| Description | 103 and 105 Northgate, Wakefield. Pair of cottages dating from c.1800.
103 and 105 Northgate were described in 1998 WYAS Archaeological Services report no.619 (Section seven. Catalogue of archaeological sites). The section relating 103 105 Northgate is transcribed below:
'Nos 103 105 Northgate, a pair of semi detached bricks houses, stand near the south east corner of a former large cultivated enclosure known as Bar Close. A survey of 1728 shows no buildings or land divisions in the late 18th century within Bar Close (Dickinson 1728). Nos 103 105 Northgate were probably constructed in the late 18th century since an estate map c.1790 shows a square shaped sub divided building on the site (Goodchild Collection, c.1790). An enclosure plan of c.1805 records this building and describes Bar Close as 'now a garden with a house recently erected here' (Gee c.1805). A sale plan of 1814 shows nos 103 105 Northgate as being the only building standing in Bar Close, the land however has been divided into plots in preparation for its sale and subsequent development. The sale catalogue describes the building as containing 'two neat brick dwelling houses with two neat rooms on the ground floor and two rooms over with a plot of garden (Sheffield Archives 1814 Lot 57). By 1823 a further building (no.107 Northgate) stood immediately north of nos 103 105 (Walker 1823)'.
(WYAS Archaeological Services. 1998. Report no.619. Section seven: catalogue of archaeological sites).
103 and 105 Northgate were the subject of an archaeological assessment by Peter Thornborrow (Senior Historic Building Officer. WYAS) in 1999. This was undertaken at the request of M Bottomley, Building and Estate Manager. West Yorkshire Police Force Head Quarters. After an inspection, Thornborrow reported the cottages to be a pair of single cell back to back properties with a rear outshut. The door architraves, panelled doors, and one surviving cupboard at the first floor with applied 'astragal' mouldings, suggests that they are Regency in style dating from c.1800. The fireplaces have base blocks set in, the wooden first floor one retaining its original black marble stone. The properties are cellared and have interesting arched vaults and tunnel passageways.
While being of modest proportions, they are representative of a type of domestic accommodation of the early 19th century.
Thornborrow recommended that, should demolition be proposed, they should be recorded by drawn and measured survey with some photography accompanied by a short report.
(Thornborrow, P.H. (WYAS). 1999).
Current on line map resourses depict the cottages in a poor state of repair (https://maps.google.co.uk/. Web site accessed26/11/2013). |