conservation number of listed structures) and area. The appraisal should then the lack of insensitive post war inform development control development in the central core decisions and policies and act as a all add to the quality and historic foundation for further work on interest of the town. design guidance and enhancement schemes. The Appraisal complements the 2005 Cornwall Date of designation and Scillys Urban Survey (CSUS) The Conservation Area was for Liskeard. It should also be designated in February 1977 in used in conjunction with other accordance with Caradon District studies such as the Liskeard Council’s policy document for the Regeneration Study 1996, and the area. Liskeard Heritage Trail (2006). The Conservation Area within Scope and structure the wider settlement This appraisal describes and The Conservation Area roughly analyses the character of the follows the 1907 development Liskeard conservation area and boundary including the historic the immediately surrounding core, spreading to the southern historic environment. The boundary of the Council Offices at appraisal will look at the historic Luxstowe House to the north, to and topographical development of the Henry Rice villas of Dean the settlement, analyse its Terrace to the west, to the present character and identify Lamellion Hospital site to the distinct character areas. These south and to the Churchyard to areas will then be further the east. analysed, problems and pressures identified and recommendations made for its future management. More detailed advice on the management of the conservation area can be found in the Liskeard Conservation Area Management Plan, which is designed to stand alongside this appraisal.

General identity and character Lying in the lush rolling countryside of south-east Cornwall, Liskeard is an attractive historic town with a population of over 8,500. The town acts as a

4 2 Planning Context

National Regional Policy In 1967 the concept of protecting areas of special merit, rather than • Cornwall Structure Plan individual buildings was first 2004, particularly Policy 2 brought under legislative control Character Areas, Design and with the passing of the Civic Environmental Protection. Amenities Act. Whilst listed buildings are assessed nationally with lists drawn up by the Local Policy government on advice from English Heritage Conservation • Caradon Local Plan First Areas are designated by local Alteration 2007, particularly authorities. The current Act Chapter 5 Town and Village governing the designation of Environment. ‘areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’ is the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Under this Act local planning authorities are required to designate conservation areas, to keep them under review and if appropriate to designate further areas. Designation remains the principal means by which local authorities can apply conservation policies to a particular area.

Regional

• Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. • National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) March 2012. • PPS5: Planning for the Historic Environment: Historic Environment Planning Practice Guide March 2010.

5 3 Summary of Special Interest

Liskeard’s distinction lies in its unique topography and the quality of the buildings. Its setting on the side of two hills has resulted in steep, curving and interconnecting streets This row of buildings all designed by the with far reaching vistas over local architect Henry Rice in the mid 19th the roof tops to the rolling century typify the quality of architecture countryside beyond. The that can be found in Liskeard. They are all buildings display a range of three storeys high, designed in the Classical style with Delabole slate roofs, architectural styles unusual in giving visual homogeneity. However, Cornwall, further enhanced by blandness is avoided by the varied the quality of the materials – materials - granite ashlar for the bank, specifically the local stucco on masonry for the adjoining townhouse and slatehanging on studwork Cheesewring granite, for the third building, which is a slatestone and Delabole slate. remodeling of an earlier 18th century townhouse The town presents a very visitor-friendly environment with open spaces for congregation leading into picturesque side streets and alleyways. A high survival of historic buildings, including a large number of original nineteenth century shopfronts further enhances the town centre area, and unlike so many other market towns in the County there has Local, natural materials are found been no extensive insensitive throughout the town. They add texture, late twentieth century colour, a sense of visual homogeneity and redevelopment. The high link the settlement to the surrounding quality of the architecture is natural landscape complemented by the surviving historic paving and the large number of significant gardens containing mature trees.

The town is an important local centre and has an upbeat atmosphere.

6 4 Location and Setting reaching views and from the northern end of the town the mass of Caradon Hill is clearly Liskeard lies in the heart of the visible on the horizon. rolling agricultural terrain of south-east Cornwall; a wide Liskeard is the main urban centre landscape of big fields cut through in south east Cornwall and is with deep wooded river valleys. connected to the main road Lacking some of the drama and network by the A38, the main ruggedness of so much of the route into Cornwall from Plymouth Cornish countryside its and the south coast of England. undoubtedly attractive pastoral The A38 runs directly to the south landscape is more akin to the of the built up area and then via undulating fields of Devon. the Glynn Valley north west to the A30 and Bodmin. Liskeard also It is situated on relatively high has a main line rail service to land - 150 metres at its highest Paddington and Penzance, and a point - between two rivers, the branch line to Looe. The branch River Seaton and the East Looe line is particularly important in the River. To the south the land summer months carrying tourists continues to undulate in a series to and from Looe, the principal of hills interspersed by valleys holiday town in south east with tributaries of the two main Cornwall. rivers at their base, before it reaches the coast five miles away Liskeard lies within the Plymouth at Looe. Similar landscape lies to travel to work area. There is the east and the west while to the significant commuter traffic from north the land rises to the peak of Liskeard to Plymouth, which is Caradon Hill, which stands 369 about 30 minutes away by road. metres above sea level with the The town is also a significant high open land of Bodmin Moor commercial and service centre beyond. whose shops, market and public facilities serve the surrounding One of Cornwall’s oldest towns, very rural south-east corner of Liskeard is a focus for many other Cornwall. important historic sites, often with regal connections, such as the ‘Doniert Stone’ just three miles to Historic Landscape the north, commemorating King Characterisation Dumgarth (died c. 872) or the three great medieval ducal deer The surrounding countryside has parks in the parish - Lodge Park to been defined in the Cornwall the west, Old Park, to the south Historic Landscape west, and probably one at Characterisation survey as Liskeard ‘Castle’ itself. predominantly Anciently Enclosed Land (that is medieval or earlier). The town straddles a spring-head However to the north north west valley between two hills and the and south east of the settlement steep gradients add to the there are areas of post medieval character of the built farmland, and two patches of environment. The higher ground ancient woodland lie to the north within the settlement gives long west and south west.

7 5 Designations

Scheduled Monuments There are three scheduled monuments in Liskeard– two stone crosses in the churchyard of St Martin’s and a third in the garden of Pendean House.

Historic Buildings

There are 163 listed buildings and structures in Liskeard, the majority of which are listed grade II. Stuart House, St Martin’s Church, two preaching crosses and the Guild Hall are listed grade II*. There is no local list.

Historic Area Designations

The historic core of the town (comprising roughly the town’s development by 1907) lies within the Conservation Area

Other Designations (All policy numbers refer to Caradon Local Plan adopted August 2007)

The main core of the conservation area is designated an Historic Settlement – EV1

The area to the south of the supermarket car park on Poundbridge is designated an Open Area of Local Significance (OALS) – EV6

8 6 Historic and Well and Pondbridge. Topographical Development

This section should be read in conjunction with the historical development map - Figure 1. The coloured sections refer to areas that were developed by this period and do not necessarily refer to buildings extant.

Medieval Liskeard

• Important medieval centre - associated with the Earls and Dukes of Cornwall • Settlement concentrated around the church and Medieval preaching cross, resited in 1908 Castle Park by Samuel Bone, Mayor. This cross was • Agriculture and early tin found on land at Vensloe and is probably industry main sources of the Culverland Cross a wayside cross wealth erected during the medieval period. th Wayside crosses were used as • By the 13 century waymarkers on routes which sometimes market area around the were associated with religious functions. Well There is a further early cross in the churchyard adjacent to the south east Liskeard is one of the oldest towns corner of the church the Tencreek Cross. It was recorded by the historian Langdon in Cornwall. First recorded c.1010 in 1903 in use as a gatepost on Tencreek as Lys Cerruyt -probably a noble Farm. In 1903 the cross was removed to or even royal settlement. By the St Martin's churchyard and re-erected in end of the eleventh century it was its present position a developing urban centre at the heart of one of the largest and richest manors in one of the In addition to the unusually large richest agricultural areas of Norman church the eleventh Cornwall. The earliest century settlement included a development took place to the market - one of only a handful east of the modern centre, around recorded in Cornwall in the the present church, which may Domesday Book (1086). This may overlie an even more ancient hill- have been sited on the gently top settlement. sloping land to the west of the church. This site would have been attractive to the early settlers as it Liskeard maintained its high was defensible, well drained and status throughout the Middle close to the spring head in the Ages. It was associated with the steep-sided, but marshy valley Earls and Dukes of Cornwall who running southwards from Pipe had a number of deer parks in the

9 parish and a residence (the castle) in the town described in the 1330s as ‘ a manor house’ including a ‘hall, a chapel, and six chambers’. The Dukes’ residence was sited on a secondary hill just to the north of the original church site.

Castle Park site of the medieval The medieval holy well head was enclosed manor/castle of the Earls and Dukes of in the rubblestone well house during the Cornwall mid 19th century. Wide granite steps lead down from an outer arch to a granite Although the scale and character trough filled by 4 lead spouts of the ruins seen in later centuries were suggestive of a castle, it was Development to the north and not recorded as such in medieval east may have been prevented by documents until the late fifteenth the extensive manor lands, and an century. ancient open field system east of the church; whilst to the south the The town was granted a borough land was marshy and a large pond charter and two annual fairs, and covered some of the present day in 1296 became one of only six Pondbridge Hill area. towns in Cornwall at the time to elect an MP and form merchant The status and economy of this guilds. Further development already prosperous agricultural, included a pilgrimage chapel at trading and administrative Lady Park, a leper hospital at settlement was further enhanced Maudlin (both outside the town), by its role as a centre for the and a reputed nunnery for the burgeoning tin industry - in 1307 Poor Clares on Bay Tree Hill - it became one of five Cornish although the evidence for this is coinage towns. By 1340 the purely anecdotal. As the town population had grown to a grew the focus of the settlement thousand - although in common and the market area shifted with much of the country the town westwards from the steep slopes suffered a decline following the below the church onto the more Black Death in 1348. gently shelving land around the Well Spring.

10 The Fifteenth and Sixteenth alive during this period was the Centuries town hall which also housed butchers’ stalls and a prison. It • Church rebuilt in 15th was constructed in 1574 adjacent century to the market place and the well. • Tin industry and town in decline in 16th century The Civil War

The continued revenue from the • Town Royalist in Civil War tin industry ensured that in the • Economic situation years subsequent to the Black improving Death the town was able to regain • Settlement spreading its relative prosperity. This outwards from market continued throughout the late core to the south and Middle Ages as reflected in the west rebuilding of the church during the fifteenth century. The medieval Liskeard gained some local stannary of Foweymore (Bodmin notoriety during the Civil War as it Moor) was a major tin producing was strongly area, with coinage towns at Royalist and indeed it was here in Lostwithiel and Liskeard, but by Stuart House in Barras Street that the sixteenth century, it was in Charles I stayed intermittently decline, both relative to other during his campaigns in 1644. areas, and in absolute terms. Leland described a still prosperous town in 1530 ‘Liskeard standeth on rocky hills and is the best market town at this day in Cornwall, saving Bodmin. In this town the market is kept on Monday’. But there are hints of decay - he describes the manor as ‘now all in ruin….It is now somtym for a pound of cattell’. In 1574 it was demolished altogether and rebuilt as a grammar school. Stuart House, originally a late medieval town house remodelled and extended in the 17th century and slightly altered Visitors at the end of the sixteenth during the mid 19th century century record a town suffering from decay. Norden in 1584 The town was an early centre of described Liskeard as a ‘poor Non- conformism - an urban town, very ruined and phenomenon rather than rural and depopulated’. Carew visiting the ‘industrial’ at this stage. George town at the end of the sixteenth Fox, the founder of the Society of century observed: ‘fairs and Friends, visited the town in 1688 markets (as vital spirits in a and a Presbyterian meeting house decayed body) keep the inner was built in Dean Street in 1701 parts of the town alive; while the by the son of Thomas Johnson, a ruined skirts accuse the injury of major in the Parliamentarian time, and the neglect of industry’. army. Part of the development which kept at least the heart of the town

11 Gradually the fortunes of Liskeard including the making of breeches’. began to improve and by 1700 the During this period the town also population overtook its former became a centre of yarn and cloth fourteenth century peak. The production, which sold both locally town developed outward from the and was exported to Devon. Many market core along the relatively of the premises associated with flat roads to the south and west these industries were located in (West Street, Dean Street and the Pondbridge/Barn Street area Barn Street). Further scattered and evidence of this can still be development took place along found in some of the surviving Castle Hill, Bay Tree Hill, Church buildings along Barn Street Street and Borel Street (Barras (workshops, cart entrances etc). Street). The prosperous merchants, tannery owners and professionals also built town houses close to, or even as part of, their premises.

As the boundaries of the town expanded the centre of Liskeard remained a hub of activity. The markets and fairs continued to prosper and by the mid eighteenth century some of the market functions shifted to what had probably been the medieval fair- Bay Tree House, Church Street probably ground, the flat area of land to originally constructed in the 17th century – the chamfered granite piers to the the north of Pike Street now porch date from this period. known as The Parade. By the mid- eighteenth century it was a significant urban space with many fine houses fronting onto it. John The Eighteenth Century Wesley visiting in 1757 noted ‘We rode to Liskeard, I think one of • Agriculture now the main the largest and pleasantist towns industry in Cornwall. I preached about the • Tanneries in Pondbridge middle of the town in a broad, area convenient place’. The Parade • Market extends became a focus for social events northwards to The with increasing numbers visiting Parade the local public houses and • Nonconformism grows attending various sporting • Road improvements spectacles including bull baiting, badger baiting and cock fighting. Although tin streaming still took place on the moors to the north of As the visit of Wesley indicated, the town it was agriculture and its the Nonconformist tradition in the associated industries which were town continued to grow. Wesley in to provide the bulk of the town’s fact visited a number of times and wealth during this period. Liskeard by 1776 the first Wesleyan became well known for its leather preaching tanning, Daniel Defoe noting ‘a house, a small thatched outhouse, good trade in leatherware was constructed on Castle Street.

12 By 1796 the Society of Friends The Nineteenth Century had gained enough members within the town to move from • 1830s-1840s their site at Halbathic to a new development of copper meeting house in the town centre. and lead mining, and granite quarrying in The need to improve access to the surrounding area leads town led to a series of road to sizeable increase in improvements more strikingly the population evident in Liskeard than perhaps • 1859 arrival of railway any other Cornish town. The • Development of housing original east to west road followed along main routes into a complicated route through the town and large town centre including a sharp turn programme of public into Fore Street (as buildings buildings blocked the top of Pike Street) before joining Barras Street, and The building of the Liskeard to leaving the town via West Street Looe Canal in 1825 was designed and Old Road. Around 1760 new to strengthen the traditional turnpike routes were developed, economic base of the town particularly from the east. (markets, wool, tanning, papermaking and milling). Coal from South Wales was shipped in, and lime and sea sand for the surrounding farmland. The canal terminus at Moorswater, immediately west of the town, became the focus of further industries during the nineteenth century, including lime kilns, a paper mill, an iron foundry and a stone yard. In recognition of the increasing importance of access to View of Medieval Pound Street where it this western development Dean joins Castle Street created in the later eighteenth century to ease the route of Street was considerably improved traffic entering the town from the east during this period.

The general prosperity of the town In 1841 almost 20% of the was set on an upward curve borough population of 3,000 was prompting the Universal British still involved in agriculture. Cows Directory to observe in 1798 that were led down Fore Street to be “Liskeard had ‘improved to be one milked in the dairies and many of the largest and best-built towns premises within the town had in Cornwall, with the greatest their own slaughterhouses. There market’. were a growing number of professional people living in the town, lawyers and bankers who managed the affairs of the newly prosperous merchants, manufacturers and farmers.

Then, in 1837, Captain Clymo

13 discovered a rich seam of copper 1890 the Salvation Army built a at South Caradon Mine and in citadel in the form of a fort on 1844 lead was discovered at Church Street. Menheniot and Herodsfoot to the south of the town. In 1844 the Liskeard and Caradon Railway was opened, linking Moorswater to the mines around Caradon Hill; a branch line to the granite quarries at Cheesewring was opened in 1846. Much of this development was actually financed by Liskeard merchants and banking interests.

In 1831 there had been no miners residing in Liskeard. By 1851 the Wesleyan Chapel, Windsor Place built in 1846, then enlarged and restored in 1887 census records show that the and 1907. The chapel has slatestone borough population had swelled to rubble walls with stucco details in an 4,400, with one in three men Italianate style with a modillioned cornice, described as miners. John Allen, which resembles a pediment with a central oculus and channelled rustications the local historian, recorded in on the ground floor 1856, ‘the house accommodation proved Despite the rise of Non- very insufficient, small cottages conformism the Anglican church and single rooms became remained at the heart of the frightfully crowded… the markets community and underwent were thronged, the roads were restoration in 1879 and 1890. worn into dangerous ruts’.

The majority of miners (mostly lead workers) were accommodated in new courtyard developments around Higher Lux Street, Castle Hill, Castle Street, Church Lane and Barn Street, introducing a new building type into the town. These cottages often squeezed between or projecting from existing buildings, would have resulted in the eastern side of the town seeming far more densely populated and enclosed.

The increase in population, especially of miners, meant that the town’s existing chapels struggled to accommodate the new congregations. A Wesleyan The parish church of St Martin was Chapel was built by 1841, a restored in two phases in 1879 and 1890, Primitive Methodist chapel in 1871 and the tower rebuilt by John Sansom in and a Roman Catholic church with 1903 an attached school in 1886. In

14 The increase in wealth and the by James Hicks of Redruth, 1893). need for services resulting from In 1894 the Town Council the growth in population had a enlarged Castle Park to create a profound effect on the commercial larger open public park. heart of the town. In 1851 around 13% of the workforce was By the end of the nineteenth involved in trade and just over century the mining boom was 30% were craftsmen. Shops and over, but the services and workshops multiplied. The town secondary industries, not to centre saw many large and fine mention the markets, ensured the new commercial and public town continued to prosper. buildings, including the new Guild Hall rebuilt in 1859 to an Italianate design. The Twentieth Century

The railway, arriving in 1859, • Closure of mines brought more prosperity, and • Town becomes local visitors, to the town, and became centre for services and a significant employer. The 1881 commerce census records that between sixty • 1961 opening of Plymouth and seventy men were working road bridge – Liskeard for the railway. partly becomes dormitory town for In addition to the intensive Plymouth development in the centre of Liskeard expansion continued By 1917 the last mine in the along the main routes into the district had closed and Liskeard town including grand terraces reverted to its former market (Dean Street), town status. In 1905, due to the increased traffic and congestion, the market moved from The Parade to a site in the gardens of the old Trehawke House. Although no longer at the heart of the settlement, the market remains physically an intrinsic element of the town’s commercial core.

The interwar years saw relatively little development in Liskeard – although the trend to spread out This Classical style terrace by the local along the main roads continued architect, Henry Rice, formed part of the mid-nineteenth century development of with public housing (Park View Liskeard and Park Road, on land between the Castle and Higher Lux Street). substantial middle class terraces The mixed economy of the town (Station Road), more humble based largely on marketing and cottage rows (Thorn Terrace) and service industries continued to institutional sites (Foulston and serve the surrounding area and an Gilbert Scott’s workhouse on ever growing inward-migrating Station Road, 1839-40 and the population. A new period of Cottage Hospital off Barras Place growth was stimulated by the

15 opening of the Tamar Bridge in 1961, and Liskeard has in part relied on the Plymouth area since then in economic terms.

In the later twentieth century the ribbon development began to reach its limits – there was more infill between the main projecting routes with new estates such as Lanchard Road in the previously undeveloped valley between Station Road and New Road. These estates also, however, saw a substantial spread out onto the surrounding fields for the first time – to the east of the church the land which had remained undeveloped became a series of new estates, as did the flatter land to the south of the Castle Park, originally part of the Castle’s estate.

In many ways Liskeard has survived remarkably unaltered since its Victorian heyday. The major components of the town – its commercial core, the market and the railway are all still in place. Despite its proximity to the coast and Plymouth the town did not suffer any direct hits during the Second World War and there was no large-scale redevelopment during the 1960s. This has resulted in the centre of the town in plan, scale and the majority of its buildings retaining its historic integrity.

16 7 Archaeological deposits and standing Potential fabric. Evidence may survive of the former market space and related In addition to the three nationally structures, and burgage recognised archaeological sites of plots behind the buildings in importance in Liskeard the long Fore Street. Some of the and many layered evolution of the eighteenth century settlement gives the whole area buildings could contain developed up to the early earlier fabric, which could twentieth century potential for be revealed through careful standing or buried archaeological recording. Trenching in Well features. The historic core of the Lane in 2002 revealed settlement is of particular nineteenth century build-up archaeological interest and and walls, and a few sensitivity in that deposits are eleventh to twelfth century likely to provide valuable shards; no early remains information on its early form and were found in excavations development. Urban on the site of the Bell in archaeological remains are likely 1987. Full appraisal and to be more complex in these mitigation works should be areas. undertaken in this part of Liskeard whenever Archaeology does not refer solely damaging development to buried remains. Information on takes place. the historical sequences embodied in standing buildings and other o The area around the above ground features could be Parade and Barras Street extremely valuable and a building As the site of medieval and survey of the town would be likely later suburban building to yield significant new there is potential to information. Opportunities for encounter evidence of early investigation and recording should townhouses and gardens be sought when buildings are lost to subsequent refurbished or undergo substantial development. An alteration. Archaeological remains archaeological evaluation are an important and non- carried out at 6 Baytree Hill renewable resource and as such in 1995 discovered are protected by national and local evidence of eighteenth or planning legislation. nineteenth century outbuildings but no medieval material. Site specific guidance Trial pits excavated at Parade Motors in 1999 o The area around Fore likewise found no medieval Street and Market Place remains. As one of the oldest areas The north western wing of in the town, and the site of Stuart House was the late medieval market demolished in the late place, there is potential nineteenth century and here for both buried there is the potential for below ground remains.

17 o The area around Barn was a certain amount of Street, Dean Street and light industry specifically West Street sawmills and blacksmiths. This area was largely As with the area above undeveloped until the archaeological investigation seventeenth century, but could reveal further there could be below- information concerning the ground evidence of early former courtyard industrial sites, including developments. tanneries and breweries, and eighteenth century o The area around the suburban gardens. Most church realistic potential lies in the The site of the earliest study of the standing phase of the town’s structures including the development including the town houses, chapels and first market place and the warehouses. Norman church. This is an Archaeological investigation extremely sensitive area could also reveal further with a great deal of information concerning the archaeological potential. former courtyard There is likely to be developments. evidence of the greatest significance here, including o The area around the deep and complex layers of Castle Park, Higher and below ground deposits and Lower Lux Street and remains incorporated into Pound Street later structures. Below This area incorporates the ground evidence may exist castle site, potentially one of a fortified site, the of the major urban original church, the extent archaeological sites in of the market place and the Cornwall. Archaeological former existence of burgage investigations could reveal plots. information on the original castle/fortified manor and o The 18th and 19th century the extent of its grounds All villas sites these streets bound or are On the eastern side of the within the medieval area of town these sites include Liskeard, and share the areas of medieval fields generally high prior to the early nineteenth archaeological potential of century development. There both standing fabric and could be the potential to below ground deposits in discover medieval field the historic core. In features but the locations of particular, this area may these cannot be easily offer evidence of the outer predicted. The 1880 OS limits of the medieval town. maps for Liskeard includes This was also an area detailed information popular for early schooling concerning the villas’ formal and chapels, evidence of ornamental gardens and which could still exist below potentially further evidence ground. In addition there below ground of the layout

18 and features of these gardens could survive.

o Area of 19th century ribbon development The relatively late development of much of this area, developed on green field land, results in little predictable potential for buried archaeology. However Station Road and West Street were medieval routes into the town. Further evidence of the

original extensive workhouse could still survive underground.

19 8 Present Settlement Fore Street and Barras Street. Character • The process of drawing the town out along the relatively flat roads Topography and settlement to the west – West Street, Dean form Street and Barn Street – began as early as the seventeenth century Topography plays an important and continued into the nineteenth role in the character of Liskeard and early twentieth century with defining the early medieval new interconnecting roads such as settlement, a place of narrow, Dean Hill and New Road. steep streets from the later flatter and broader Victorian planned • In the later twentieth century on development. the western side of the town the land between the main projecting routes became in-filled with new estates such as Lanchard Road in the previously undeveloped valley between Station Road and New Road. To the east of the church the land which had remained undeveloped possibly due to its steep gradient or previous ownership became a series of new estates, as did the flatter land to

View from Canon Hill towards Bay Tree the south of the Castle Park, Hill – one of the surviving Medieval originally part of the Castle’s streets in Liskeard estate. This sizeable development to the east • The early town developed on the represents the draw towards eastern side of modern Liskeard Plymouth for commuting. consisting of a castle at the summit of the hill, a church on the slopes below to the south with the Standing historic fabric - villagers located towards the foot summary of the valley. The streets here See figure 3 -– which analyses the were narrow, steep and nature of the surviving historic interconnecting following the fabric. slopes of the hill up to the market place and church, then on to the One of the defining features of castle. The land on the lower Liskeard is the wealth of its slopes to the east of the castle surviving historic buildings. was given over to parkland and Having escaped bomb damage remained free from development. during the Second World War the town did not find itself subject to • During the later medieval period the swingeing redevelopment the feudal pull of the castle and suffered by so many other Cornish church began to lessen in towns in the ensuing years. As a intensity and the town began to result Liskeard has an enviable climb the valley to the west with homogeneity and rhythm of developments along the relatively development with only a handful flat roads crossing the gradient at of interruptions. Some losses have

20 occurred over the years and these granite piers. are detailed later under the relevant character areas. The eighteenth century is well represented with town houses Throughout the town there has and cottages in Barn Street, been extensive replacement of Barras Street, Dean Street, original windows and doors, but a Church Street, Fore Street, Higher high proportion of original roofs Lux Street, Pike Street and the are still in situ. Parade. These buildings are mainly vernacular in style with a mixture of slatestone, stucco, Historic survivals painted rubble and slate hung walls. Many have Delabole slate Although the town prospered roofs and are two or three bays during the medieval period and wide. Some, especially those developed to be one of the major which later became commercial settlements in Cornwall very little premises, were remodelled in the built fabric survives from this nineteenth century. period. The Church, built in the Perpendicular style from Among the larger town houses are slatestone with granite dressings, Kilmar House, 45 Higher Lux is the only building in the town to Street and Parade House, which be confidently dated to the include neoclassical features such fifteenth century, although it is as symmetrical frontages, possible that some of the cottages modillioned cornices and porches around Church Street might have supported by columns. The older parts within their fabric. Albion in Dean Street is a surviving One of the earliest surviving eighteenth century public domestic buildings, a slate hung house with a Delabole slate roof building with a three-storey gable- and an almost symmetrical three ended porch and moulded granite bay façade. doorway on Church Street, dates from the late fifteenth or early sixteenth century, as does Stuart House. There are a number of properties dating from the seventeenth century including Nos. 1, 31, 33 and 35 Church Street and Nos.11 and 22 Fore Street. Although some of these buildings were re-fronted during the nineteenth century they were probably originally stucco on studwork or render on rubblestone. Original seventeenth century features include fireplaces, staircases and two- storey porches. No 18 Church Street, known as the Ancient House has an open gable ended porch supported by chamfered

21 hundred different buildings. His work ranged from elegant Neoclassical terraces and villas such as Ashpark Terrace and Dean Villas to the wild Venetian Gothic polychromy of the Forester’s Hall and the sober stone Italianate Wesleyan Methodist Church, Barn Street.

Rice’s eclectic approach to architectural style and materials was in harmony with his contemporary architects working in Liskeard. One of his major buildings, the Guild Hall (built in association with the Home Office architect Charles Reeves), is built from Cheesewring granite in a The doorcase to Kilmar House is designed strong Italianate style reminiscent in the classical style with pedimented of fortified Renaissance town doorway with engaged Tuscan columns to houses. The public rooms in consoles; moulded architrave; entablature with paterae and dentilled cornice; fielded contrast have simple rendered panelled reveals and 6-panel door walls with Gothic lancet windows. The chapels are a mixture of The majority of the surviving simple Gothic detailing and historic fabric in Liskeard, Neoclassical styles. There are a however, dates from the number of polychrome buildings in nineteenth century. There is a the town, one of the most striking wide range of public buildings, of which is the Foresters Hall on town houses, terraces, villas, Pike Street. clubs, hotels, public houses, warehouses and chapels. A high number of original nineteenth century shop fronts can still be found in the town. Shops such as No 13 Fore Street with its elegant pilasters, fascia with moulded entablature and slender columns flanking plate glass windows greatly add to the quality of the townscape.

Noted architects

The local architect Henry Rice had an enormous impact on the character of the town and he was involved in the design of almost a

22 mass of the building and its prominent position, in addition to its decorative qualities, makes it a key component in the surrounding streetscape

He also designed the lodges to the Workhouse, which later became Lamellion Hospital. Other buildings on the site were by Henry Rice, George Gilbert Scott and John Sanson. Sanson was greatly influenced by the work of Henry Rice and some of his buildings, like Rice’s, include classical details. Other buildings by him, such as the Grammar School, now sadly demolished, were in the Arts and Crafts style. George Gilbert Scott designed the main building of the The Forester’s Hall, originally the East Workhouse along with other Cornwall Savings Bank designed in 1896 commissions for workhouses by Henry Rice The polychrome stonework includes slatestone rubble masonry with throughout Cornwall including St granite and freestone dressings, and the Austell, Redruth and Penzance. vigorous Venetian Gothic style Only the lower storey of this demonstrates the influence of the building still survives and is Victorian writer John Ruskin scheduled for demolition under

the redevelopment of the site. A list of the buildings designed by Another Plymouth architect, Henry Rice can be found in Wightwick, designed the Appendix A. Vicarage and Luxstowe House.

The Plymouth architect, A local architect John Paul Foulston, is also represented in designed the Masonic Hall built the town. His Classical style in a Ruskinian Venetian Gothic Webb’s House in the centre of style in polychrome stone the town is one of Liskeard’s most including local slatestone, prominent buildings. freestone, granite and terracotta,

further enriched with Masonic symbols.

Materials and local distinctiveness

As mentioned earlier, many buildings in the town have granite plinths and detailing, buildings wholly in granite are

Webbs House built in 1833 by J Foulston scarcely found. of Plymouth from stucco fronted slatestone on a coursed freestone plinth in the Classical style. The height and

Rusticated granite ashlar blocks on the Granite gate piers with ball finials on façade of a late nineteenth century shop Church Street on Barras Street The local slatestone was used as The few exceptions include the the basic building material for Guild Hall constructed from stone most buildings, from the Cheesewring Quarry on the moors to the north east of the town, the East Cornwall Bank on The Parade and a private house on Varley Lane. Granite was also used for kerbs and pavement along the main streets, steps, troughs, gateposts and other street ephemera.

Late 19th century villa with coursed local slatestone walls with brick dressings

but is often rendered

Stucco facades on Varley Terrace

24 or slatehung

Throughout Liskeard facades, elevations facing the prevailing wind and walls where access and therefore maintenance is difficult are hung with local slate

as it is not very durable. Other materials used throughout the town include Portland and Bathstone, used by Rice for his more prestigious buildings, and elvan – used on the Lloyds Bank building and the Museum, which also incorporates polyphant stone. Coloured bricks are widely used as ornament to

supplement the polychrome stonework found on many buildings –and whole brick buildings,

The Constitutional Club, built in 1910 mainly from red brick incorporates stone dressings in its design

25 often with stone dressings occur the eastern side of the town in the later nineteenth century. where a greater percentage of There is an unusual (for Cornwall) cottages and townhouses have use of glazed tiles (on the been lost, they often provide an terraces along Station Road) and indication of the site of former terracotta ornament. developments.

Timber framing is more common than might at first appear – but rarely as an ancient structural Streetscapes and views technique. Many of the nineteenth century commercial buildings in Streetscape the town centre, especially in their upper floors are clearly timber The central commercial area of framed, and stuccoed or slate Liskeard hums with life and this hung (the thinness of the walls is rises to a loud buzz on market usually shown by the lack of depth days. A steady stream of traffic of the window reveals). Timber is passes through the town centre the most common material used from Greenbank through the for shopfronts – these are an Parade, down Barras Street and important feature of the central then out along Barn Street. area, where the quality of the Despite its constant nature the joinery work rivals that of the traffic moves steadily through the stonework in the streetscape and town and does not prevent the livens up many a relatively flat easy stuccoed or slate hung façade. passage of the pedestrians. As a result Barras Street has retained Slatestone walls can be found its character as a street rather throughout the town, than a traffic dominated road.

In the Parade the impact of the traffic is lessened by the large pedestrianised area which affords seating areas and places of congregation. Traffic is excluded from Fore Street but the area is still thronged with pedestrians visiting the shops and cafes. The area to the east of Fore Street, the original medieval commercial centre, is now much quieter. The local slatestone walls found throughout the town are an important Although traffic can still pass part of its historic character along the streets, this is rarely the case. Many of the old shops are indicating the sites of former now houses and as a result there courtyard developments, are fewer pedestrians. Here the delineating the plots of nineteenth intricate road layout gives a great century villas, enclosing the front sense of connectivity and gardens of nineteenth century permeability. terraces and shoring up the banks of plots above the road line. In The landscaping in the centre of the town is very hard, with very

26 few trees or gardens. town rising above the surrounding The major routes into the town grey, pitched slate roofs. centre – Dean Street, West Street - Station Road and Greenbank Road are now primarily areas for the car. This said they all still retain a domestic feel not least due to the high number of surviving mature trees, a legacy from the nineteenth century villa gardens, and the carefully tended front gardens. Only in Greenbank Road has this sense of domestic scale been lost due to the demolition of houses and their front gardens. Their replacement with modern houses and bungalows set back from the road has heightened its impact.

Liskeard’s proximity to the granite quarry at Cheesewring is reflected in the high standard of granite paving which can be found throughout the settlement. Many of the roads and streets have wide granite kerbs stones and vast slabs can be found in the centre of the town. The few surviving granite slabs along Fore Street contrast with the rather poor modern brick paviours which constitute the majority of the street surface. The areas of Liskeard where historic paving and surface treatments still survive are listed in Appendix B and marked on fig. 3.

Views

See Fig. 3

One of the most prominent landmarks in Liskeard is the Italianate clock tower to the Guild Hall. Due to the narrowness of Pike Street it is difficult to appreciate at close quarters but can be seen throughout the northern and eastern side of the

The church tower viewed from Pondbridge Hill

and the park keeper’s cottage in the castle grounds.

Some of the vistas in Liskeard can be deceptive such as the view across from Barn Street towards the church tower where, due to the gradient, the entire network of medieval streets below remain hidden. This contrasts greatly with the vista from the Parade down Pike Street where the intricate, multi- layered early settlement can be appreciated.

Looking north from the foot of Barras Street the fringes of tall The granite Italianate clock tower to the Guildhall is an important focal point of buildings open out towards the many of the vistas throughout the town open space of the Parade with its central granite, Neo-classical Other highly visible structures fountain. include the slatestone church tower Most of the long reaching views are experienced from the approach roads into the town. Station Road has a wide boulevard-like quality affording views into the town and out

28 towards the valley of the East Looe River broached by a magnificent granite viaduct. Similarly striking views can be experienced from the edge of the churchyard where the land falls steeply away into the rolling landscape of the farmland to the south- east of the town.

Looking west from the church the impressive roofscape of Liskeard can be best appreciated; slate roofs both plain and with decorative ridge tiles, hipped and pitched, are laid out in stepped and random patterns interspersed with lanterns, turrets and gables.

29 9 Character Areas Fore Street, Market Street, Church Street, Well Lane 9.1 Understanding character and Pondbridge Hill/ Cannon Hill

In addition to the broad elements of settlement character identified Statement of Significance – in the previous chapter Liskeard can be divided into six distinct This is historically one of the character areas. These relate in most important parts of part to the character areas first Liskeard where the original identified by the Cornwall and medieval streets are lined with Scillys Urban Survey in 2005 mainly eighteenth and (figure 2). They are: nineteenth century good • The Market Core quality buildings. Traditionally • The Parade the commercial core, it is still • Post medieval urban part of the principal shopping expansion area in the town with a busy • Church Town thriving atmosphere. • Eighteenth and nineteenth century villas Historic development • Nineteenth century ribbon development • Late medieval period – market moved from slopes Character areas are differentiated near the church to site from each other by their varied adjacent to the well. Area historic origins, functions and developed from early resultant urban topography, by domestic dwellings to the processes of change which commercial premises have affected each subsequently • 1574 - building of Market and the extent to which these Hall confirmed commercial elements and processes are status of area evident in the current townscape. • 18th century – number of elegant town houses The special interest of each • 19th century - conversion of character area will be defined in most of houses to shops order to asses its value or significance both as an individual area and as part of the settlement as a whole. This understanding can then form the basis for maintaining and enhancing Liskeard in the future – to ensure that its special character is sustained and enhanced.

9.2 The Character Areas

Pair of 18th century houses in Church Street refronted and converted into The Market Core shops in the early 19th century

30 becomes aware of the differing • 20th century – retracted nature of the buildings. commercial area - Fore Street and Market Street still commercial, but on Church Street, Well Lane and Pondbridge Hill many shops empty or converted to domestic use.

Building types –

• 18th and 19th century town 19 Fore Street Shop built c1880s. Has a fine and complete original double shop houses (some could include front earlier fabric) • 19th century shop Whilst some of the buildings are conversions simple low vernacular structures th • 19 century warehouses with plain rendered walls and slate pitched roofs, others have been designed with specific architectural details and some of the larger buildings built in a specific architectural style.

Classical – Many of the aforementioned historic shopfronts are designed with classical proportions and symmetry and include classical detailing such as modillion brackets, quoins, pilasters and cornices. In addition to its classical influenced shopfront 1 th Substantial late 19 century Market Street has a number of warehouses on Well Lane classical details as do many of the th shops and former town houses • 19 century purpose built shops along Fore Street. The Guild Hall th is Italianate with a design based • 19 century public buildings on a Renaissance palace including Architectural styles – loggia and three stage clock tower. Initially at street level the impression is of visual Eclectic – The Constitutional homogeneity, especially Club has a ground floor noticeable on Fore Street and incorporating Classical details such as rusticated stonework, Market Street, due to the high number of surviving historic keystones and modillion brackets shopfronts, usually two bays wide. surmounted by two storeys of However, glancing up one brickwork in a Dutch Gothic style

31 with a gable flanked by corbelled turrets. 6 Church Street has large segmental windows with a Tudor style central square headed window with modern mullions. The Salvation Army church is designed like a Medieval Castle in stone with brick crenellated towers flanking pointed windows with brick dressings. Ground floor open loggia in front of the arcade of the Guild Hall on Fore Street with original cast-iron gates on left.

Its massive granite loggia dominates the streetscape, whilst the three stage Italianate clock tower is a significant landmark and point of navigation throughout the town.

The Salvation Army citadel on Church Street – red brick dressings define the architectural features and were used throughout the town following the arrival of the railway

Key buildings and structures –

These are structures which play a key part in the surrounding townscape and in the views and vistas.

• The Guild Hall – grade II*, designed by Reeves of Reeves and Baker and Henry Rice, 1859.

The Italianate Guild Hall clock tower, which is a feature of so many views throughout Liskeard

• 1 Market Street – grade II, designed by Henry Rice, 1853. A fine example of an extremely ornate town house in the Classical style

32 with an enriched modillion • Ough’s, 1 Market Street – eaves cornice, rusticated grade II, 1853. Occupying a quoins and cartouches. At corner site on the junction the ground floor level is an between Market Street and early twentieth century Lower Lux Street this shop shopfront. was, until recently, run by the same family since the 1850s. The shopfront is a replica of an historic design with pilasters, fascia board, glazing bars and stall risers and forms a strong focal point to the vista down Pike Street and Market Street.

Mid 19th century town houses with The façade of 1 Market Street is historic replica shopfront rich in Classical detailing designed by Henry Rice including an enriched modillion eaves cornice, • The Constitutional Club – rusticated quoins to upper floors built in 1910. The ashlar and first floor segmentally-headed blocks of the ground floor sashes between pilasters with contrast with the red consoles to open pediments with dated cartouches. The building is brickwork above enlivened an important focal point when by granite dressings. looking northwards along Fore Street Other listed buildings (all grade II) – • The Pipe Well – grade II. Tucked away behind Fore Late 17th century town houses Street the Pipe Well is – 11, 22 Fore Street, 1, 18, 33 easily missed. It is notable and 35 Church Street not so much for its mid- nineteenth century 18th century town houses – 20 rubblestone wellhouse and Fore Street, 7 Market Street late nineteenth century (remodeled mid 19th century), 8, wrought iron gates, but for 11, 13 and 15 Church Street its connection with the early settlement – the present structure replacing a medieval building.

33 Public realm and streetscape (see figure 3) –

Streets and lanes – The streets are intensely interconnected especially in the area between Fore Street, Market Street and Well Lane, and to a lesser extent between Church Street and Market Street. This sense of a complicated network of interconnecting routes is intensified by the narrowness of the streets. Due to the large number of shops the area has a very busy street life. Most of the traffic is human, however, as the area is pedestrianised or pedestrian priority. 7 Market Street – an 18th century town house remodeled by Henry Rice in Traditional paving –The th mid/late 19 century when the shopfront majority of pavements are tarmac was added. Bold Classical details include the modillion cornice and first floor round- with very high quality thick kerbs headed sashes with moulded keyed made from granite. This contrasts architraves between pilasters with with the modern paving scheme in consoles to triangular pediments Fore Street where the sense of pavement and carriageway has th 18 century former inn – 4 been lost to a wall-to-wall surface Church Street treatment of brick setts. th Early 19 century town houses – 23 Fore Street, 10 Market Street, 22, 26 and 28 Church Street Early to mid 19th century shops – 21 Fore Street, 8 Market Street, 2 Church Street Mid 19th century town houses – 3, 12 and 14, 13 and 15, 16 Fore Street, 11 Market Street, 23, 24 Church Street, 2 Cannon Hill th Mid 19 century warehouse – 9 Well Lane The high quality granite paving outside Mid 19th century cottages – 6 the Guild Hall contrasts with the poor modern brick paviours of Fore Street. The and 8 Cannon Hill historic profile of the street and the visual th Mid to late 19 century shops homogenity which existed when local – 4 and 6, 7, 18, 19 Fore Street materials were used has been lost

Elsewhere there are still very high quality areas of granite paviours and cobbled gutters, particularly in the streets leading towards the church (see fig. 3).

34 Greenery and green space (see figure 3)-

The majority of structures are built straight onto the street with no front gardens or forecourts, resulting in a very hard landscape with little greenery and no trees. There are a few planters outside the modern supermarket on Pondbridge Hill.

Views (see figure 3) Due to the intricate nature of the street pattern there are few long vistas. However looking north from Market Street the street climbs, fringed by a handsome succession of buildings rising in steps punctuated by the confident The narrow, curving alleyway leading to column of the clock tower. the well offers an intriguing glimpse of the Another sweeping vista can be former warehouse in Well Lane experienced looking east from Pondbridge Hill where the road In this part of the town more falls away before climbing again in informal vistas can be found such steps at Cannon Hill towards as the backs of the buildings along Church Street. Looking north Fore Street. along Fore Street the road gently curves away flanked by shops, many of which have original Enclosure – facades, lending a ‘period’ feel to the street not unlike a film set of The open space of the market Victorian England. place would originally have dominated this area. However, The majority of views are intimate subsequent development over the glimpses, typified by the years has resulted in an alleyways leading to the well. environment characterized by narrow streets, tall buildings on narrow plots and a general sense of intensive development.

35 cheap railings and paving

Damage –

• poor quality new build at the south western corner of Fore Street • modern paving along Fore Street

Tall flanking buildings and a narrow Neutral Areas (see figure 3) – Medieval carriageway leads to a strong sense of enclosure at the northern end of Fore Street • undeveloped site at the south western end of Well The tight grain of the built Lane environment slackens somewhat • replacement building and at the southern end of Well forecourt on the site of the Street, but recent redevelopment former Market House has left only the plot bordering Pondbridge Hill as an open space. General condition and Buildings at Risk - Loss, intrusion and damage – Buildings in this area are generally Historic losses include – in good condition and there are no • buildings on the junction Buildings at Risk. between Fore Street and Bay Tree Hill (some of which were lost through fire The Parade and its in 1968) environs • the market house (two storeys high with a semi- Pike Street, The Parade, circular façade, built 1822 Barras Street, Bay Tree Hill, and demolished 1956) Windsor Place and the • buildings to the south of eastern edges of Dean Canons Hill (cottages and a Street and West Street former school) • Buildings to the south of Statement of Significance – Pondbridge Hill • warehouses and outbuildings An important area for public on Well Lane resort and commerce. This part of Liskeard contains a Intrusion – large number of significant • a number of historic buildings in a variety of shopfronts have been architectural styles and obscured by modern materials. The townscape is designs planned, and on a grand scale • the replacement of historic unusual in Cornwall. Although windows and doors with bisected by the main route inappropriate modern through the town it is not versions dominated by traffic. • forecourt areas defined by

36 buildings are built in the area including the Library

Building types – • 18th century and earlier town houses – some quite sizeable, originally set within larger gardens (many refronted during the 19th century) • 18th century piecemeal develop of inns and smaller commercial premises – lower lying then the earlier town houses and later commercial buildings, vernacular in style, often in the form of in-fill within earlier gardens • Mid-late 19th century Two fine townhouses on the Parade. Liskerrit House was built by Henry Rice in town houses, some with the mid 19th century, whilst Parade House shops at ground floor level is a remodeling by Rice of an earlier 18th – tall structures (some century structure three/four storeys) often with wide frontages Historic development – key • Mid-late 19th century events commercial properties –

th th including a number of late • Late 15 /early 16 century 19th century banks (tall – area developed by buildings with architectural wealthy merchants for embellishments such as homes near, but not too towers or exaggerated close to commercial core cornices) around the market place. • Mid-late 19th century Stuart House part of this public buildings (a lively development th mixture of architectural • Mid 18 century – the styles) market relocates to the Parade and the area Architectural styles – becomes part of the expanding commercial core th Early buildings in this area such • Mid 19 century – The as Stuart House (see below) and Parade and Barras Street the White Horse were built in the become the main route local vernacular style. However through Liskeard after a the majority of buildings are fine number of buildings are examples of the eclectic mix of demolished th architectural styles, which so • Late 19 century – a characterized the Victorian era; number of significant public

37 the period when this area building designed by the underwent most development. architect John Paul in 1872 is one of a number of Classical – Many of the town polychrome buildings in the houses and purpose-built town. The façade is commercial buildings such as the redolent of the Ruskinian banks were designed in the style of Venetian Gothic. Classical style or with Classical detailing.

This bank on Barras Street has a Classical Doric style ground floor

Other styles include Gothic, Venetian Gothic and Flemish Renaissance – see examples below, many examples of which are public buildings. The highly decorative Masonic Hall includes polychrome stonework in addition to Venetian Gothic decoration Key buildings and structures – • Forester’s Hall – grade II, • Webbs House – grade II, originally the East Cornwall purpose-built hotel, 1833 Saving Bank designed by by J Foulston of Plymouth Henry Rice, this building is this five bay three story similar in materials, style and stucco building with detailing to the Freemason’s Classical detailing is one of Hall. Its ground floor loggia the most prominent greatly enlivens the buildings in the town. surrounding townscape of Pike • The Fountain – grade II, a Street. The bank was built in Henry Rice construction 1856, dating from 1871. Although • The Library – grade II, not large this granite commissioned by the structure with Classical philanthropist John Passmore features such as miniature Edwards, 1896. This imposing pedimented doorcases and building in the Flemish aedicules is still the focal Renaissance style with three point of the northern gables and a central oriel Parade area. window provides a strong • Freemason’s Hall – grade II, frontage on the eastern side of this extremely exuberant Barras Street.

Other listed buildings (all grade II) –

18th century town houses, remodeled in the mid 19th century (some to include shopfronts) – 4,6,8,9 Pike Street, 2 The Parade, Parade House, the Nationwide Building Society, Barras Street Early 19th century town houses The library built in 1896 by Symons – Highwood House, Barras Street and Sons, of Blackwater for John th Passmore Edwards. Symons and Mid 19 century town houses Sons had previously built the – 2,5,7,10 Pike Street, 6 The Technical Institute for Passmore Parade, Liskerrit House, Edwards in Hayle and that same year Mid 19th century town house were working for him on the Library in St Ives converted to public house – 18 Pike Street th • Parade House – grade II, one Mid 19 century town house of the town houses dating from and shops – 4 Bay Tree Hill the period (mid- eighteenth (1872), 17 Bay Tree Hill, The Great House, Bay Tree Hill (on the century) when the Parade was th considered ‘suburban’. This site of the 16 century Great House) house was re-fronted in the th late nineteenth century by Mid 19 public houses – The Fountain Hotel, The Parade, Henry Rice and fashionable th Classical details such as the Mid 19 century warehouse – Pet and Gardens, Windsor Place Tuscan porch and modillion th eaves cornice were added. The Mid to late 19 banks – Lloyds low granite front wall and Bank (1867) and East Cornwall wrought- iron railings are still Bank (1851), The Parade, the in situ. Midland Bank, Barras Street, • Stuart House – grade II*, NatWest Bank (1860s-70s), originally dating from the late Windsor Place fifteenth/ early sixteenth century. This building was remodelled and extended in the seventeenth and mid- nineteenth centuries. Its slate hung walls and prominent three-storey porch are key features in the surrounding townscape. • Guardian House – grade II, was built in the mid nineteenth

Century as a town house with Lloyds Bank designed by Henry Rice in a shop. The shopfront was 1867. Constructed from pink granite on a added to the original stucco white granite plinth in an Italianate style façade with Classical features – it is the most elaborate and well- in the 1950s. preserved Victorian bank in Liskeard

39 Late 19th century town houses Barras Street continues the open with shops – 6 Bay Tree Hill, aspect of the parade with a broad Rapsons, Windsor Place carriageway and wide pavements. Late 19th century town houses Pike Street is the only street in – 1 and 8 Windsor Place this area built on a gradient and 1893 – Horse trough, the Parade its narrow carriageway reflects its early medieval origin. However its buildings have wider frontages Public realm and streetscape than in nearby Fore Street and (see figure 3)– descend the hill in an elegant series of steps. Streets and lanes – The nature of the Parade has altered over the years as part of the evolution of Liskeard. Originally just one of a network of narrow medieval streets, it was widened during the nineteenth century by the demolition of a row of houses to form a market place and part of the new main route through the town. Although the market is no longer held on this th th site the open aspect of the Parade 6 -10 Pike Street row of 18 / early 19 century townhouses with later shopfronts has been retained through a recent environmental scheme, There are a number of alleyways which stresses the area’s and pedestrian-only routes in this importance as a place for meeting area that pass through back yards and ameliorates the effects of the and rear plots allowing for unusual constant flow of traffic. glimpses of the principal buildings, and containing outbuildings, walls and surfacing of value in themselves; adding important layers of historically authentic textures and detail.

Traditional paving – There is some survival of historic paving in the area including granite paviours and wide granite kerb stones along Pike Street, Windsor Place and Barras Street.

Boundary and garden walls – In this area of Liskeard nearly all the buildings directly address the street and any garden plots, The environmental scheme in the Parade/Barras Street area included where they exist, are hidden granite bollards with strips of behind the buildings. copper making reference to the Consequently there are very few town’s industrial past garden walls other than the low

40 walls in front of 1 and 8 Windsor Place and Parade House. Some boundary walls can be seen from the alleyways leading to the West Street car park.

Railings – • In front of Stuart House • In front of Parade House

Steps – Granite steps can be found leading up to • 1-8 Windsor Place • 2 The Parade • Webbs Hotel (very broad) • Barclays Bank

Fountain designed by Henry Rice in 1871. Street ephemera – Constructed from dressed granite, elvan and freestone in a Classical style

• The Fountain (see above) • Granite troughs on The Parade • Granite bollards on The Parade • The Millennium Cross

Greenery and green space (see figure 3) -

In the main this is an area of hard landscaping, with most of the buildings addressing the road. Any greenery in the area takes the form of planters such as those on the corner of Barras Street and Dean Street and on the Parade, or limited front garden planting such as in front of Stuart House and

Parade House.

Views (see figure3)-

Due to the width and length of the streets there are significant vistas, the most notable being the view to the fountain from the foot of Barras Street. From this point it is possible to appreciate the way the

41 streets opened out to Loss, intrusion and damage – accommodate the former market place. From The Parade there are Loss – glimpses of the church and castle • Middleton House and site, but there is no real link to garden adjacent to Webb’s the original commercial area of House the town. This can only be • The Congregationalist appreciated from the head of Pike Chapel on the junction Street where the interconnecting between Dean Street and network of early streets and Windsor Place has been jumble of slate roofs become demolished and replaced visible. • Part of Stuart House • Cottages on the Parade, Enclosure – demolished for road The open aspect of the Parade widening and Barras Street have been • No 6 Pike Street, a former mentioned above, and the smithy. grandness of the townscape on a • Curving row of shops at the scale unusual for Cornwall. Pike junction between Dean Street has a narrow medieval Street and Barras Street carriageway flanked by stepped • The 18th century Trehawke three storey structures, but the House at the foot of Barras wide street frontages lessen their Street was replaced by a impact. The broad, designed bank in the mid- nineteenth character of the Parade contrasts century. with the narrowing gateway effect at the southern end of Barras Intrusion – Street. • The roundabouts at either end of The Parade are at present very utilitarian traffic junctions with an overabundance of signage. The ugly tubular steel barriers around the Dean Street roundabout impede connectivity and pedestrian flow. • There is in general a good survival of historic shopfronts, but some have Although no longer the venue for the been replaced by market or fairs the Parade has retained its broad, open character inappropriate modern versions Whilst an uneasy open space at the junction between Dean Street and Barras Street has been created by the demolition of a curving row of houses and shops.

Some modern shopfronts can obscure This expanse of tarmac at the junction historic features between Bay Tree hill and Windsor Place would benefit from an • A number of historic environmental scheme windows and doors have

been replaced with modern • The former garage site to versions the south of Stuart House is

currently boarded-up Damage – awaiting re-development. • The three modern buildings . between Webbs House and General condition and the Library have a Buildings at Risk - detrimental effect on the

character of the Buildings in this area are generally conservation area. They are in a good condition, but the grade sited in the heart of the II listed Highwood House, Barras town in a most prominent Street is in a poor state of repair, position amongst some of particularly its rear elevation. the town’s most

magnificent buildings, and

yet their design, detailing and materials are of a very Post Medieval Urban low standard. Expansion Dean Street, West Street, Barn Street, Higher Lux Street, Castle Street, Castle Hill, Pound Street, Lower Neutral Areas – (see figure 3) Lux Street

• The area at the junction

between Bay Tree Hill and

Windsor Place has long Statement of Significance – been promised an

enhancement scheme, but An extension of the central remains an undefined open commercial area characterised expanse of tarmac. by an eclectic mix of building

types and styles and a large number of places of worship. On the western side the cattle market is a significant feature, which although under threat

43 of closure, continues to attract • 1886 – Roman Catholic large numbers of visitors. The Church, West Street and eastern side with its medieval Sunday School street pattern and early nineteenth century buildings is now mainly residential. Although there are no standing castle remains there is still an open area of parkland. Some of the grass banks surrounding the current Castle Gardens could be part of earlier defensive features.

Historic development – key events The Roman Catholic Church on West Street built in 1886 in the Early • Medieval period – English Gothic style castle/fortified manor • By 1699 – sporadic • Late 19th century – Railway development throughout Hotel, Barn Street the whole of the area • 1905 - cattle market built in th • 18 century – sub-urban the grounds of the former town houses and inns. The Trehawke House castle site becomes a school Building types – • By 1803 - Dean Street Chapel and Sunday School • Substantial town houses – • 1841 – Wesleyan Chapel dating from the 18th Barn Street, replaced after century and the early, fire in 1846 by chapel mid and late 19th century designed by Henry Rice • 1854 – Bible Christian Chapel, Barn Street designed by Henry Rice • Mid 19th century – two schools on Castle Lane, the school on the castle site becomes a police station, the castle grounds become a pleasure park, a Friends Meeting house built on Pound Street and a Chapel on Castle Hill. Two attached town houses, c1870s • 1860 – Windsor Place designed by Henry Rice with polychrome masonry and Gothic created to form better detailing access to Barras Street • 1876 – Baptist Chapel and Temperance Hall, Barn Street and Congregationalist Chapel, Dean Street

44 architecture than in the town centre – buildings with simple rendered facades and slate roofs. Despite the modest scale of many of the buildings, there is much decorative Classical detailing

13 Higher Lux Street – mid 19th century town house with classical 4- light shop front with end pilasters with moulded caps, fascia and moulded cornice – forms part of a group of small town houses and shops

• Chapels, churches, halls and Sunday Schools – Decorative Classical doorcases on Barn dating from the early to Street late 19th century • Purpose built shops – Mid - such as the Doric doorcases on to late 19th century the row of houses along Castle • Cottage and terraces – Street. early to mid 19th century

Row of townhouses along Castle Street with Classical detailing Large shop with domestic accommodation built in 1886. Many original features survive including the In addition to the restrained shopfront with fascia board and Classical detailing a number of elliptical windows and paired sash buildings are designed in an windows on the first floor exuberant Gothic manner.

Architectural styles –

In common with the neighbouring commercial area of The Parade and Barras Street there is a mix of building materials and styles. Here however there is a higher percentage of vernacular

45 Masonic Hall and Forester’s Hall in the centre of the town. • The Albion Inn, Dean Street – grade II, dating from the eighteenth century this simple vernacular rendered building with a Delabole slate roof is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the area. It gives an impression of the scale of buildings which originally occupied this part of the town. • Rosedean House, Dean Street – grade II, built by Henry Rice in 1863 for a local doctor, part of the The former Bible Christian Chapel, Barn town’s growing professional Street was designed by Henry Rice in class. The façade of 1854 in the Early English Gothic style polychrome rubble is decorated in a mixture of styles with Gothic and Key buildings – Classical details, and a porch with a Moorish arch. • Wesleyan Methodist Church – The house typifies Henry grade II, built in 1846 by Rice’s eclectic approach to Henry Rice in the Italianate architecture which can be style with slatestone rubble found throughout the town. walls and stucco details. The imposing bulk of this two-storey structure with its hipped slate roof makes an important contribution to the surrounding streetscape. • No 1 Barn Street – grade II, is a survival of a mid- nineteenth century town house with shop. The glazing bars, pilasters and moulded entablature with Rosedean House, designed in 1863 by fascia board are still in situ. Henry Rice in an eclectic style from • Denmore House, Barn Street coursed, faced polychrome rubble with a granite plinth and freestone – grade II, a town house dressings built around 1865 by Henry Rice from polychrome • Roman Catholic Church, West coursed rubble and dressed Street – A simple stone stone. Although less building in the Gothic style elaborate, the building with a steeply pitched roof. makes reference to the The main frontage has

46 simple cream bricks around Church. the lancet windows and a central decorative trefoil. • The Cattle Market – although there are no individual buildings of note the groupings of simple, unpretentious one storey sheds with corrugated iron roofs are a good example of early twentieth century agricultural market vernacular. • Kilmar House, No. 4 Higher Lux Street – grade II, built in the mid- eighteenth th century, this town house The late 19 century chapel on was refronted in 1808 in Castle Hill built in the Gothic Revival style the Classical style. In the nineteenth century the • 15, Lower Lux Street – grade house was used as a II, a mid nineteenth century private girls’ school. shop with original double shopfront including fascia and blind. • No 4, Castle Street – grade II, built in 1886 as a large shop with domestic accommodation. The shopfront still survives and the building with its Classical detailing makes reference to the smaller scale surrounding town houses. 18th century rear range to Kilmar House with pointed headed windows with intersecting glazing Other listed buildings (all grade II) – • Raymonte House, Higher Lux 18th century town houses – 13 Street – grade II, an early West Street, 2 Barn Street nineteenth century town 18th century town houses, house with original sash remodeled in the 19th century windows and a pedimented – 16, 18, 20 Dean Street doorway. Early 19th century town houses • Chapel, Castle Hill – a – 17, 23 Dean Street, 9, 11, 17 greenstone building in the and 19, West Street, Bolventor Early English Gothic style Barn Street, 3, 27 Higher Lux with cream bricks around Street, 1, 3, 12 Castle Street the arched windows and Early 19th century terrace – 11, traceried quatrefoil 11A, 15-23 Castle Street decorations. Similar in style Mid 19th century town houses to the Roman Catholic – 6, 13/13A, 15, 25, 27 Dean Street, 1,4,6,7 West Street, 17

47 Bay Tree Hill, 3, 4, Tregantle, (routes/channels for traffic), and Barn Street, 10 Castle Street, 3 do not encourage the pedestrian Pound House to linger. Mid 19th century town house The interconnecting alleyways and shop – 13 Higher Lux Street between the three main arteries Mid 19th century Manse – 7 are an important part of the Dean Street character of this area. It is Mid 19th century lodge – 29 possible to travel from West Dean Street Street to Barn Street without Mid 19th century cottages – using the main roads. Windsor Cottage and Swan Higher Lux Street, one of the Cottage, Russell Street major routes into the settlement Mid 19th century shops – 17, from the north during the 20, 21 Lower Lux Street medieval period is now a quiet Late 19th century town houses road. Whereas Castle Street is – 19, 21 Dean Street, Wesleyan now the main route to Plymouth School Room, 1890 – Barn Street, and the east War Memorial c.1920s – Castle The smaller interconnecting Street streets to the south of Pound Street have become increasingly quiet over the years, as the commercial premises have been converted into domestic accommodation.

Traditional paving –

The pavements still have their original wide granite kerbs, and add to the sense of good quality design in the area.

Granite war memorial in the Castle Park

Public realm and streetscape – (see figure 3)

Streets and lanes –

Although Dean Street, Barn Street and West Street should still be regarded as streets (urban spaces where people live, work, walk and interact) they increasingly have the characteristics of roads

48 • The retaining walls to Castle Park on the eastern side of Castle Street

Tall slatestone garden walls along the eastern side of Castle Lane

• Garden walls along the Wide granite kerbs stones and granite eastern side of Castle Lane door step at the foot of Lower Lux Street

Greenery and green space – There is an attractive mix of (see figure 3) materials to be found in the streetscape including wide slabs of The western side of the area is slate on the alleyway floors. characterized by its hard

landscape where only the buildings define the street. On the eastern side Castle Park is a significant open area of green space including open lawns and a children’s play area. The park stretches down to border Castle Street and its slopes with shrubs and mature trees are clearly visible from street level. There is an open area of grass on Wide granite paving slabs at the eastern the northern side of Pound Street end of Dean Street and most of the houses on this Significant slatestone boundary side of the street have front and garden walls - gardens including bushes and shrubs. At the eastern end of • The retaining walls on the Pound Street on the southern side northern side of Pound is a wide grass verge. Street Other green verges can be found • The tall garden wall which at the southern end of Castle forms a considerable part of Street. the street boundary at the The otherwise hard landscaping eastern end of Pound Street on Castle Hill and Castle Lane is alleviated by a group of trees where the two streets meet.

49 Views – Although on the western side of the area the ground is level there are still significant views such as the curve of the street towards the town looking from the station. There are also intriguing glimpses along alleys, through arches and into courtyards. This is particularly true in the area leading into the cattle market and the car park off Pig Meadow Lane.

Due to its high location some of the most far reaching and important views in Liskeard can be found looking south- west from Castle Park. From here one can appreciate the high survival of slate roofs and the intricate There is a good sense of enclosure pattern of the medieval streets along the narrow Medieval Lower Lux below. The clock tower on the Street lined with buildings Guild Hall provides an important navigation point in the jumble of • Pound Street – west end, stepped roofs below. Looking west but opens up towards east one can appreciate the proximity with low level buildings on of the surrounding countryside northern side and a grass culminating in the peak of verge to the south Caradon Hill. In the area around • Castle Street – retaining Lower Lux Street, Castle Lane and wall and high slopes of the Castle Hill the views are more park on one side and tall restricted, the real interest lying buildings of three stories on in intimate glimpses into the the other courtyards and backplots behind the street frontages. Off Pound Medium enclosure – Street and Higher Lux Street • Higher Lux Street – gaps in similar glimpses can be seen streetline due to car parks which include sections of ruined both sides of the road and stone walls – all that remains of new build on the western the intensively developed side set back from the courtyard sites. street • West Street – begins Enclosure - enclosed at eastern end but Good enclosure – enclosure lost due to car • Lower Lux Street – narrow parks on either side of the with two and three storey road buildings

50 Lower Lux Street and Pound Street lost to road widening. • The Friends Meeting House. • All significant remains of the castle and its parkland. • The houses on the junction between Castle Street and Church Street North, and the houses on the junction between Castle Lane and The buildings and tall garden Castle Street, lost to road walls along the western end of West Street give a good sense of widening. enclosure Intrusion – • Dean Street – has a wide • Some historic buildings carriageway and have satellite dishes on pavements, but prominent highly visible continuously developed on facades either side • The street lighting is very • Barn Street – a fairly wide utilitarian in design and road, but highly developed sometime sited without on both sides reference to the • Castle Hill – although surrounding sensitive narrow, the new build on historic environment the eastern side is set back from the road – good sense Damage – of enclosure at western end. • A number of buildings, particularly on the busier roads have modern Loss, intrusion and damage – replacement windows and doors Historic loss – • Some historic render has been replaced with modern • The Congregationalist Chapel render or pebbledash on Dean Street, now replaced by modern shops. • The Temperance Hall on Barn Neutral Areas – (see figure 3) Street, now a club. • Railings outside the town • The former petrol station houses. site to the south of Stuart • All the courtyard House which is awaiting developments in Higher Lux redevelopment Street and Pound Street • The roundabout at the foot have been destroyed. The of Barras Street which is only surviving evidence currently surrounded by being glimpses of walls in very utilitarian rolled steel the gardens and plots barriers behind. • The schools off Castle Lane. • Building on the corner of

51 General condition and Buildings at Risk –

Buildings in this area are generally in a good state of repair except for the grade II listed 19 Castle Street which is in a very poor condition.

The roundabout at the foot of Barras Church Town Street is ringed by significant Church Street, Church Place buildings including the listed and Church Gate Neoclassical Natwest Bank. The quality of the buildings is currently undermined due to the low quality of Statement of Significance – the street furniture and the signage clutter One of the oldest parts of the town dominated by the • The car parks on either side of sixteenth century church of St West Street and to the rear of Martin. This was the original 2 The Parade on Greenbank market centre of Liskeard, but Road would benefit from is now mainly residential. higher enclosing walls. This High quality townscape of would restore a sense of intricate interconnecting enclosure and lessen the visual medieval streets lined with impact of the parking facilities. some of the oldest surviving buildings in the town.

• At present the eastern end of Pound

Street lacks enclosure and the car The Churchtown area has the character of park to the bank and the rear a separate small village centred on the elevations to Pike Street are all highly church visible

Its topography detaches it • The areas of green verge and from the rest of the settlement larger open areas of grass giving the impression of a would benefit in places from separate entity. some landscaping.

52 Historic development – key Gothic architecture has events influenced the design of many of • Norman period – First the surrounding buildings. The church built, remnants still church hall displays a mixture of survive Tudor and Gothic details • Early medieval – the first including stone window market was possibly sited surrounds, a miniature bellcote in this area and arched doorway. The former • 15th century – church rectory has Gothic influenced rebuilt pitched and gable roofs as does • 18th century town houses the Gothic Revival former school • 19th century – further whose design includes stone development of cottages, mullions and arched windows. almshouses and the rectory • 1825 – Barley Sheaf public house • 1865 – National School • 1897 – Elliot House – town residence of the Earl of St Germans

Building types –

This area has a mix of small scale vernacular domestic, ecclesiastical The former rectory was designed by the Plymouth architect George Wightwick in and a few commercial buildings the Gothic Revival style giving it the character of a small churchtown. The early twentieth century houses on Church Gate are typical th • 18 century town of the Mock Tudor style of the houses inter-war years with gable ends th • Small 19 century and bay widows. Many of the cottage rows – usually larger domestic buildings include only one room wide Classical detailing and • The Medieval church and proportions. Wadham Court has associated buildings Classical symmetrical proportions th including the 19 century as does the main block of the Eliot th vicarage and early 20 House Hotel. The Eliot House century church hall Hotel includes Classical inspired th • Early 19 century public moulded architraves to the house widows and doors and a former th • Mid 19 century school central doorcase with a cornice. Nos. 9 and 11 Church Street North have Classical doorcases with pilasters as does the Barley Sheaf public house. Architectural styles –

The magnificent 15th century church of St Martin is the key building in this area and its

The former National School built in 1865 from local slatestone in the Gothic Revival style

• The old rectory – designed by Wightwick. Although the original slate roofs still survive this Victorian One of the 18th century town houses in rendered building has been Church Street North which has a Classical greatly altered due to the style doorcase addition of new porches and

replacement windows, and Key buildings – is now used as a dental

surgery. • St Martin’s Church – grade

II*, mainly slatestone with • The Barley Sheaf public some granite ashlar house – dressings this building grade II, built in 1825. At dominates not only its three storeys high and immediate environs, but three bays wide this the whole of the south rendered building with slate eastern side of the town. It roof is one of the most is one of the three largest dominant buildings in the churches in Cornwall. area. Some of the original

Classical decorative

features still survive such • The old school – grade II, a as the moulded cornice and former National School built wooden doorcase with in 1865. This slatestone pilasters and enriched building with Delabole slate entablature. roofs in the Gothic Revival style influenced by the Ecclesiologist architects is still used as the church hall.

54 interconnecting nature is similar to those around Market Street.

Traditional paving –

The majority of pavements are simple tarmac with granite kerbs. In places, such as Church Gate, the original wide granite kerbstones are still in situ.

Its height and hillside location make the three storey Barley Sheaf a prominent building in the Churchtown area

Other listed buildings (all grade II unless otherwise stated) –

Medieval cross – north west corner of the churchyard Medieval preaching cross – Wide granite kerbs with distinctive (grade II*) south east corner of diamond pattern on Church Street North the churchyard th 18 century town houses - 9 Street ephemera – and 11 Church Street North th th 18 and 19 century gates • 18th and 19th century and walls – St Martin’s granite steps and gateways churchyard to the churchyard th Early 19 century town house • Horse tough and mounting – Wadham House (now flats) block on Church Street th Early 19 century tombs – 5 North tombs in St Martin’s churchyard • There are wide granite gullies outside the Barley Sheaf. Public realm and streetscape – (see figure 3)

Streets and lanes –

The streets still retain their medieval characteristics. Their narrow, twisting and

55 churchyard on its northern, eastern and southern boundaries. The churchyard also imparts a pastoral character to Church Street South. The trees of the churchyard are clearly visible from Church Gate, which is itself ‘greened-up’ by the planted front gardens of the houses. The mature trees in the garden of the former rectory are a feature of Church Place in contrast to the hard landscaping at the eastern end of Church Street South.

Views – Due to its high position striking vistas can be experienced from the church. Looking west the slate Mid 19th century cast iron gates and 18th roofs drop away in stepped century stone coffin rest form part of the formations to the valley below. To lych gate on the southern side of the the east the steep gradient hides churchyard the modern development directly

below and the view is almost

exclusively rural incorporating Greenery and green space – glimpses of the railway and (see figure 3) viaduct.

The churchyard provides a significant open area of green space within the centre of Liskeard. Within the churchyard are a significant number of mature trees, including some sizeable yews.

Wide-reaching rural views looking east from the Churchtown area

Enclosure -

Good enclosure – • Church Place – The row of buildings on the eastern side Mature trees within the churchyard of St and the walls to the former Martin’s church rectory and school give a good

sense of enclosure, which is The trees provide a green lost at the southern end at the backdrop to the church and give a junction with Maddever sense of enclosure to the

56 Crescent where the land falls General condition and sharply away. Buildings at Risk - • Church Street South – The churchyard wall and trees The steps at the south eastern enclose the northern side of corner of the churchyard are the road as do the houses on currently very overgrown. the southern side, this continues even where there is new build due to the retention of historic boundary walls. • Church Gate – Rows of houses flank either side of the narrow street

Medium enclosure – • Church Street North – The sense of enclosure is lost at the eastern end where buildings were demolished The churchyard steps on the south eastern side should be cleared of for road widening vegetation and repaired if necessary

Loss, intrusion and damage – Damage could occur to the stonework if they are left for much Historic loss – longer.

• Almshouses to the south of Otherwise buildings in this area the church are generally in good condition • Cottages on the northern and there are no Buildings at Risk. side of Church Gate

Intrusion – Eighteenth and • There are strings of highly Nineteenth Century visible overhead power lines Villas

Damage – Statement of Significance – • On a number of buildings

the traditional render has This area represents pockets been replaced by modern of elegant detached houses coatings including and gardens within an urban pebbledash context. The quality of • Many buildings have materials and architectural replacement windows and design adds to the grandeur of doors Liskeard and complements the

larger scale buildings in the

town centre. Although some of

the gardens have lost their

ornamental features, only a

few have been built over or

reduced in size. As a

consequence they provide

green lungs in a largely highly

57 developed environment.

Historic development – key events • Mid 18th century – Beech Lawn (45 Higher Lux Street)

Mid 19th century villa designed by Henry Rice in the Classical style with giant pilasters incised with a Greek key pattern, plat bands and a moulded cornice

Key buildings –

th The mid 18 century villa, Beech Lawn, • Graylands – built in the mid- includes classical details such as the modillioned cornice & central doorway nineteenth century and with engaged twisted rope enriched originally called Dean House columns this is a rubble stone building with stucco on its • 1816 – Westbourne House two main fronts. Elegant first constructed –possibly classical details include an by Foulston eaves frieze with console th • Mid 19 century – Henry brackets and a distyle Doric Rice designed a number of porch. villas and remodeled • Westbourne House – Westbourne House in 1860 originally built 1816 possibly by Foulston and re- Building types – fronted in 1860 by Henry This area consists of eighteenth Rice to include bay windows and nineteenth century villas, surmounted by balustraded some quite sizeable but the parapets. The original north majority more modest in scale, entrance porch to built on land previously Foulston’s design still undeveloped apart from the survives with a wooden occasional agricultural cottage. doorcase and traceried The majority were carefully sited fanlight. to take advantage of the views • Dean Villas – this trio of into the surrounding countryside. houses now known as Inversnaid, Oak Dean and Architectural styles – Dean Meadow were designed by Henry Rice The area is characterized by around 1855. All are stucco houses architect designed in the in the Classical style, but Classical or Regency style. The distinguished from each majority have rubblestone walls other in the detailing. Dean with stucco facades, some with Meadow has rusticated stone dressings, and slate roofs. quoins, Oak Dean a distyle

58 Ionic porch and Inversnaid has striking giant pilasters with an incised Greek key pattern.

Other listed buildings (all grade II unless otherwise stated) – Mid 18th century town house – 45 Higher Lux Street (Beechlawn) Early 19th century town house – 30 Higher Lux Street 1830 town house (enlarged Slatestone boundary walls to 3 Greenbank Lane with hollow-chamfered granite 1845) – Wadham House gateway th Mid 19 century town house – 3 Greenbank Lane

This listed mid 19th century slatestone screen wall on Greenbank Road with its 3 Greenbank Lane – A mid 19th century doorway with moulded triangular open villa combining local materials and pediment is an important part of the classical proportions streetscape, even though its original villa no longer exists Public realm and streetscape – (see figure 3)

The villas’ tall slatestone boundary walls are an important part of the streetscape giving a good sense of enclosure and visual homogeneity. Many of the walls have overhanging trees and shrubs, which give a parkland character, and imposing gateways such as the granite block gate piers to Hollywood House add to the quality of the area.

59 is ameliorated by its backdrop of lush greenery formed by the mature, varied planting. In the triangle of land lying between West Street, Dean Hill and Westbourne Lane there is more natural than built environment – a great environmental asset for any town. Westbourne Gardens is an important local amenity providing an area of green for the public adjacent to the town centre. The height of the mature trees within many of the villa gardens and their proximity to the boundary walls make them an important element in the wider streetscape. Front garden wall to Pendean House, c1860s, possibly by Henry Rice. Constructed from local slatestone with dressed granite copings and a moulded round-arched dressed granite doorway with roundels to spandrels and stepped coping

The granite gate piers to Hollywood House form an important part of the streetscape of Barn Street as do the mature trees

Greenery and green space – (see figure 3)

The surviving gardens of the villas form a green ring around the town which, as a result of the sloping topography, creates the sense of a town set in ornamental woodland: the roads into the town centre passing through woody gateways. As a consequence the hard landscape of central Liskeard

60 some historic features and railings, and the addition of modern extensions and signage.

The mature trees and planting in the villas’ gardens greatly enhances the streetscape of Liskeard

Views – The character of some of the villas which Beyond Dean Villas the land falls have been converted into office use has away steeply to the south west been compromised by modern additions, giving far reaching views out over loss of original features and insensitive the valley below and the rolling signage fields beyond. Wadham House on the opposite side of the town was Neutral Areas - similarly positioned above a steep drop with equally far reaching Westbourne Gardens, as noted rural vistas. Other houses such as above is an important local Westbourne were positioned on amenity, but at present has a large flat areas of land, which somewhat low-key, if not run- allowed for the laying out of down air due to the loss of elaborate formal gardens including ornamental features and planting lakes and tennis lawns in order to allow for easy maintenance.

Loss, intrusion and damage –

Historic loss – • Greenbank House, stood at the junction of Greenbank and Doctors Lane • Part of the gardens at Graylands has been developed on the eastern side

• Westbourne House gardens Westbourne Gardens is an important are now a car park green open space in the heart of Liskeard, • Wadham House garden is but would benefit from an environmental now a housing estate scheme based on its historic form

Intrusion - General condition and Buildings at Risk - Many of the villas have been converted into flats and offices Buildings in this area are generally which have resulted in the loss of in good condition and there are no Buildings at Risk.

61 Nineteenth Century • 1860s Manley and Ashpark Ribbon Development Terraces, Henry Rice

Russell Street, Victoria Terrace, Ashpark Terrace, Manley Terrace, Station Road, Lanchard Lane, Varley Lane, Varley Terrace, Thorn Park, Dean Terrace

Statement of Significance – The terraces and houses on the outskirts of Liskeard are Ashpark Terrace, Station Road – designed notable for the high standard by Henry Rice in the 1860s in the of their design. This is mainly Classical style due to the influence of the local architect Henry Rice who • Mid 19th century – school to built houses with integrated the south of Thorn Terrace designs and carefully planned • 1898-99 – an infirmary was gardens. These terraces are constructed on the western interspersed with a number of side of the workhouse site. architect designed public buildings resulting in areas of Building types – high standard townscape in contrast to the more usual The predominant building type in urban sprawl which surrounds this area is the mid to late many town centres. nineteenth century terrace.

Historic development – key events • A few eighteenth century agricultural workers’ cottages • 1839-40 Foulston designed the gatehouses for the workhouse which later became Lamellion hospital. The main building was designed by George Gilbert Scott and his partner Cottage row along Varley Lane with the William Boynthon Moffat to canopy of mature trees in the garden of the early twentieth century villa St Malo in a standard design also used the background for Penzance, St Austell, Redruth and St Column These terraces range from modest Major workhouses. cottage rows to imposing • 1839 – gasworks on Barn structures which, although mostly Street only two stories high, are sited on • 1838-47 Dean Terrace – banks above the street behind designed by S Bone long front gardens. Public • 1852 – Varley Terrace, buildings include the former Henry Rice

62 workhouse, now the disused Key buildings – Lamellion hospital and the former mid nineteenth century • Dean Terrace – grade II, school, now a community centre. designed between 1838-47 by the architect S Bone in a Architectural styles – very simple but elegant Classical style with stucco Whilst the local vernacular is facades and Delabole slate represented by cottage rows such roofs. The terrace consists as the Varley Lane cottages, of ten attached villas set Thorn Terrace and Verdun parallel to the road with the Terrace, the majority of larger house at the eastern end terraced houses in the area are forming a return. designed to include polite • Lodge Houses, Lamellion Classical and Gothic detailing. Hospital – grade II, Typical of the Classically designed between 1839-40 influenced houses in the area is by the architect John Ashpark Terrace where the Foulston of Plymouth as building facades include quoins, forecourt lodges to the and doorcases with cornices former workhouse. supported by pilasters. Designed in a very simple Classical style with stucco walls the bays of which are delineated by plain wide pilasters under a slate roof they flank a carriageway entrance. The original archway between the two lodges has been demolished. • Victoria Terrace – a row of stone terraces with two storey bay windows. The The pilasters supporting a moulded facades are decorated with cornice on Ashpark Terrace have vermiculated quoins stone plat bands and panels of ceramic tiles, newly Manley Terrace has an eclectic available due to the mix of Gothic gables, railway. Romanesque round-headed • Varley Terrace – grade II, windows and Classical style designed by Henry Rice in doorcases. The late nineteenth 1852. This terrace of century former school is designed houses include round in a mixture of Gothic and Tudor headed sash windows with styles typical of many schools of fanlight heads at ground this date throughout Cornwall. floor level and distinctive glazed box porches with corner pilasters supporting moulded entablatures.

63 Public realm and streetscape – (see figure 3)

Streets and lanes –

This area is defined by the roads, and the majority of the development directly follows their pattern, radiating from the town centre in a series of tentacles. Apart from New Road and Dean Hill all the other roads have medieval origins but their wide layout dates from the 19th century turnpike improvements.

Station Road has the character of a boulevard with its wide carriageway and terraces of houses set back from the Granite setts in front of Ashpark House streetline behind front gardens. Dean Street has a similar feel in Greenery and green space – front of Varley Terrace, but (see figure 3) becomes more rural opposite Dean Terrace where the steep Despite the dominance of the slopes are thickly wooded. roads the streetscape here is Elsewhere in this area the streets ‘greened up’ by the proliferation of are more informal with Varley front gardens, many planted with Lane retaining the character of a trees and shrubs. The cemetery narrow rural lane. The eastern represents a significant green side of Thorn Park has the open space as does Thorn Park character of a miniature garden which includes some significant square, but the formality is mature trees. weakened on its western side where Verdun Terrace presents its rear elevations, as it was built to take advantage of the views to the west.

Traditional paving –

Early photographs show extremely high quality paving in this area: large slabs of granite with thick granite kerbs. Sadly this has now largely disappeared, the majority The cemetery represents a significant green space on the western side of the of paving now being in the form of town tarmac with granite kerbs. Outside the Lamellion Hospital site the entrance is flanked by two magnificent copper beaches

64 enclosed within hedges.

The sizeable copper beech trees in front of the former Lamellion Hospital site make an important contribution to the streetscape

Hedges also contribute to the ‘green’ character of the area including the significant hedge The wide carriageway and houses set bordering the car park opposite behind front gardens gives Station Road Manley Terrace. the open character of an avenue or boulevard

However, most of the gardens are Views – enclosed behind low front walls

and where there is no housing, Although subsequent modern spaces are enclosed by significant development has taken place, boundary walls, such as those standing in this area it is still along Varley Lane, or hedges. possible to experience views directly out into the surrounding countryside. These are particularly far reaching from the high ground on Dean Hill and New Road. Similarly there are also views back into the town of an urban landscape beyond the trees of the suburban villas.

Enclosure -

As the majority of development in this area is set back from the streetline behind front gardens the overall character is one of openness and spaciousness.

The tall slatestone boundary walls give a strong sense of enclosure along the north-eastern side of Varley Lane

65 Consequently apart from the over- Damage – wide visibility splay to Heathlands • Replacement doors and Road there are few tears in the windows of inappropriate streetscape. materials and design on historic buildings

Loss, intrusion and damage – General condition and Buildings at Risk - Historic loss – The remnants of Lamellion • Large parts of Lamellion Hospital, the former workhouse, Hospital including the are currently bordered-up and the entrance arch and Gilbert whole site is awaiting Scott’s main redevelopment. Foulston’s lodges accommodation block have are in need of urgent repair and a been lost future for the rest of the site • The former gasworks to the needs to be agreed. east of the cemetery. • The elaborate wrought iron railings which bordered the front gardens of nearly all the terraces in the area.

Intrusion – • Satellite dishes on the prominent facades of buildings • Large scale street lighting which makes no reference to the high quality Foulston’s lodges to the former Lamellion Hospital site are in urgent need of repair surrounding historic fabric as is the main hospital building (above)

The small chapel/store associated with the cemetery site is currently boarded-up. Otherwise buildings in this area are generally in good condition and there are no Buildings at Risk.

Large scale street lighting of a very utilitarian design dominates the vista along Dean Terrace

66 10 Problems and Development Pressures There has been some new development in the town that has Buildings been carefully designed and The historic character of Liskeard planned in order to fit in with and (in common with so many other complement the surrounding historic communities) is at risk historic fabric. However, too often from inappropriate repairs, new buildings have been replacements and extensions. constructed from non-local These conservation issues include materials and to designs which – bear no relation to their locale. In many instances new development • The loss of historic windows has been set back from the and doors and their streetline preventing it from subsequent non-traditional blending into its surroundings and replacement. resulting in a lost sense of • The loss of decorative wall enclosure. treatments such as window

surrounds, keystones, quoins, plat bands and Public Realm historic decorative The quality of the public realm in plasterwork to modern wall Liskeard does not always reflect coatings. the high quality of the historic • Original slatehanging built environment. The following replaced with non-local or issues need to be addressed: - man-made slate. • Street lighting which in • The loss of decorative places is of poor design, features such as carved over scale and insensitively bargeboards, roof finials positioned. and keystones • Abundant overhead cables • The replacement of existing which are often sited with local slate roofs with little regard to the substitute materials surrounding historic fabric • Shopfronts – Although • Signage clutter – this there is a good survival of relates to both commercial historic shopfronts and street signs throughout the town, a • Poor quality paving in Fore number have been Street – the brick paviours obscured by over-scale do not enhance the high modern fascia boards or quality buildings, and lost to inappropriate disguise the street’s original modern replacements. profile. • The placing of satellite • The roundabouts at either dishes on the facades of end of The Parade are historic buildings characterised by a mixture of poor quality materials and signage clutter.

67 • The car parks on either side of West Street and at the junction between Greenbank and Pound Street are bordered by low walls. Consequently the car parks themselves are highly visible and present sizeable tears in the streetline.

Many of the open areas of grass throughout the town would benefit from tree planting and landscaping

Designations The current conservation area boundary excludes –

• Luxstowe House, built in 1831 by George Wightwick. Constructed from coursed slatestone rubble with granite dressings in a Gothic/Tudor style. • The stone-built former stables opposite Luxstowe House.

The car parks off West Street would benefit from tall boundary walls which would increase the sense of enclosure along the street and lessen their visual impact on the surrounding historic fabric • The car park to the south of West Street is for many people their first impression of Liskeard, and currently presents an expanse of tarmac interspersed with poor quality street furniture. • There are several areas of green verges throughout the town centre which at present appear somewhat desolate and neglected.

Luxstowe House and its former stable block are significant buildings in the historic development of Liskeard and should be considered for inclusion within the conservation area boundary

69 11 Recommendations • Satellite dishes should be confined to rear facades which Buildings are not highly visible. • Windows and doors in buildings in sensitive and highly visible locations should Development be of traditional materials and • Further development within the design. Historic windows and conservation area should be doors should be repaired limited in extent and, where where possible or replaced to necessary, fully integrated into match originals the historic topography and • Traditional wall coatings should settlement form. New buildings be repaired like-for-like rather should be sited with reference than replaced by modern to their surroundings, either to treatments. Historic brick or cause minimum impact on the stone walls should remain surrounding landscape or to untreated. reflect existing historic street patterns. • Buildings clad with local natural slate should be • There are some sites which repaired like-for-like. If new require redevelopment and slates are necessary they some poorly designed modern should be locally sourced. buildings which in the future could be replaced with • Decorative features such as structures more in keeping bargeboards should be with the sensitive historic conserved and replaced with environment. Any new like-for-like where repair is not buildings should avoid pastiche possible. and ‘token’ local • Local slate roofs should be distinctiveness. Their design retained and repaired with should be informed by the slate to match. The insertion of unique character of the further dormer windows and conservation area and should rooflights should be limited and be of appropriate materials, confined to rear and less scale, design and detailing. visible roof slopes • Historic shopfronts should be Public Realm conserved and shopkeepers should be encouraged to reveal • Street lighting should be historic features which still designed to reflect the survive beneath modern character of its insertions. Commercial signage surroundings. The design of should reflect in its scale, the lighting should be materials, colour and siting the sympathetic to the different sensitive nature of the character areas and should surrounding historic be sensitively sited. environment. Fluorescent, • Overhead cables should be plastic or perspex signs should appropriately sited in order be avoided. to impact less on the surrounding historic environment and key views.

70 • The current street signage • The importance of the large should be reassessed to car park to the south of ensure any redundant or West Street as many over-scale signs are visitors’ first impression of removed. New signage the town should be should be restricted to the considered. By minimum necessary, of incorporating trees into its good quality materials and design it would improve the design, and should be sited environment, link it to the sympathetically to the surrounding tree lined historic environment. grounds and break up the present bleak expanse of • When the current paving tarmac. In addition better scheme in Fore Street quality street furniture requires replacement any should be provided and new scheme should signage should be of good reinstate the carriageway quality and rationalised. along with the original granite paviours and thick • Many of the grass verges granite kerb stones throughout the conservation area would • At the roundabouts at the benefit from tree planting. junctions between Barras Street and Dean Street and Greenbank Road and Pound Designations Street there should be better quality signage • Consideration should be (which should be given to extending the rationalised) and any conservation area to include necessary street furniture Luxstowe House and its should be of good quality former stable buildings. The design and materials. This house is an important part would create gateways into of the development of the the centre of the town town being the most which reflect the high significant of the large villas quality of the surrounding built in the early nineteenth historic environment rather century. It currently abuts than detracting from it. the existing conservation area boundary. • The car parks on either side of West Street and at the junction between Greenbank and Pound Lane should be enclosed by tall local slatestone walls. These walls would reinstate the streetline, give a sense of enclosure and lessen the impact of the serried banks of parked cars on the surrounding historic environment.

71 12 Opportunities town; highly prominent and set amongst some of Liskeard’s historically and • The Lamellion Hospital site architecturally most is currently awaiting re- important buildings. It is a development. As the two valuable opportunity to add lodge houses by Foulston to the townscape and it is are listed it is assumed that to be hoped that the new any re-development of the development is informed by site will include their the surrounding historic retention and repair. The fabric in terms of scale, late nineteenth century site, detailing, materials infirmary building to the and profile. west of the site still • At present Westbourne survives. Gardens are being managed for ease of maintenance rather than as an important historic and environmental asset for the town centre. Consideration should be given to an environmental scheme based on historic maps and photographs to reinstate some of the features lost. • Many of the upper floors of

The former infirmary building on the buildings in the centre the Lamellion Hospital site of the town are unused, or requires repair and reuse under-used, which can result in a lack of By removing the modern maintenance and ensuing entrance extension the degradation of the fabric. A elegant proportions of this Living Over the Shops building could be restored (LOTS) scheme could presenting a high quality improve the values, structure that could be occupancy and out-of-hours subdivided into apartments. vitality/security in the area. If plans for the • The Castle Site, whilst redevelopment of the site included on the very good include the conservation Liskeard Heritage Trail, is at and adaptation of these present un-interpreted. existing buildings Liskeard Consideration should be will retain good quality given to providing on-site buildings which played a information to illustrate the significant role in the important part this are of development of the town. the town played in • The site to the south of Liskeard’s early Stuart House, formerly development. occupied by a petrol station, has been cleared and awaits redevelopment. This is a key site in the

72 Sources

The Cahill Partnership, 2007, Liskeard Conservation Area Appraisal (unpublished) Cornwall County Council, 2005, The Cornwall and Scillys Urban Survey – Liskeard Liskeard Town Council, Liskeard Guide for Visitors Stuart House Trust, Liskeard Heritage Trail Vaughan-Ellis, G, Crouch, E and Rapson, J, 2010, The Life and Work of Henry Rice

Strategic, policy and programme documents

Caradon District Local Plan 2007

Historic maps Ordnance Survey 1st edn. (1809) Tithe Map (c1840) Ordnance Survey 1st edn 1:2500 (1880) Ordnance Survey 2nd edn 1:2500 (1907)

Web Sites www.genuki.co.uk www.cornwall-online.co.uk

Cornwall County Council Historic Environment Record Sites, Monuments and Buildings Record 1994 Historic Landscape Characterisation

73 APPENDIX A Lloyds Bank, The Parade – 1867

Henry Rice Buildings within 16 The Parade – c. 1840 the conservation area (Information complied from Parade House – c. 1835 with The Life and Work of Henry alterations in 1850 Rice by G Vaughan-Ellis, E Crouch and J Rapson) The Fountain, The Parade – 1872 Foresters Hall, Pike Street – Originally built as a lecture room 2 The Parade – c. 1837 and bank in 1835, the façade in the style of Ruskin was added in Barclays Bank, Pike Street - 1861 1851

3,5,7 Pike Street - 1835-61 2, 4 Pike Street – c. 1845

8,10,12 Pike Street – 1849 1, 7 West Street – c. 1850

Guild Hall, Fore Street – 6 West Street – c. 1865 designed jointly with Charles Reeve, 1859. Clock added in Westbourne House, West 1868 Street – remodeling of an earlier house in 1864 Old Market House, 25 Fore Street – 1865 Pendean House, West Street – remodeling of an earlier house in 3, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18 Fore 1849 Street – c. 1855 Westbourne Lodge, Dean Goldsworthy, Market Street – Street – 1872 1853 19, 21 Dean Street – 1866 7 Market Street – 1853 6 Dean Street – c. 1860s 24 Baytree Hill – 1856 Rosedean Surgery, Dean 3 Baytree Hill – c. 1850 Street – 1864

20 Baytree Hill – c. 1860 16, 18 Dean Street – 1854

6, 7 Baytree Hill – c. 1879 20 Dean Street – Remodeling of an earlier house in c. 1850 Guardian House, Barras Street – c. 1840 22, 24, 26, 18 Dean Street – c. 1850 1 Barras Street – c. 1860s 1-7 Varley Terrace – 1853 7 Barras Street – c.1850 Ashleigh House, Dean Street – c. 1855

74 Classical window details added by Quiberon, Dean Street – 1855 John Sansom 1910

1-4 Dean Place, Dean Street – Dunsland, Barn Street – 1860 1851 Liskeard Band Room, Barn Graylands, Dean Street - 1855 Street – 1854

Bosinver, Dean Hill – 1849 Hollywood, Barn Street – 1869, turret added by Sansom

New Liston and Tregantle, Barn Street – c.1860

Denmore House, Barn Street – c. 1865

1-6 Russell Street – c. 1865

Davalmaur, Station Road – 1870

Kekewhich Villa, Station Road – c. 1865

1-4 Ashpark Terrace, Station Road – c. 1865

Ashpark House, Station Road This Doric doorway with engaged – c. 1865 columns and frieze with triglyphs is part of Henry Rice’s remodeling of an earlier 19th century house Manley Terrace, Station Road – 1860 Dean Meadow, Oakdean, Inversnaid New Road – mid Eventide Residential Home, 1850s Castle Street – 1847

0 - 10 Dean Terrace, New Castle Bungalow, Castle Road – 1838-47 Street – 1836-54

Corner Building, Windsor Building corner or Market Place – 1864 Street and Lower Lux Street – 1872 Former Warehouse, Windsor Place – c. 1864 2 and 2a Lower Lux Street – c. 1860 7 and 8 Windsor Place – c. 1864 21 Lower Lux Street – c. 1860s façade on an older building Methodist Church, Windsor Place – 1845, enlarged in 1861,

75 Greenbank Chapel, Greenbank APPENDIX B Road – 1838, portico by Sansom Survey of surviving historic 1925 paving and street surfaces

Trewithan, Greenbank Lane – c. 1860 The majority of kerb stones in Liskeard are local granite Luxstowe Cottages (former reflecting the proximity of the stables), Greenbank Road – c. Cheesewring quarry on Bodmin 1838 Moor. Such is the ubiquity of these kerbs they have not been 2 and 2a Greenbank Lane – included in the survey, but the 1847-51 wider kerbs, which can be found in the town centre and on the 3 Greenbank Road – c.1860 roads radiating outwards, are recorded. Warehouse, Well Lane – c. 1840 Barn Street – thick granite kerbs either side 1 Pipewell, Well Lane - 1853 Barras Street – thick granite kerbs either side from Stuart House northwards

Bay Tree Hill – thick granite kerbs on northern side and along the road which branches along the southern side of Windsor Place

Castle Street – granite slab door steps over gutter

Church Gate – thick granite kerbs, carry around into Church Street

Church Place – thick granite kerbs in front of the former school

Church Street – granite sett gutters on southern side and thick granite kerbs on northern side

Church Street North – granite kerbs with diamond either side of road

Dean Street – granite sett paving at entrance to Inversnaid

76 Higher Lux Street – thick granite kerbs on eastern side and on the western side from No.14 southwards

Granite setts in front of Ashpark House

Well House, Well Lane – granite slabs in front of the Well House Granite kerbs in Higher Lux Street West Street – thick granite kerb Lower Lux Street – granite outside the Roman Catholic kerbs and granite sett gutter on church western side The Parade – modern granite Windsor Place – thick granite paving scheme with granite kerbs kerbs either side

Pike Street – thick granite kerbs on either side and granite slabs in front of some of the shops

Russell Street – thick granite kerbs on either side as far as Lanchard Lane and then on the northern side as far as the Cemetery

Station Road – granite setts at entrance to Ashpark House

77 Liskeard Conservation recognise that their actions can Area Management Plan and do have a significant impact on the quality of Liskeard. Good decisions and sympathetic works Introduction take more thought and often cost more; but the rewards are great This Conservation Area and will be appreciated in Management Plan (CAMP) is decades to come by future intended to stand alongside the generations. Character Appraisal. The structure relates directly to that Article 4(2) directions document for easy cross- reference. There is general guidance on the conservation and Under Article 4 of the General enhancement of the key elements Permitted Development Order that contribute to the quality of 1995, a local authority may bring the townscape. At the end of key certain permitted development sections is a list of best practice rights under their control. There bullet points to aid retention of are two routes to serving such historic character and notice – the more usual relates architectural quality. specifically to conservation areas and is covered by Article 4(2). It is hoped that the document will There is a range of works that act as a reference for all who may need to be the subject of an make decisions which may impact application under an Article 4(2) on the special character of direction – the most usual are Liskeard– property owners, alterations to windows, doors, planners, developers, designers, roofs, chimneys and such like. local authorities and statutory Controlling the removal of undertakers. To this end it will be enclosure that may otherwise be available via the internet and in vulnerable to alteration, or the print form through the library, painting of certain buildings, are Town Council etc. other examples which may be relevant in Liskeard. Special character is derived from the overall effect of many If an LPA is minded to serve such components and is dependent for notice they must specify the its survival on a great number of buildings that have frontages individuals making informed facing an identified location. That choices about the management of application needs to have been their own piece of the jigsaw. assessed and reasons for the Some control may be applied by Article 4 direction identified. The the Local Planning Authority document and the Appraisal go through Article 4(2) directions – some way to identifying issues these bring certain types of and locations where Article 4(2) permitted development, such as could be usefully employed to replacement of windows or roofs, protect the special character of under Council jurisdiction. Liskeard. It is, however, beyond the scope of this document to It is of fundamental importance actually specify exact buildings that owners and contractors and areas that need to be covered.

78 General Guidance the local Council. Similarly outside the planning system any investigation will require funding. This guidance must be considered in conjunction with the Design Guide, which may be viewed at Council offices. Roofs

The topography and development Archaeology pattern of Liskeard is such that the roofscape is of great importance to the overall The history and nature of character of the place. Roofscape Liskeard means that there is character is based on the quality archaeological potential virtually and patina of the materials; the everywhere. Particularly sensitive form, pitch and orientation of the areas include the area around the roofs themselves. Sometimes church and the Pipe Well – other there is order but most of the areas of potential archaeological attractive roofscapes are more importance are detailed in jumbled and dynamic – changing Chapter 7 of the Conservation depending on the vantage point. Area Appraisal. Any works that involve excavation may reveal Chimneys punctuate the interesting finds. Where work is roofscape and other quality subject to the planning process it details, in the form of rainwater will be considered within the goods etc, add richness on closer context of the NPPF and may be inspection. subject to relevant conditions. If work is being carried out by Slate private owners they should be alert to pieces of artefacts, wall Slate is the prevailing roofing footings and changes in the material and a good deal of colour of the earth. If such finds locally sourced historic roofing are made they should contact the slate is in evidence. There are Council for advice. Significant fine examples of rag slate roofs finds ought to be recorded to add and others using smaller slates to our understanding of historic but also in random widths and Liskeard. diminishing courses. Statutory undertakers carrying out trench work ought to seek Today there are a much wider advice before starting and agree variety of products available. a watching brief where Artificial slates should always be appropriate – for example if cable avoided as they inevitably cause undergrounding is carried out. serious harm to the quality of the Where there are conditions roofscape. With natural slate attached to any planning, listed being imported from Spain, South building or conservation area America and China, great care is approval or any other relevant needed when specifying real approval requiring archaeological slate. Some of these are suitable investigation and recording then replacements on non-prominent this work shall be funded by the buildings or new-build, but they applicant as it is not supplied by

79 are never a satisfactory the appearance of individual replacement for historic slate buildings and collectively enrich roofing. New slate ought to be whole streetscenes. With proper fixed using nails – clips are maintenance these items can usually specified to compensate offer good service for well over for poor slate that splits when one hundred years. When holed as using a correct lap will replacement is needed there are prevent windlift. plenty of suppliers of historic profiles - many are available Owners of buildings with rag slate factory finished and some in cast must be aware that the slate will aluminium. Plastic is an inferior actually have a lot of life left in it product which will not last as well but may be suffering from nail or look as good – especially if it rot. Opportunistic contractors will has a modern box profile. It often offer such owners an doesn’t take paint well but amazingly cheap price to re-roof unpainted it soon develops a in artificial or imported slate, coating of algae. Like other knowing that the rag or random plastic building products, when it slate they reclaim can be sold on is replaced it has to go to landfill or re-used on much more where it will not break down for lucrative work elsewhere. centuries, so the environmental costs deserve consideration.

Chimneys Ridges, hips, eaves and Loss of chimneys is nearly always verges detrimental to the character of the roofscape. It is seldom Traditional ways of edging roofs necessary and ought to be are easily lost when roofing work resisted. Repair or reconstruction is undertaken. Clay ridge tiles must be the first aim unless there may be replaced by concrete, are extenuating circumstances mitred slate or mortar fillet hips such as serious structural covered by tiles, box soffits concerns. replace open eaves or moulded fascias and slated or mortared Alterations can rob chimneys of verges can be lost to boards. All their distinctive character by the of these apparently slight application of smooth, crisp changes have a cumulative render that hides stonework or impact that is far greater than flattens a pleasingly uneven each individual act would substrate. Removal of drip slates suggest. and historic pots also detracts from the area. Lead details such as hips ought to be retained and where lead flashings have never existed they Rainwater goods should only be added if that can be executed with subtlety. All Most of the historic rainwater new leadwork must be treated goods in the town are cast iron. with patination oil to prevent Traditional gutter profiles – oxidisation and leaching. mostly half round or ogee add to

80 Dormers and rooflights panels can be reversible they can In order to preserve Liskeard’s be most damaging to historic roofscape, the insertion of dormer roofscapes. windows should only be agreed where they are well justified and on roofslopes where the visual Roofing: A summary impact will be minimal. They must always be very well • Note and record detailing designed and carefully before starting works to proportioned. enable reinstatement. • If traditional details are Rooflights can allow the use of missing look to similar valuable roofspace and there are buildings for inspiration. good modern interpretations of • Repair local historic rag and low profile metal units available. random slate roofs or re-use Where they can be inserted with in situ. little impact to townscape views, • Maintain or recreate authentic especially on screened or rear details to ridges, hips, eaves roofslopes, this is acceptable. The and verges. smallest unit needed should be • Repair chimneys and retain used and it ought to be a quality historic pot or cowl details. metal unit with a slender frame. • Repair or reinstate metal In groups or terraces neighbours rainwater goods in traditional should try to use rooflights that profiles. are complementary in their size, • Avoid dormers unless there is type and location. strong justification. • Only use rooflights and solar panels sensitively and Solar panels consider impact on views. Whilst the Council clearly would wish to promote sound, sustainable energy systems, the Walls choice of such systems can seriously erode the historic integrity of listed and unlisted The palette of materials used to buildings in conservation areas. construct and finish the buildings Therefore careful consideration of Liskeard is varied and they should be given to their combine to form interesting positioning to avoid elevations and streetscenes. The compromising the character of choice of materials and how they the historic environment. Very are used is usually indicative of often there are alternative the age of construction and the locations away from the historic status of the building. building where solar panels can be fitted. This may indeed result The earlier buildings in the town in such equipment being fixed to are constructed from local less sensitive buildings which are slatestone – with most of the part of the curtilage. Alternatively domestic buildings rendered and there are less obtrusive solutions the majority of working and available such as ground source industrial buildings left un- heat pumps. Although solar rendered. Some high status

81 buildings such as the church use and allows them to breathe. imported stone in their Pointing should also be flush or construction. After the arrival of slightly recessed, especially on the railway brick was more easily wider joints, and should never available and many of the project in front of the faces. A buildings from the late nineteenth well-graded sand free of ‘soft’ (or century, although built from local fine clayey) particles is best for stone, use brick for window and most work. door surrounds and quoins. Similarly some higher status buildings in the town centre have Render brick facades and stone dressings; celebrating the novelty Render covers rubble stone on a value of the newly available variety of buildings. Traditionally building material. this render was always lime based and that remains the only Great care and understanding is sensible choice as cement based needed in the repair of all renders are incompatible with all traditional materials in order to of these building types. prolong their useful life and protect them from decay. Careful Generally speaking the finish of appraisal of prevalent materials in render is a reflection of the status a particular locality ought to of the building and/or its function. inform and inspire the designers So functional buildings, humble of new buildings so that cottages and the rear elevations contemporary additions enrich of some higher status dwellings the area. have roughcast or float finished render that follows the Choice of colour is a matter of unevenness of the wall beneath. taste, but it is worth These renders were hand-thrown remembering that plain limewash to achieve a better key and was almost ubiquitous in the past texture is derived from the coarse and only natural pigments were aggregate; modern ‘tyrolean’ available. Bolder colours like type finishes take their texture blues and greens were beyond from cementitious droplets and the reach of all but the most have a fundamentally different wealthy; consequently these character. Grander and more colours often seem unsuitable on aspirational buildings have humbler dwellings. smooth render, sometimes fine stucco; these renders may be lined in imitation of ashlar Stonework stonework below. Considerable skill is needed to achieve this As mentioned above many type of finish. buildings in Liskeard are of local slatestone construction. Although The coating of lime renders with most of the stone used in modern masonry paint will trap Liskeard is durable, these walls moisture over time and can cause are still vulnerable to damage if failure of the render. This is often poorly treated. All stonework interpreted as the failure of an must be pointed using lime inferior old fashioned product, but mortar that flexes with the walls it is in fact the result of conflicting

82 technologies. Where possible • Where traditional finishes historic renders ought to be have been lost, sympathetic repaired and retained, with reinstatement is desirable. masonry paint removed using • Limewash allows old walls to specialist stripping products. breathe; masonry paint traps Limewash remains by far the best moisture. and most effective surface coating on old buildings, but it is pointless applying it over paint. Joinery

Authentic joinery adds to the historic character and visual quality of any Conservation Area. Slate hanging The extent of survival is often indicative of the percentage of

listed buildings; but also of the Slate hanging does occur on a value local people place on the number of buildings in the town historic fabric of their town. Like usually where the building is in an many other places Liskeard has a exposed location where mix of original joinery and penetrating damp has been a replacements, some sensitive but problem or on elevated side much that is poorly detailed. elevations of attached buildings where access is difficult and a At present the replacement of durable, low maintenance windows and doors is not solution was essential. controlled on unlisted buildings.

The Local Planning Authority Brickwork (LPA) will consider Article 4(2)* directions to prevent harmful alterations in the future. It is There are a number of late always preferable, however, for nineteenth century buildings in owners to recognise that sensitive Liskeard with brick facades and it maintenance adds value to their was also used extensively on the own property and contributes to later buildings in the form of the sense of place. lintels, decorative window surrounds and quoins. The use of Historic joinery ought to be seen lime mortars for repair is equally as antique furniture that changes important for brickwork. hands as part of a larger deal and can easily be overlooked. It only takes one inconsiderate owner to Walls: A summary destroy the historic appearance of a building by ill-considered • Traditional finishes should be renovation; with property repaired whenever possible, changing hands as frequently as not replaced. it does today there is a steady • Compatible materials and stream of buildings whose luck finishes are essential on has run out. There are few people historic walls. who would throw a two hundred • Authentic finishes should not year old chair or table in a skip – be removed or covered.

83 their potential value is usually Windows appreciated – yet it happens to windows and doors regularly. The size, type and design of the These artefacts are a finite windows in an historic building resource that embodies the reveal much about its age or craftsmanship of earlier development, its use and the generations and records the status of its occupants in the materials and techniques they past. Humbler buildings often used. have casement windows that vary in design according to age, use Unless badly neglected over a and local custom. Sash windows long period of time, traditional also vary in size and detail joinery is rarely beyond repair. In according to age and use. The many cases the timber used was enduring popularity of sash so well sourced and seasoned windows reflects their versatility that it is far more durable than in providing controlled ventilation. any modern alternative. Detail may have been lost by years of The intrinsic value of the view painting but great care needs to through an historic window is be taken when stripping paint appreciated by many sympathetic though as historic paints owners. They enjoy the elegance contained lead. If repair is not of the glazing bars and enthuse possible, replica replacement is about the distortion and play of the next best thing; though light in imperfect historic glass. replacement requires the use of With care, old glass can be primary resources and energy salvaged and re-used; where it that makes it a less sustainable has been lost, modern option. The use of imported equivalents can be sourced from hardwood from unsustainable specialist suppliers. sources ought to be avoided and PVCu has significant ecological When new windows are needed issues in production and disposal there are a number of issues to . consider:- There is no product that is • Proportion and subdivision – maintenance free. Timber needs The glazing pattern of the painting every few years, but original windows ought to be each time the result looks fresh retained, (or restored if lost), and new. After a hundred years as that is a critical part of the or more sash cords or hinges may whole building. It indicates the need renewal; this is quite easily size of glass available or done and gives the unit a new affordable at the time of lease of life. When modern construction. opening mechanisms or double • Mode of opening – The glazed units breakdown the introduction of top hung or answer is replacement of the tilt-and-turn opening lights is whole unit – hence the piles of always visually jarring and PVCu windows accumulating at harmful to historic character. recycling centres in the absence Overlapping ‘storm-seal’ type of satisfactory means of disposal. details are an entirely modern introduction and are unnecessary if flush units are properly made. Spring loaded

84 sashes are an inferior Doors replacement mechanism compared with properly Doors are just as vulnerable to weighted double-hung sashes. insensitive replacement as • Glazing – Traditional glazing windows. The conservation bar profiles, properly jointed principles summarized above can and glazed with putty, (or be applied equally to doors. Most glazing compound), rather traditional door types allow for than beading, will give a individual expression by painting genuine appearance. and attractive ironmongery etc. • Thermal insulation – Double Unfortunately many owners glazing cannot be achieved choose to express their within traditional multiple individuality by replacing a pane designs without bars serviceable vintage door with an being either much too thick or off-the-peg unit in stained fake. Beading is nearly always hardwood or PVCu. added which further detracts from the appearance. Attempting to introduce Shopfronts double glazing into a traditional design usually The survival of historic shopfronts means a small air gap that around the town is a reminder of hugely reduces the insulation how economic activity, shopping properties anyway. The use of and employment patterns have shutters and/or insulated changed over the years. Although curtains can greatly reduce some are now redundant the heat loss without the need for memory of these local shops window replacement. needs to be retained – adaptation • Draught-proofing – The most may not always be easy but it is significant heat loss through seldom impossible. old windows is due to poor fitting and lack of draught- Regarding the surviving shops stripping. There are still in use there are a number of proprietary systems that issues that can have a profound retro-fit draught excluders and impact on the character of the greatly reduce the amount of place:- air changes and so heat loss. • Sound insulation – In noisy • Retention of features – There locations people often replace are many historic shopfronts windows with modern double in Liskeard that have had glazed units to reduce the original features removed or problem. In fact secondary obscured. Reinstatement or glazing is more effective than restoration of these can make double glazing and allows a frontage more attractive to retention of traditional customers and boost business windows. as well as allowing the • Sills – Traditional sills should building to be seen at its best. be retained unless beyond • Signage – There was a time repair. when the emphasis was on quality, legibility and illustration of function.

85 Somehow the approach to privacy – leading to the addition shop signage has slipped of timber fence panels for towards achieving the example. Alternatively it may be cheapest, largest, brightest removed to provide parking. and most prolific advertisement. Over large Walls or other means of enclosure fascias draw attention in the more than 1m high fronting a wrong way and detract from highway (and 2m elsewhere) neighbouring businesses. cannot be demolished without • Design – New shopfronts and Conservation Area Consent. New signage require planning walls of those dimensions cannot permission and the LPA will be erected without Planning expect these elements to be Permission. competently designed to suit their context. Shopkeepers The tendency towards close- cannot expect to go to a boarded fencing is one that is shopfitting contractor with a having a very tangible visual budget and expect that impact. Apart from being a approach to achieve an characteristically modern acceptable outcome. approach, these fences are quite expensive, require regular maintenance over the years and make it difficult to establish Joinery: A summary planting due to overshadowing and wind damage. Timber fences • Historic joinery items add also tend to be stained in eye- character and quality to the catching colours that are often town and ought to be retained unsympathetic to an historic and repaired if at all possible. setting. • When replacement is necessary, this ought to be in Garden structures can also be exact replica. jarring elements if poorly located, • Where joinery has been lost in badly designed or brightly the past and reinstatement is coloured. desirable, look at similar properties in the vicinity for inspiration. Walls • Design, mode of opening and colour of finish are the most Stone walls are the most common important considerations on means of enclosure in the town. unlisted buildings. Appearance varies with age and function but the consistency of material gives a unity to the townscape that can be easily Enclosure taken for granted. These walls are usually mortared and are In the past enclosure was about both rubblestone and in some demarcation and also keeping out instances coursed. Most have passing animals. Historic simple stone caps, but more enclosure is threatened with decorative treatments are also change by the desire for greater found such as spar caps and castellated caps.

86 hazel, holly, beech and other For new enclosure in much of the indigenous species is most town stone walling is likely to be traditional. Within a few years the most suitable option, such a hedge can be laid to form provided it is local stone and the a dense and effective boundary height and style relates to any that is a wildlife resource that can established local trend. draw insects, birds and small mammals into gardens. There are few historic brick boundary walls in Liskeard. Single species plantings of beech, yew, laurel or box may be There are a few rendered but appropriate in some these should not be seen as circumstances but are not a justification for rendered block practical solution for most places walls. and they demand more maintenance than a rustic mixed hedge. Railings Modern coniferous hedges Whilst not abundant there is clear support little wildlife and can evidence that cast or wrought often be unattractive and not iron railings were historically a very neighbourly. more significant element of the townscape than today. Like so many places, a lot of ironwork Hurdles was removed during wartime. The traditional approach to There are some buildings and fencing is making something of a locations which would benefit comeback in recent years. Hazel considerably from the re- hurdles would have been a introduction of railings. As well as familiar site in the past and can being attractive items in their now be purchased in ready-made own right they also offer panels for quick and effective definition to the streetscene and enclosure. Hazel and willow can can be a real enhancement to also be bought bundled for the some types of property. The most more enthusiastic person to common application is on weave their own fence. properties with a minimal front garden or yard; in these locations As well as being made of more they offer demarcation without sustainable materials without visual weight and avoid shading chemical treatment and keeping windows or planting. an old craft alive, these fences are more permeable to wind making them less likely to blow Hedges over and allowing plants to establish more readily. In the more rural parts of the town and where property adjoins farmland, hedges are Garden structures characteristic. A mixed deciduous The siting of sheds, planting of hawthorn, field maple, summerhouses, decking, gazebos

87 or other structures should be Many of the smaller lanes in the sensitively located. If visible town have no pavements locations are unavoidable, good reflecting their semi-rural/ semi- design and naturally painted industrial nature whilst most of materials should be used to make the other paving in the town is the structures less jarring. simple tarmac with concrete kerbs. Tarmac forms a neutral Garden structures nearly always surface, but if funds were need planning permission within available the replacement of the the curtilage of a listed building. concrete with granite kerbs would There are also size restrictions for add to the quality of the area. permitted development within the conservation area so it is wise to Carriageways are blacktop and it consult the planning department is better to use this honest and when considering such works. established surfacing rather than introduce manufactured paviours or similar. Road markings in Enclosure: A summary sensitive areas should be kept to a minimum. • Retain historic enclosure wherever possible. • If enclosure has been lost, Seating consider the locality and use an appropriate replacement. There are some thoughtfully located seats around the town where the pedestrian can stop a while and enjoy the views. Townscape features Unfortunately some of these are old and in need of maintenance In addition to the buildings and or replacement. walls that give Liskeard its special character there are other items that make a significant Signage contribution to the overall appearance. There are attractive items that need to be cherished Business signage has been and retained; others are in need covered under shopfronts, but of repair or enhancement. directional signage is also an issue in the town, for pedestrians as well as vehicles. Floorscape The road layout is such that it is Traditional cobbled gullies, difficult for drivers to attain speed granite paving slabs and thick in many locations. This is granite kerbs can be found obviously beneficial for throughout Liskeard and greatly pedestrians, but it also means enhance its character. An that directional road signs can be inventory of the historic surfaces smaller and less assertive. There can be found in Appendix B of the is also a need to avoid undue Conservation Area Appraisal. repetition of signs. It would be beneficial if parking control could

88 be exercised without a plethora of are taken forward have been the yellow lines and signs. subject of open public consultation and enjoy broad support. Planting

Trees and hedges are an The Market Core: Fore Street, important element of many Market Street, Church Street, significant views and their Well Lane and Pondbridge Hill/ retention is often of considerable Cannon Hill importance. Work to trees in conservation areas is controlled This area originally comprised the and owners or contractors must medieval commercial core and is contact the LPA for advice before still a busy shopping district. The embarking on felling, topping or area is characterised by narrow lopping works. interconnecting streets lined with 18th and 19th century buildings Decorative planting has its place many with their original in the public realm, but needs to shopfronts. The challenge for the be well planned and maintained area is to continue to attract to be a positive feature. On businesses that recognize the private land owners can enhance merit of the historic commercial their little bit of the town with premises and are committed to suitable planting – it can often be maintaining that quality. The the finishing touch that makes a following courses of action should location really special. be considered :-

Guidance by location (i) *** A shopfront scheme The ideas offered here are should be implemented to intended to provoke discussion encourage the repair or and debate. It is hoped that reinstatement of historic many more ideas will arise from shopfronts local groups and individuals for inclusion in future versions of this (ii) *** The historic buildings document. Some may be obvious, should be kept in good others may be out of the question repair, well maintained and for a variety of reasons; a few used in such a way that may take years to achieve. It is any former historic important, however, for any ideas functions can still be read that may enhance the town and in the surviving fabric. its economic well-being to be aired and considered. (iii) *** Gap sites should be redeveloped with buildings Proposals are rated as follows:- of appropriate design, * * * High priority for action materials and scale on * * Medium priority plots which follow the * Long term aim or historic streetline. possibility (iv) *** A more subtle and At the end of the day though, it is traditional approach to crucial that any proposals that shop signs and window

89 advertisements should be of the streetscape not included in encouraged in order to the recent repaving scheme and, heighten the impact and if the opportunity presents itself, quality of the surviving to replace some of the modern historic shop fronts. infill with buildings which reflect the high standard of the (v) ** A Living Over the Shop surrounding historic environment. (LOTS) scheme could The following courses of action encourage the greater use should be considered:- of the upper stories of buildings in this area (i) *** Improve the public leading to better realm, particularly the maintenance and increased roundabout at the foot of security. Barras Street. (ii) *** Extend the street (vi) ** Good quality cast iron lighting and street furniture railings could replace the used for The Parade itself current modern railings into the whole area. around the forecourt to 27 (iii) *** Poor quality shopfronts Fore Street. and signage should be replaced with designs more (vii) * In the future, when the suitable to the buildings current environmental and location. scheme in Fore Street is in (iv) *** Prevent any further need of refurbishment, use of man made or non- consideration could be local slate for slatehanging. given to re-instating the (v) ** Landscape the area pavements – with the where Bay Tree Hill divides historic granite kerbs which in order to break up the formerly lined the street. expanse of tarmac. (vi) ** Use signage to improve . connectivity by The Parade: Pike Street, The encouraging the use of Parade, Barras Street, Bay Tree alleyways and pedestrian Hill, Windsor Place and the only routes. eastern edges of Dean Street and (vii) ** Consideration should be West Street given to enclosing or developing the gap site on Originally a mid-nineteenth Windsor Place. expansion of commerce and (viii) ** Consideration should be entertainment which developed given to enclosing the around the market place. seating area at the junction Although the market has between Dean Street and relocated the area is still an Barras Street. important commercial centre and (ix) * If the opportunity were a place of public resort. It is to present itself the three characterised by the wide open modern buildings between space of the former market place Webbs and the Library fringed by a number of large should be replaced with Victorian buildings in an eclectic buildings more suited in mix of styles. The challenge for terms of materials, scale, this area is to improve the areas

90 design and detailing to enclose the car parks their prominent and either side of West Street historically sensitive to reinstate a sense of location. enclosure. v. *** The use of inappropriate Post Medieval Expansion replacement windows, (West): Dean Street, West doors, roofs and wall Street, Barn Street coverings should be discouraged. Expansion into this area began as vi. *** Satellite dishes should early as medieval times and there be confined to rear could still be fabric from this elevations which are little period within later buildings. overlooked. However the major development vii. ** The West Street car took place in the eighteenth and parks should be landscaped nineteenth centuries when a mix including the provision of of commercial, domestic, light trees to link the areas industrial buildings and chapels visually with Westbourne was built. A high proportion of Gardens and to improve the historic buildings still survive, the impression of Liskeard although a number have been for visitors and locals. converted. The mixed economy persists and on market days in particular this part of Liskeard Post Medieval Expansion hums with life. In order to (East) : Higher Lux Street, Castle maintain the historic character of Street, Castle Hill, Pound Street, the area the following should be Lower Lux Street considered :- Like the western end the i. *** If possible the cattle development of this area began market should be retained with the expansion of the in its present position but if medieval core, and also with the the site falls vacant any development of the castle. new development should Intensive development did not be low key with a variety of take place until the eighteenth uses such as a farmers’ and nineteenth centuries. market/ car park However the nature of the terrain extension. Due to its and the existing medieval street elevated position any new patterns has resulted in an area buildings should be low of smaller scale buildings with lying. mainly narrow street frontages. ii. *** Improve the quality of Less suitable for light industry the the public realm – including majority of buildings were street furniture and originally shops and town houses. reducing signage clutter Although a few shops and offices iii. *** Street lighting should be can still be found in this area the placed with reference to majority of buildings are now the surrounding historic domestic and the atmosphere is fabric and should be far quieter than on the western designed to reflect its side. In order to maintain the domestic surroundings. historic character the following iv. *** Taller walls should measures should be considered :-

91 i. *** Surviving historic century church of St Martin. shopfronts should be Originally the site of the first retained and maintained, market place the area developed even when the building has around the medieval streets into been converted to a somewhat self-contained domestic use. community including the ii. ***The use of vicarage, shops and a pub inappropriate replacement reminiscent of a churchtown. windows, doors, roofs and Today the area is almost entirely wall coverings should be residential and presents a very discouraged. peaceful environment. In order to iii. *** Street signage and maintain its historic character the markings should be following should be considered :- rationalized and scaled down particularly on the smaller streets i. *** Although many historic iv. *** Street lighting should buildings survive they are be placed with reference to under threat from altered the surrounding historic use and incremental fabric and should be change. The use of designed to reflect its inappropriate replacement historic surroundings windows, doors, roofs and v. *** Satellite dishes should wall coverings (including be confined to rear non-local and manmade elevations which are little slatehanging) should be overlooked. discouraged and historic vi. ** Consideration should be shopfronts should be given to enclosing the car retained and maintained. park at the junction ii. *** Sensitive and between Pound Street and restrained streetscape and Greenbank Road with a public realm works could higher slatestone wall. improve the overall vii. ** The Castle Park could environment of the area. represent a valuable public iii. *** Street lighting should and historic resource which be placed with reference to could be better the surrounding historic understood. This could fabric and should be include archaeological designed to reflect its investigation followed by historic surroundings interpretation and public iv. ** Consideration should be realm works given to landscaping the viii. ** Consideration should be open green area at the given to planting trees on eastern end of Church the grass area along Pound Street North Street v. ** The overgrown stone steps to the churchyard should be cleared of Church Town: Church Street, vegetation and repaired if Church Place and Church Gate necessary. vi. * Consideration should be The oldest part of the town, given to re-siting or under- dominated by the fifteenth grounding some of the

92 power lines which impact adjacent to the town most on the historic centre. environment and key iv. ** Initiate grant schemes to views. repair and enhance some of the more important villas to encourage greater Eighteenth and Nineteenth public access and Century Villas appreciation.

A ring of villas, set within their Nineteenth Century Ribbon own grounds and designed by Development : Russell Street, notable local and regional Victoria Terrace, Ashpark Terrace, architects (including Wightwick, Marley Terrace, Station Road, Foulston and Henry Rice) were Lanchard Lane, Varley Lane, developed around the central Varley Terrace, Thorn Park, Dean core of Liskeard during the early Terrace to mid nineteenth century. The majority still survive, although i. *** Any redevelopment of many have been converted into the hospital site should offices and flats. The grounds, respect the surviving which include a large number of historic fabric. The historic mature trees, form a major buildings should be element in the townscape of retained and any new Liskeard and the gardens of development should be of a Westbourne House are an scale and design that important public amenity. In recognises the surrounding order to maintain (and in some historic landscape. cases re-instate) the historic ii. ** The highways and public integrity of both the houses and realm works should be their grounds the following should improved to reflect the be considered :- quality of the architecture. Improving the visual i. *** Greater importance quality of the streets will should be attached to the encourage pedestrian villa gardens. Any further access which will become attempts to reduce the all the more pertinent if gardens to make way for further housing estates are additional car parking built on the outskirts of the should be resisted town. ii. *** Any further loss of iii. * A grant scheme could historic features on the reinstate the railings in villas such as mouldings, front of the Victorian decorative features, terraces. windows, doors, surface treatments and roof covering should be avoided. iii. ** Restore the historic gardens at Westbourne House to provide a quality green meeting place

93 Glossary of Architectural Terms

Aedicule – a surround to a door, window, or other opening of columns or pilasters supporting a pediment.

Almshouse – charitable housing for the poor.

Applied order – columns or pilasters which appear to be stuck onto the surface of a wall and have no structural function.

Apron – raised panel beneath a window or niche.

Arcade – a series of arches and their supports.

Arch – there are several types: Semicircular, Segmental, Pointed, Lancet (narrow pointed),Three centre, Four centre, Ogee.

Architrave – moulded frame surrounding a door or window.

Arris – the edge formed by the meeting of two planes.

Arts and Crafts – a movement inspired by William Morris’ belief in simplicity, truth to materials and interest in the vernacular.

Ashlar – hewn blocks of squared stone laid in horizontal courses with fine joints.

Attic – room situated within the roof or above the main cornice.

Back-to-back – houses with a common rear wall, each under a lean-to roof.

Balcony – projecting platform above ground level.

Balustrade – series of short posts or balusters supporting a rail or coping.

Barge-board – also known as verge-boards, board on incline of gable to protect ends of projecting roof timbers, sometimes decorated.

Barbette - a protective circular armour feature around a cannon or heavy artillery gun.

Basement – lowest storey (not the cellar) when partly or entirely below ground.

Battlement (crenellations) – a parapet with indentations. The openings are called embrasures or crenelles and the raised part are merlons.

94 Bay – a vertical division of an interior or exterior marked not by walls but by windows, roof compartments, columns, etc.

Bay window – projecting window on the ground floor which can rise through more than one storey. On plan can be square or have sloping sides (canted). When curved called a bow window.

Belfry – a bell tower. Bell-cote – turret to hold bells usually placed at the west end of churches without towers.

Blind window – imitation window used to give symmetry.

Blocked window – as a result of window tax (1696-1851).

Brace – a timber placed diagonally to strengthen a frame.

Bracket – a projection from a wall designed as a support.

Breather – a thin slit-like opening for ventilation.

Bressumer – a massive supporting beam spanning a wide opening and supporting a superstructure.

Brickwork – a Header brick laid so only its end is visible on the wall face and a Stretcher brick is laid so only its side appears. Most common forms of Bond (method of laying) – English, Flemish and English Garden Wall.

Bull’s eye window (oeil-de-boeuf) – round or oval window.

Buttress – mass of masonry or brickwork projecting from or built against a wall to give stability.

Came – lead strip holding together small panes of glass or quarries in a leaded light window.

Canopy – a projecting cover above a door.

Canted – set at an angle on plan, such as the sides of a bay window.

Capital – the uppermost part of a column, pilaster or pier.

Casement window – a window hinged on one of its edges to open inwards or outwards. In general use until the sash introduced in the late 17th century and continued to be used on some cottages and non- domestic buildings.

Castellated – decorated like a castle with battlements.

Chamfer – surface formed when the edge is cut away at an angle.

Cheek – the side of a feature such as a dormer window.

Chimney-stack – masonry or brickwork structure containing a flue or flues that rises above the roof and ending in chimney pots. Axial stack – lying along the axis of a building, external stack – stack which projects from a wall, lateral stack – one which rises from a side wall.

Cill (Sill) – horizontal base of a door or window frame.

Classicism – architectural style derived from the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome.

Cob – walling material made of earth mixed with straw, gravel and sand.

Column (pier, pillar) – a vertical supporting member circular in plan.

Console – a double-scrolled bracket.

Coping – a protective cap or covering to a wall.

Corbel – a support projecting from a wall often carved or moulded.

Cornice – projecting ornamental moulding along the top of a building.

Coursed rubble – walls of rough unsquared stones built in regular layers or courses of uniform height.

Crenellations – see battlements.

Cresting – ornamental finish along the ridge of a roof.

Cross wing – a range joined to the main range of a house with its roof running at right angles.

Cruck – pair of curved timbers used as principal framing of a house, serving as both posts of the walls and rafters of the roof.

Cutwater – wedge-shaped end of the pier of a bridge.

Diocletian window – semi-circular window divided by two mullions with a taller central section.

Door – hinged element to close a doorway. Ledged and battened door – made of planks set vertically and stiffened by pieces of wood set across these. Panelled door – standard polite type with panels framed by uprights (stiles) and horizontals (rails). A fielded panel is a raised square or rectangular panel.

Doorcase – woodwork or plasterwork applied to a doorway and standing proud from the surface of the wall or reveal.

Dormer window – a window projecting from the slope of the roof having its own roof. Full dormer – entire window above the eaves line, half

96 dormer window only partly projecting into the eaves, eyebrow dormer – very low dormer over which the main roof lifts and falls without a break, raking dormer – window with roof pitched in the same direction as the main roof, but at a shallower angle, roof dormer – rising from the pitch of the roof above the eaves.

Dressed stone – blocks of stone which are well finished, but not with the complete precision of ashlar, and are laid with wider joints. Hammer dressed stone – stone which breaks naturally into square or rectangular pieces and has been only roughly dressed.

Dressings – parts of a building around openings (doors, windows) at the angles or any feature that is of a material or finish superior to the main walling.

Drip-mould (label or hood mould) – projecting moulding to throw off rain from the face of a wall or above an opening.

Dutch gable – curved or shaped gable surmounted by a pediment.

Eaves – the underpart of a sloping roof overhanging a wall.

Eclecticism – use of forms from more than one style of architecture.

Elevation – the vertical face of a building.

Façade – the main front of a building.

Fan-light – semi-circular window above a door. A square of rectangular equivalent is an over-light.

Fascia – long, flat member or band horizontally articulating a façade, or the flat board covering the ends of rafters under the eaves, or the name over a shop window.

Fenestration – general term for the arrangement of windows in a building.

Fielded panel – a panel with a raised central area.

Finial – ornament at the top of a gable, pinnacle, etc.

Flèche – slender spire or spirelet rising from roof and sometimes covered in lead.

Foil – curved decorative arc used in Gothic-style architecture named according to the number e.g. trefoil, quatrefoil, etc.

Folly – a structure built for a whim for decoration, without a purpose.

French window – a window that opens to the floor like a pair of doors.

97 Gable – the triangular part of a wall at the end of a pitched roof.

Glazing bar – wooden, occasionally metal, framing to a window pane.

Gothic – general characteristics include pointed arch, rib vault and buttresses. 3 phases in England – Early English (c.1180- late 13th century), Decorated (c.1250- c.1350) and Perpendicular (c.1330-c.1580).

Gothic Revival – 19th century recreation of forms and details of Gothic architecture.

Gauged brickwork (rubbed brickwork) - soft bricks cut to shape, rubbed to a smooth finish and laid with very fine joints (usually to form an arch).

Herringbone – bricks, or thin stones laid in slanting courses, each course slanting in the opposite direction to the course below. In Cornwall known as Kersey way or Jack and Jill.

Hipped roof – a ridged roof that slopes on all four sides.

Italianate – in the style of an Italian villa (towers, low pitched roofs) or Italian palazzos (big projecting cornices).

Jamb – straight side of an archway, doorway or window.

Jetty – projecting upper storey of a timber framed building.

Joist – parallel beams to which floor boards or ceiling laths are fastened.

Keystone – central wedge-shaped block of an arch.

Lantern – small circular or polygonal turret with windows all round surmounting a roof or dome.

Leaded light – a window or light with quarries held by cames.

Lean-to roof – roof with a single slope built against a vertical wall.

Lime plaster – traditional wall covering composed of hydrated lime, sand, water and horse hair.

Lintel – horizontal single piece of timber or stone above an opening.

Linhay – a farm building open at the front usually with a lean-to roof.

Longhouse – building of one storey which accommodated animals at one end and people at the other. Entry through a cross passage which served both ends.

Lych-gate – covered gateway at entrance to churchyard, traditionally providing a resting place for a coffin.

Manor house – general term for the principal house of a manor or village, sometimes the house of a steward who collected rents for the lord of the manor.

Mansard roof – roof whose sloping sides have a double incline.

Mitre – in joinery the diagonal joint formed by the meeting of two mouldings, on roofs the junction of hips where slates are cut to achieve weathertight edges.

Modillion – brackets or blocks supporting a cornice.

Mortice – rectangular hole in a piece of timber to receive the tenon of another timber to form a mortice and tenon joint.

Mouldings – walls with bands of rectilinear curved sections used for ornamentation.

Mullion – vertical post or upright dividing a window.

Muntin – upright division in the framing of a paneled door, screen, etc.

Oculus – small round or oval window.

Oriel window – bay window projecting from upper storey supported on brackets.

Ope – Cornish term for a narrow covered passageway between two houses.

Outshut – an extension to a building under a lean-to roof.

Overthrow – ironwork arch between two gate piers for supporting a lantern.

Parapet – low protective wall on a bridge, gallery or cornice.

Pavilion roof – slopes equally on all four sides and has a flat top.

Pebbledash – external render with small washed stones added. Technique used from the early 20th century.

Pediment – low pitched triangular gable above entablatures (horizontal elements in Classical orders), doors, windows, etc.

Pier – a solid support to take the direct load from a beam, arch or lintel.

Pilaster – a rectangular pier projecting slightly from a wall.

Pitched (gabled) roof – a ridged roof with a double slope and with gables at each end.

Plinth – the projecting base or skirting of a wall or structure.

Pointing – the finish to the mortar jointing of brickwork or stonework.

Polite architecture – buildings designed by a professional architect or designer to follow a national or international architectural style. Aesthetic considerations will be the main consideration rather than functional demands.

Polychromy – use of coloured stone or brick for decorative purposes.

Porch – projecting entrance to a building.

Portico – Classical style large porch.

Porte-cochère – a portico large enough for a carriage to enter from the side.

Purlin - a horizontal timber laid parallel with the ridge beam and wall plate, resting on the principal rafters and forming a support for the common rafters.

Quarry – a small piece of square or diamond shaped glass leaded into a window.

Quoin – dressed stone or brickwork that reinforce or emphasise the corners of a building. Sometimes used where the rest of the walling is of poor quality stonework.

Rag slate – large, irregular slabs of slate, usually wider than long, fixed directly to the rafters without battens. Large slates used at the eaves and verges becoming generally smaller moving up the roof slope.

Rain water head (hopper head) – metal container to collect water from a gutter and discharge it into a down-pipe, often decorated.

Rampart – defensive stone or earth wall surrounding a castle.

Random rubble – walls made with rough unsquared stones built without courses (regular layers of uniform height).

Regency – in architecture 1790 – c.1840 which includes the period when George, Prince of Wales was Prince Regent (1811-1820). Includes the features of bow windows, and elegant wrought iron balconies and verandas as well as a wide variety of revivalist styles.

Rendering – plastering of an outer wall.

Reveal – part of a jamb lying between the glass or door and the outer surface.

100 Ridge – the horizontal line formed by the junction of two sloping surfaces of a roof.

Riser – the vertical part of a step.

Rooflight (skylight) – window set into a roof to provide top-lighting.

Roughcast – external render which includes gravel or stone chippings thrown into a layer of render with a second coat applied over the top. Technique used since the 15th century.

Row – collection of disparately designed buildings attached to each other. When the design is similar or identical they form a terrace.

Rustication – masonry cut into blocks separated from each other by deep joints. Types include banded where only the horizontal joints are recessed, chamfered where stones separated by v joints, rock faced where the stones have an irregular surface which appears weathered, vermiculated surface gives the impression of being worm-eaten, diamond faced surface of each stone cut in the shape of a shallow pyramid.

Sash window – sliding glazed frames that slide up and down due to counterbalanced weights attached to pulleys and cords. In use from the 1670s.

Scantle slate - this term is applied to a variety of roofing techniques that all involve the use of slates in varying size but generally much smaller than rag slates. Larger slates are used at the eaves and on the verges to offer more resistance to wind; the rest of the roof is filled with smaller slates with a general reduction in size towards the ridge. A further characteristic of scantle slating is that the slates are hung onto riven laths using wooden pegs and often, (but not always), bedded on to lime mortar laid on the head of the course below.

Shopfront components – Anatomy of a traditional shopfront

101 Sized slate – from 19th century production of slate cut to regular sizes.

Slate-hanging – covering of walls with overlapping rows of slates on a timber substructure.

Sleigh roof (cat slide) – West Country term for a lean to roof which continues down from the main roof.

Snecked rubble – walls of rough unsquared rubble built in courses with snecks or small rectangular pieces of stone used to create uniform height where main stones of differing sizes.

Soffit - under-surface of any architectural feature.

Spandrel – the triangular space to either side of an arch.

Splay – sloping surface formed by the cutting away of a wall e.g. the jamb of a window.

String-course – a continuous projecting horizontal band set in the surface of an exterior wall, usually moulded. Called a plat band when flat and taller than its projection.

Stucco – render with a hard, smooth surface, used from the 1770s onwards. Sometimes incised to suggest masonry (lined-out).

Terrace – 1. level promenade in front of a building. 2. row of attached houses, similarly designed.

Terracotta – fired unglazed clay used for wall coverings and decorative features. If glazed known as Faience.

Thatch – roof covering of straw or reed. Combed wheat reed, is predominantly used in the South West. Despite its name this material is in fact straw.

Toothing (dentilation) – alternate projecting header bricks beneath a cornice or eaves, if the projecting bricks are laid diagonally it is known as Cogging.

Tower – a structure whose height is much greater than its breadth. Can be part of a building or a stand-alone structure.

Tracery – the ornamental work in the upper part of a Gothic window or opening.

Transom – a horizontal bar of stone or wood dividing a window.

Tread – the horizontal part of a step.

102 Tudor – period of the Tudor monarchy (1485-1558). Normally associated with domestic buildings as Perpendicular Gothic continued to be the style of ecclesiastical architecture until 1580. Characterised by gables, patterned brick, elaborate chimney stacks, four-centred arches and square-headed mullion windows.

Tudor Revival – early 19th century revival of Tudor style of architecture. Further revival in the early 20th century.

Turret – small tower often forming part of a larger structure and containing a spiral stair.

Tympanum – area between the lintel of a doorway and the arch above, also the area inside a pediment.

Valley – the internal angle where two sloping sides of a roof meet.

Vault – arched roof or ceiling.

Venetian window – a triple opening window with the central opening arched and wider than the flat headed side openings.

Veranda – open gallery or balcony with a roof, often with light metal supports.

Verge – the sloping covering edge of a roof at a gable. Eaves are always horizontal.

Vernacular architecture – buildings designed using local materials and construction methods to suit local needs as opposed to Polite architecture. Three categories domestic, agricultural and industrial.

Victorian – period of architecture during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) – sometimes divided into Early Victorian (1837-c.1855), Mid- Victorian (c.1855-c.1875) and Late Victorian (c.1875-1901). High Victorian refers to a specific style from c.1850-c.1870 of Gothic which later included eclectic details – characterised by bold forms, polychromy and naturalistic forms.

Villa – term used to describe a compact house with a square plan it was later generally used to describe a middle class dwelling.

Vitruvian opening – doorway or windows where the width between the jambs narrows towards the top.

Volute – spiral scroll found on Ionic capitals and used for consoles and brackets.

Voussoir – wedge shaped stones or bricks forming an arch.

Wall plate – timber laid longitudinally on the top of a wall to receive the ends of the rafters.

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