Description

ROCHESTER HIGH STREET TQ 7468 NW 7/114 The Corn Exchange 23.8.74 GV I Former Corn Exchange. High Street facade built in 1706 'at sole charge of Sir Cloudesley Shovell, Knight' MP for Rochester. Range behind rebuilt in C19. Replacement Exchange erected to rear facing Northgate in 1870 by Flockton and Abbot. High Street facade: red brick with rusticated quoins; Kent tile roof. 2 storeys. Symmetrical 4-window range. Large pediment with modillions, containing blind oculus with rich stucco frame, the unbroken cornice returning to either side. 4 tall, narrow windows to 1st floor with later glazing bars, panelled aprons and projecting moulded blocks above keystones, dated 1706. Central doorway with elaborate surround: swan-neck pediment on a pulvinated frieze with carved end console brackets enclosing a moulded round-headed arch with carved spandrels on moulded pilasters and imposts. Fanlight with glazing bars; panelled double doors with fixed side panels. Above the entrance a cartouche with lettering. At cornice level a moulded beam on carved bracket supports a large clock projecting over the street. Moulded plinth. On the roof ridge a plain polygonal cupola containing a single bell. The work of Shovell was never more than a facade. Fragments of an earlier building survive behind. Northgate range with exchange room to 1st floor, now with library below. Masively scaled; brown brick with buff brick dressings; hipped Welsh slate roof; continuous dentilled cornice. Rectangular block, 3 x 5 bays; 3 storeys, the 1st storey taller than the others to accommodate the principal room. Front (to Northgate): regular fenestration to upper floors; 3 round-headed windows to 2nd floor with original glazing bars; 3 tall square- headed recessed windows to 1st floor with altered glazing bars: the brick string courses at sill level rise to frame these windows which are set centrally and close together. Ground-floor openings under depressed arches with keyblocks now with 2 panelled double doors and 2 sash windows with glazing bars. 2- storey annex to left with paired sash windows with margin panes to 1st floor and ground floor openings as to main block. Left and right margins with 6 2nd floor windows as front; 3 lateral stacks with moulded caps.

Listing NGR: TQ7432968662

External Links

• Public Library (Former Corn Exchange) to Rear of High Street at Wikipedia
• Wikidata Q17533186

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

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