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Summary

Description

Mid 19th century. 2-storey, 3-bay Classical former burgh offices with lower, 2-storey, 2-bay extension to left. Sandstone ashlar, concrete render to rear and to upper part of extension. Base course accommodating slope of land, cill courses, eaves band, cornice. Doric pilasters to outer bays. Slightly advanced central bay with central Doric pilastered doorpiece. 2-leaf, panelled timber entrance door with rectangular fanlight above.

Predominantly 4-pane timber sash and case windows, plate glass timber sash and case windows to extension. Grey slates. Raised skews and coped gable stacks with decorative polygonal cans. Later rooflights.

INTERIOR: (seen 2008). Largely altered internally, but with curved timber staircase with decorative iron balusters and timber banister. One room with decorative plaster cornicing. Some 6-panel timber doors.

Statement of Special Interest

Situated in the heart of Stewarton in Avenue Square, the former Burgh Offices form an important part of the streetscape. Dating from the mid 19th century, the simple Classical treatment adds gravitas to this civic building. The street elevation remains largely unaltered and the fine ashlar stonework is of high quality. The Classical details of Doric pilasters and doorpiece add significant character to the structure.

Stewarton is described in the Statistical Account of 1795 as consisting of 'one long and one broad street, with a cross one'. By the New Statistical Account of 1845, the town is described as 'three quarters of a mile in length with several streets intersecting one another.' The town's main trade, from which it developed much of its wealth, was bonnet making and the number of weavers employed in this and associated trades increased from 100 in 1795 to around 300 in 1845. It is likely that Avenue Square with its quality civic buildings was begun during this time of increasing prosperity and growth.

List description updated and category changed from B to C(S) as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.

References

Bibliography

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