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8/13/2019 Blackfriars Conservation Plan
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Feilden Clegg BradleyArchitects LLP
Conservation Plan
Blackfriars Priory, Gloucester
October 2007
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Contents
List of Illustrations
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Understanding the Context
2.1 The historical development of Gloucester
3.0 Understanding the Site
3.1 Overview of the site
3.2 Historical development of the site
4.0 The Gazetteer
4.1 The North Range
4.2 The East Range
4.3 The South Range
4.4 The West Range4.5 The Cloister and Precinct
4.6 Archaeology
4.7 Commercial Road Buildings
4.8 Southgate Street Buildings
5.0 Significance
5.1 Summary of significance
5.2 Significance of the site
5.3 Significance of the buildings
5.4 List of Statutory Designations
Contents
6.0 Issues of Vulnerability and Policies
6.1 Managing future change
6.2 Context and setting6.3 Conservation, maintenance and repair
6.4 Re-use of existing buildings
6.5 Archaeology
6.6 Potential for demolition
6.7 Intervention and new building
6.8 Vandalism and security
6.9 Vehicle and pedestrian access
6.10 Services
6.11 Landscape
6.12 Interpretation
6.13 Sensitivity to change
7.0 Consultation and Implementation
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List of Illustrations
Fig 78 Photograph of part of the excavated east cloister
walk Kirsty Rodwell
Fig 79 Plan showing the excavations in the north east
corner of the walk and the pattern of tiles found Kirsty Rodwell
Fig 80 Late medieval precinct and suggested form of the
little cloister Kirsty Rodwell
Fig 81 Relocated C14th arched gateway
Fig 82 Building on the site of the former orchard
Fig 83 View east along Blackfriars Lane
Fig 84 Diagrammatic summary of the archaeology withinthe priory curtilage
Diagram based on drawing by Kirsty Rodwell
Fig 85 View of Clutch Clinic prior to demolition
Fig 86 Proximity of Clutch Clinic to south range wall
Fig 87 Demolition of Clutch Clinic in progress (2004)
Fig 88 Demolition of Clutch Clinic revealing the south
range elevation
Fig 89 Photomontage of the Royal British Legion from
the junction between Commercial Road and
Ladybellegate Street
Fig 90 Photomontage of Commercial Road from the
Royal British Legion to Blackfriars Inn
Fig 91 Nos. 4 and 6 Commercial Road
Fig 92 Detail of the Black Swan Hotel
Fig 93 Brunswick Baptist Church and 52-56 Southgate
Street
Fig 94 View of the rear extension to the Black Swan Hotel
Fig 95 Brunswick Baptist Church
Fig 96 Carpark to the rear of 52-56 Southgate Street
Fig 97 Detail of grafitti to be found in the Scriptorium
Fig 98 Diagram of statutory designations
Fig 99 3D image of Blackfriars
Fig 100 View of Blackfriars from the car park to the north
Fig 101 View of access along Blackfriars Lane from
Southgate Street
Fig 102 Diagrammatic summary of the
archaeology within the Priory curtilage
Diagram based on drawing by Kirsty Rodwell
Fig 103 The garage facing Commercial Road
Fig 104 Workshops adjacent to the east range
Fig 105 Diagram of potential demolition within the
Blackfriars site
Fig 106 Diagram of potential new landscaping and
construction areas within the Blackfriars site
Fig 107 Diagram showing the sensitivity to change
within the site (ground floor)
Fig 108 Diagram showing the sensitivity to change within
the site (first floor)
Fig 109 Diagram showing the sensitivity to change within
the site (second floor)
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Blackfriars Priory is located within the historic city of
Gloucester on a route midway between Westgate Street
and the Docks. The Priory dates from the C13th and the
standing remains of the claustral buildings are listed and
along with the surrounding landscape are a scheduled
ancient monument. The precincts of the Priory, which once
included a cemetery and orchards, have been built over
and now the claustral buildings are largely hidden by later
development.
The site to which this Conservation Plan refers extends
beyond the limits of the Priory to include the whole urban
block bounded by Southgate Street to the east, Commercial
Road to the south and Ladybellegate Street to the west.
Blackfriars Lane forms the northern boundary of the site
and provides a link with historic Southgate Street. The aerial
photograph overleaf shows the footprint of this urban block.
Historically, Blackfriars Priory is situated in the south-west
quadrant of the medieval city of Gloucester, close to the
original Southgate entrance into the city. The site is also
close to the remains of the Roman city wall and built over
the peripheral remains of the Norman castle. The remains
of the Priory have been continually adapted and altered
throughout their existence, though what remains today is
one of the most complete Dominican priories in England
and is an important part of Gloucesters rich heritage.
It is for this reason, as well as for the historic importanceof individual features, that the Priory and the surrounding
site now form a key element in the proposed regeneration
of the Greater Blackfriars site. This Conservation Plan has
been commissioned by the Gloucester Heritage Urban
Regeneration Company whose aim is to incorporate
the Blackfriars Priory site into a larger scheme for the
regeneration of central Gloucester.Fig.1 Site Location Plan
1.0 Introduction
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Blackfriars Priory has been influenced throughout its history
by the changing character of the city of Gloucester and
is located within a rich historical context that dates back
to the early Roman settlement of Glevum. The following
section describes the development of Gloucester to give a
contextural historic introduction to the Conservation Plan.
Roman Settlement
The earliest permanent settlement at Gloucester was
founded during the Roman occupation of Britain in 48AD. A
Roman fortress was built north of the present city centre at
a crossing point of the River Severn. By 70AD the fortress
was abandoned and a new settlement of Glevum, meaning
bright town, was built on the site of the present city centre.
The settlement was planned according to Roman custom as
a rectangle, divided into four equal parts by two main roads
that met at the forum and enclosed within a perimeter wall.
By the end of the first century the settlement was a Colonia.Only Colchester, Lincoln and York shared this status.
Anglo Saxon and Norman
In 577AD Gloucester passed into Saxon control following
the battle of Dyrham and by 679AD a Minster had been
founded. Gloucester began to prosper again and by the
end of the C9th new streets had been laid, many of which
remain today. St Oswalds Priory was founded in 900AD
which became a place of pilgrimage. Following the Norman
Conquest Gloucester grew as an important administrativeand commercial town. The defences were improved and
a castle was built on the corner of the Roman defences.
This lasted only 50 years and a second was built on the
site now occupied by the prison. Gloucester was an
important religious centre and in 1072 William I instructed
the rebuilding of St Peters Abbey which stood on the
old Minster site. This soon became one of the principal
Benedictine centres in England.
2.0 Understanding the context2.1 The historical development of Gloucester
Fig. 2 Illustration showing the Roman wall and the site of the gaol and Norman castle in relation to Blackfriars
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Medieval
The Benedictines of St Peters Abbey were the most
important monastic order within the city in the C11th and
C12th. However, by the beginning of the C13th other
monasteries were being established. Henry III, who was
crowned at St Peters in 1216, retained a strong connection
with Gloucester and gave funds for the construction ofthese new monasteries within the city. Greyfriars was
founded in 1231, Blackfriars in 1239 and Whitefriars in
about 1268. St Peters retained its superior status, and in
1307 the tomb of Edward II was brought to the Abbey and
soon became a popular site of pilgrimage.
The wealth of medieval Gloucester was primarily derived
from the manufacture of wool cloth, though other small
industries thrived in the centre of the town. Westgate
Street was the most important commercial street in thecity with the market, Guildhall and Mint. Southgate Street
contained the fish and corn markets and was the main
route to Bristol. Until 1275 Eastgate Street was the Jewish
Quarter and grew in importance in the Middle Ages as it
linked Gloucester to the important cloth making area of
the Stroud Valley. The layout of the subsidiary streets was
largely determined by long and narrow burgage plots which
lay at right angles to the main streets. These plots were
originally used as gardens or extra space for outbuildings,
workshops, stables and occasionally additional cottages.
Despite almost continuous rebuilding of individual plots, thecharacteristics of the medieval street system and orientation
of plots remained almost unchanged for the next four
centuries.
Fig. 3 Speeds map of 1610
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Fig. 5 Ordnance Survey map 1883
Regency
Difficulties in navigating the River Severn limited Gloucesters
trade potential and the city expanded little beyond its
medieval limits. However this changed in 1791 when
construction began on the Gloucestershire and Berkeley
canal, supervised by the engineer Thomas Telford. The
canal and basin took 30 years to build and was the longest
and deepest canal in Britain. The basin became the centre
for expansion with over 20 warehouses erected for the
storage of grain and timber.
Victorian
Gloucester experienced almost uninterrupted growth as a
result of the success of the docks until the end of the C19th.
Port trade peaked in 1850 then began to decline due to its
inability to accommodate the increasing size of ocean goingships and competition from new docks at Avonmouth and
Portishead. In response, the railways began to expand to
link Gloucester with Birmingham, Swindon and Bristol, so
that water transport could no longer compete. The success
of the railways enabled Gloucester to continue to expand
and maintain its role as a thriving market centre serving the
surrounding agricultural areas.
Late C19th saw construction of new suburbs to house the
increasing population. Over the 20 year period from 1851 to
1871 the population of 7000 doubled. The move of peopleout of the city centre changed the character of Gloucester
and by 1850 the centre was dominated by brick and stucco
shop fronts and few of the old timber fronts remained. In
the 1870s and 1880s Gloucester experienced a building
boom as banks, offices and larger stores moved into the
centre and civic, religious and public buildings were built to
serve the increasing population. Small industries became
established in small areas of back-land within the town walls
which would have once been open space.
2.0 Understanding the context
2.1 The historical development of Gloucester
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The 20th Century
Throughout the C20th Gloucester suffered badly from the
demolition of much of its historic fabric, from the adoption
of post-war architectural trends and from attempts to
comprehensively solve the problems of increasing numbers
of vehicles. By the outbreak of World War One the centre
was governed almost entirely by commercial interests andin the 1900s several buildings in the Blackfriars area were
demolished to make way for an electricity works to supply
the needs of the city. Westgate Street was further widened
and Northgate Street and Eastgate Street were extensively
rebuilt in the 1920s and 30s to accommodate new larger
department stores.
Gloucester escaped significant bomb damage during
World War Two, though the post war period was marked
by extensive demolition of historic buildings to make wayfor commercial redevelopment. Resulting in what the
Shell Guide of 1951 describes as the houses around the
cross have been re-built several times resulting in a most
unworthy centre for any town anywhere. The corporation
commissioned a comprehensive redevelopment plan by
the architect GA Jellicoe to cope with increased traffic
and provide new shopping and social facilities. The plan
presented in 1962 resulted in a permanent change of
character and scale to the central area and included the
destruction of most of the medieval street pattern, disrupting
the few ancient thoroughfares that remained. Gloucesterembraced brutalistic change and what remains today is
largely the result of the heavy handed redevelopment that
took place in the 1960s and 70s.
Fig. 6 Aerial view of Gloucester today
2.0 Understanding the context
2.1 The historical development of Gloucester
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Before considering the individual buildings in more detail it
is useful to provide an overview of the various components
of the site, many of which have evolved and changed over
the 750 years of the Priorys existence. The Blackfriars site
consists of a collection of buildings, including the Priory
complex which occupies the majority of the site and faces
onto Ladybellegate Street, as well as Blackfriars Lane and
the later buildings which face onto Southgate Street andCommercial Street.
The Priory buildings are all Grade I Listed with the exception
of nos. 13 to 19 Ladybellegate Street which are Grade II*
Listed. The boundary walls facing Blackfriars Lane and
Ladybellegate Street are also Listed Grade II*. The Priory
buildings, together with Blackfriars Inn and the surrounding
grounds are a Scheduled Ancient Monument and the whole
site falls within a conservation area (Gloucester Conservation
Area No. 5). The Black Swan Hotel which forms part of theConservation Plan site and faces onto Southgate Street is
also Listed Grade II.
Fig. 7 Site plan showing the footprint of the Blackfriars site
3.0 Understanding the site
3.1 Overview of the site
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Although no longer complete the Priory complex retains
much of its original fabric and the original ground plan of
four ranges built around a central cloister.
The north range was once the Priory church and faces
onto Blackfriars Lane. It was heavily reduced in length
following the Dissolution when the building was converted
into a mansion. The west range was largely rebuilt in theC19th and stands today as a terrace of domestically scaled
3-4 storied buildings facing onto Ladybellegate Street.
The south range is largely intact and is located behind the
Commercial Road properties while the east range was
heavily demolished and only the northern part of the original
range remains alongside an adjoining brick building which is
now used as a garage workshop.
The other buildings included within the Conservation Plan
face onto Commercial Road and Southgate Street. The
Commercial Road properties include the Royal British
Legion building, Tile Centre, Blackfriars Inn, car showroom
and no. 4 Commercial Road. There is access via the garage
into the heart of the site where a number of C19th to C20th
buildings exist that are used as garage workshops. There is
also access to the south of the Priory via a lane which exists
behind the Commercial Road buildings.
The Southgate Street properties include the three storied
C19th Grade II Listed Black Swan Hotel which stands at the
junction between Commercial Road and Southgate Street,Brunswick Baptist Church and no. 64 Southgate Street,
both of which date from the mid C20th. Areas of hard
standing exist to the rear of all of these properties which is
currently used for parking.
3.0 Understanding the Site
3.1 Overview of the site
Fig. 8 Blackfriars Priory today, viewed from the east
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Phase 1
The Medieval Priory (mid C13th)
Phase 5
New Houses and Streets (mid C19th)
Phase 3
Thomas Bells Mansion (mid C16th)
Phase 2
Expansion of the Church
(C14th to late C15th alterations)
Phase 6
Industries and Change (mid C19th to the present
day)
Phase 4
Subdivision of the Priory (mid C18th)
3.0 Understanding the Site
3.2 Historical development of the site
Fig. 11 Diagrams showing the phased development of the Priory
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Fig. 12 Plan showing the C13th layout
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Phase 2: Expansion of the Church
(C14th to late C15th alterations)
During this period changes were made to the church. In
the mid C14th the crossing and transepts were rebuilt,
heightened and vaulted and a lantern added. The rebuilding
works were carried out in the perpendicular gothic style
which was typical of the period. A large traceried northfacing window was built as part of the north transept and a
chapel was created at the east end of the south aisle. Tiled
floors were laid and the nave became popular for lay burials.
Further alterations were made during the late C15th when
the roofs of the aisles were raised.
During the late C15th the east range was altered to form a
separate lodging for a Prior with a lavish new oriel window
and decorative wall paintings. The number of friars at
Blackfriars remained constant between 30 and 40 though
this declined to seven prior to the Dissolution in 1538. It is
not known whether this decline was due to poverty or a
gradual planned closure.
Reconstruction of section through the cloister looking towards the church following the C14th alterations
Reconstruction of section through church looking north
3.0 Understanding the Site
3.2 Historical development of the site
Fig. 13 Sections showing a reconstruction of the Priory
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Phase 3: Thomas Bells Mansion (mid C16th)
The Priory remained as part of the church establishment
for three centuries until it was dissolved along with other
monasteries in 1538. The buildings were then sold to
Thomas Bell, a wealthy local alderman, who had been
renting property from the friars before this date. Bell
significantly altered the church to create a mansion houseand re-used the remaining priory buildings as a factory.
The nave and choir of the church were both reduced in
length and floor levels were raised within the former nave
to create a parlour on the ground floor and a solar on the
upper floor with an unheated attic above. The former choir
was left as a double height Hall, also with an attic. The east
range was adapted to create a kitchen for the mansion
house with ovens and fireplaces. Access to the mansion
house was from the north, via a new porch which allowed
entrance into the cloister area. The cloister was retained
and adapted to provide a double height gallery around the
perimeter of the cloister and access to the mansion house
at two levels. The remaining buildings surrounding the
cloister were retained and re-used as a spinning and knitting
factory for the manufacture of woollen caps.
The Priory remained under the ownership of Thomas Bell
until his death in 1566. His will describes the interior of the
mansion and mentions the Hall, Great Chamber, White
Chamber, New Parlour, Porch Chamber and a cross panelof wainscot with cupboards. It also mentions a house
adjoining Blackfriars occupied by a weaver. Thomass wife
died in 1567 and Bells place was inherited by Thomass
only niece Joan and her husband Thomas Dennys. The
property remained within the Dennys family for several
generations until 1711.
Fig. 14 Plan showing layout of Thomas Bells mansion
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3.2 Historical development of the site
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Fig. 16 Interior of the north transept reception room
National Monuments Record 1946Fig. 17 Entrance hall to Blackfriars
National Monuments Record 1946
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Phase 5: New Houses and Streets (mid C19th)
In 1802 George Wood, a promising young stonemason from
London, joined John Bryant who died the same year. Wood
married one of Bryants daughters and after the death of
Bryants widow the house and workshops were sold in 1809
to Wood for 1200. Wood set about recouping this cost by
converting the west range into individual houses. By 1817he had re-fronted his house and constructed nos. 13 and
15 Ladybellegate Street on the site of the refectory. Shortly
after Wood sold the family house now known as Blackfriars
Lawn to Charles Hough.
In c.1850 Commercial Road was built. Around this time the
southern part of the west range was used as a stables. It
later became a warehouse and by 1894 was used as part of
the bottle factory.
By the mid C19th a cottage had been built in the space now
occupied by no. 17 and office space was built to the west.
The south range continued to be used for a variety of
commercial purposes. The prosperity of the docks had
a growing influence on Blackfriars and in 1849 the south
range was sold to James Brimmell and became a ships
chandlers.
By this time a cottage had been built at the east end on the
site of the former malting kiln.
Fig. 18 Plan showing Priory buildings in the mid C19th
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3.2 Historical development of the site
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Phase 6: Talbots Mineral Water Factory (late C19th)
The most dramatic damage to the medieval buildings was
carried out after 1874 when Thomas Talbot bought the east
range and the south eastern part of the cloister. By 1880
a large part of the range had been demolished to create a
new mineral water factory. The factory extended into the
south range which was purchased in 1894 and the dwellingthat existed in the east of the south range was subsequently
demolished. This was largely rebuilt to create a new loading
bay and internal mezzanine which projected into the south
alley way. It was at this time that the remaining sections of
the cloister gallery were demolished.
Talbots mineral water factory continued to operate until
1954 when the property facing Commercial Road was sold
to Westgate Motor House Co. and converted into a garage.
The garage was extended in 1957 when the southern part
of the east range was sold to Westgate Motor House Co. by
Stroud Brewery.
Fig. 19 Plan showing Priory buildings at the time of the mineral water factory
3.0 Understanding the Site
3.2 Historical development of the site
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The North Range
The north range was once the Priory church and what
survives today is the central section, which was converted
into a mansion following the Dissolution. This house was
subdivided into two properties at the beginning of the C18th
with later modifications. What exists today is a single volume
space which was stripped in the 1970s of all its interiorfloors, finishes and partitions back to the masonry shell. The
building is watertight and in a good state of repair.
The building is rectangular with a projecting north transept.
The elevations are a palimpsest of its structural history. The
original masonry for the principal church elevations and
dressings was limestone ashlar while sandstone blocks
were used for some internal walling. The masonry, in
particular the limestone, has been re-used during all later
periods of construction. The exposed roof of the building
comprises the original scissor braced roof structure over thechoir and nave though the central section of the roof and the
projecting north transept have a new steel structure which
shows no reference to the form of roof which would have
once related to the demolished south transept. The roof is
clad in clay plain tiles with lowered courses of stone tiles at
the eaves levels.
4.0 The Gazetteer
4.1 The North Range
Fig. 24 Stukeleys view of Blackfriars from the north west 1721
Fig. 25 Blackfriars from the north, S & N Buck 1732
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4.0 The Gazetteer
4.1 The North Range
Exterior Features: North Elevation (Fig. 30)
The north wall of the range shows evidence of all periods
of the evolution of the building. The eastern choir end of
the church has been truncated to only two bays but still
retains examples of the original buttresses with tall lancet
arch-headed windows which would have once extended the
full length of the elevation (Fig 30a). These windows wereinfilled in the C16th and new large mullioned and transomed
windows were installed to light the full height hall space that
was created within the former choir (Fig 30b).
The western end of the range was once an aisled nave;
during the C16th the north aisle was demolished and infilled
with medieval ashlar masonry to create an external wall.
Evidence of the original C13th aisle arcade arches are still
visible (Fig 30c). As part of this remodelling of the faade a
canted double-height oriel window was built to light a new
parlour and solar which were built over two floors in theremaining nave area. This window no longer exists and was
replaced by a C19th curved bay (Fig 30d). The main feature
of the north elevation is the projecting north transept. This
was built as part of the church alterations which occurred
in the mid C14th, however the large traceried window was
infilled in the C18th. Evidence on the west of the transept
shows the line of the original aisle roof and the later raised
roofline that occurred when the church was remodelled (Fig
33a). All that remains of the north chapel is the piscine and
a ruinous external wall (Fig 30e). When the mansion housewas initially subdivided in the C18th ground levels were
raised and new entrance doors were formed in the north
elevation and the medieval openings were modified to suit
the new internal arrangements (Fig 30f).
Fig. 26 North range viewed from the cloister Fig. 27 North range east elevation
Fig. 28 Remains of north aisle wall and bay window Fig. 29 West elevation and C14th precinct gateway relocated from
Longsmith Street
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Fig. 30 North range, external north elevation
Fig. 31 North range, internal north elevation
4.0 The Gazetteer
4.1 The North Range
Exterior Features: East Elevation (Fig.44)
The east elevation of the north range dates from the C16th
and was constructed when the choir was truncated to
create the mansion house. The elevation includes external
chimneys which were originally taller and had crenellated
tops. The elevation would have originally comprised two
large windows either side of the chimney which lit thedouble height Hall beyond and smaller windows which
provided light to an attic space. One of the original larger
windows still exists (Fig 44a) though it is missing a transom
and its matching left hand window has been removed and
exists only as part of a later smaller window (Fig 44b). The
modification and removal the original C16th windows was
due to the later subdivision of the mansion house. Today
there are the remains of cellar doors and windows as well as
new doors and windows which date from the C19th.
Exterior Features: West Elevation (Fig. 33)
The west elevation of the north range like the east also
dates from the C16th and was constructed when the nave
was truncated to create the mansion house. The existing
chimney breast would have matched that on the east
elevation and been taller than it is today with a crenellated
top. The fenestration of this elevation differs in that it
would have originally incorporated three pairs of mullioned
windows either side of the chimney which would have lit the
Parlour on the ground floor, the Solar on the first floor andthe attic space above. These have been largely removed
and infilled during subsequent phases of alteration and in
the case of one of the lower windows there are the remains
of a C19th fireplace built within the depth of the wall where
the window would have been (Fig 35a).
ba
e
e
ff
cd
a_c_
c_
b
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4.0 The Gazetteer
4.1 The North Range
Fig. 32 North range, external south elevation
Fig. 34 North range, internal south elevation
Fig. 33 North range, external west elevation
Fig. 35 North range, internal west elevation
b
ha
g
d
c
e
f
a
b
b
a
b
a
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4.0 The Gazetteer
4.1 The North Range
Fig. 36 South aisle wall viewed from cloister
Fig. 37 South aisle wall viewed from church
Exterior Features: South Elevation (Fig. 32)
The south elevation of the north range is fragmentary and
a large degree of the original fabric has been lost. A large
modern metal-framed glazed screen now infills the void
where the south transept and south chapel would have
been. The western end of the south elevation retains the
remains of the C13th aisle arcade including a complete archand column under-built with later C16th masonry (Fig 32a).
Infilled corbels and a weathering line show the position of
the lean-to aisle roof (Fig 32b).
The eastern end of this elevation is largely C13th and still
retains the original night door which provided the friars with
direct access from their dormitories to the church choir (Fig
32c). These were connected by a night stair in a pentice,
built up against the south elevation of the church. Evidence
of this structure still remains in the form of corbels and a
weathering for the roof (Fig 32d), together with the scarof the east wall next to the door (Fig 32e). A jamb of an
original lancet window also exists which formed the end of
a continuous arcade (Fig 32f). The yard area to the east of
the east range underwent a series of later alterations. The
remains of an oven can be seen which once belonged to
the C16th mansion house kitchen (Fig 32g).
Remains of the South Aisle to the North Range
(Fig 36 and 37)
Today the external wall of the south aisle and transept
are ruinous and exposed to the elements. Evidence of
the C14th to C15th south chapel which once had a small
gable and an arched traceried window still exists (Fig
37a) alongside a delicately carved piscina (Fig 37b) with a
cinquefoil arched hood moulding and a large recessed tomb
(Fig 37c). Excavations revealed a number of graves from this
period clustered in front of a former altar (Fig 37d).
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4.1 The North Range
Fig. 39 View of the interior of the east wall showing one of the large
windows of the C16th Hall
Fig. 40 The interior of the north wall showing the remains of the
arcaded stonework to the Choir
Fig. 41 The night door providing access to the Choir f rom the Monks
dormitory
Roof Structure
Thirty five of the original scissor braced trusses were
reinstated following a programme of dismantling and repair
which took place in the 1970s. The original roof cladding
was also re-laid at this time and what exists today is a clay
plain tile roof with rows of diminishing stone tiles used for
the lower courses. Trusses from the roof over the centralcrossing and north transept still exist in storage and date
from the original construction in the mid C13th and also
from the mid C14th when the crossing was rebuilt.
Floor Levels
The floor levels in the choir have been restored to their
C13th level by infilling the C18th cellars. The floor of the
nave has also been reinstated to its C13th level following
archaeological excavation. There are visible remains of the
foundations to the screen and pulpit base at the east end of
the nave. The reading desk which was found in the gardens
to the north of the church, but which is currently mounted in
the nave, may have been part of this.
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4.2 The East Range
Fig. 44 East range, external east elevation
Fig. 46 North transept internal east and west elevations.
East range, external west elevation
East range, external
west elevation
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Fig. 47 East range, internal west elevation
Fig. 45 East range, internal east elevation
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4.3 The South Range
Fig. 50 South range viewed from cloister showing loading bay
(pciture taken during Clutch Clinic demolition)
Fig. 52 Interior of loading bay at eastern end of south range
The South Range
The south range exists today in a largely unaltered state
apart from the east end which was rebult in the late C19th.
It is unique in housing a C13th scriptorium on the first floor
which was specifically designed to house a library and
provide individual study space. The original function of the
ground floor is not known. The south range would have
also been linked to a number of subsidiary buildings further
to the south which may have included the kitchen and
infirmary built around a second smaller cloister. Excavations
have revealed that there was a through passage at the
demolished east end of the range.
The range is two-storied. The external walls are built of
lias rubble with limestone dressings, with the exception
of the walls at lower level within the cloister walk which
are sandstone. The majority of the external faces, with
the exception of the cloister walk, have been renderedand finished with an ochre pigmented limewash. The roof
is exposed to the upper floor and comprises the original
scissor braced trusses which support stone tiles laid in
diminishing courses.
External Features: North Elevation (Fig. 55)
The north elevation faces into the cloister and retains much
of the original C13th fabric. At first floor level is a continuous
row of original C13th rectangular windows which lit the
scriptorium. The majority of these windows survive in good
condition; below these are the weathering and corbels for
the roof to the cloister walk.
Fig. 51 South range viewed from cloister showing remains of
lavatorium
Fig. 53 South elevation viewed from Commercial Road
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4.0 The Gazetteer
4.3 The South Range
Fig. 54 South range, internal north elevation
Fig. 55 South range, external north elevation
A significant feature is the C13th lavatorium adjoining the
principal door to the refectory in the west range, which
would have been used by the friars for washing (Fig 55a).
It is built into the face of the wall and is constructed of
skillfully carved limestone ashlar with a series of decorative
trefoil arched heads. The lavatorium is currently partially
concealed behind later masonry and plaster though recent
investigations have revealed the remains of medieval
painting on the original stonework. Drainage works have
revealed that the C14th tiles to the cloister walk survive
below modern ground level.
Alterations were made to the south range when Thomas
Bell converted the range to factory use, an entrance was
formed at ground level into the cloister and one of the
upper windows was modified to accommodate an internal
flue which runs discreetly up alongside one of the carrel
partitions in an ashlar boxing (Fig 54a). The cloister walk
was adapted in the C16th to create an upper gallery. Furtheropenings were formed from the C18th onwards which relate
to the industrial uses the south range housed.
External Features: South Elevation (Fig. 57)
The south elevation like the north has an almost continuous
row of intact C13th scriptorium windows (Fig 57b), though
on the ground floor there were also originally five large
arched windows and a door with the remains of a pentice
roof (Fig 57a) which once provided access to the area south
of the priory. Three of the windows on the ground floor show
evidence of careful modification and enlargement which
occurred during the life of the priory, though later alterations
in the C16th have largely obliterated this work externally.
Modification of the first floor windows also took place in
the C14th, though this was in the eastern end of the range
which was rebuilt in the C19th (Fig 57c).
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4.3 The South Range
Fig. 56 South range, internal south elevation
Fig. 57 South range, external south elevation
Internal Features (Figs. 54 and 56)
The south range is largely a single open space on the
ground and first floor, accessed via two stairs built in the
1990s, one within the loading bay and the other within the
refectory. There is one surviving internal partition at the east
end of the south range which has a C16th lower section
and a C19th upper section (Fig 54b). Beyond this was once
the malting kiln and later a cottage. This space was last
used as a loading bay.
Internal walls are faced with a mixture of sandstone blocks,
lias rubble and limestone ashlar, all are original materials.
The ashlar is heavily limewashed and the rubble has remains
of thin off-white plaster, some later pink plaster exists from
the mid C16th period.
The roof of the south range dates back to the C13th and
unlike the others in the Priory the structure of the southrange roof has been repaired in situ and not dismantled.
The roof incorporates thirty six scissor-braced roof trusses.
Dendrochronological dating estimates the felling date of the
timbers between 1226 and 1262. The trusses are all very
similar with the exception of one which incorporates a tie
beam, suggesting the location of a partition at this point.
The exterior of the roof is clad in diminishing courses of
stone tiles.
The ground floor is a modern concrete over layer which
has been laid c. 600mm above the original medieval floorlevel. The first floor structure is supported by trusses which
comprise bridging beams morticed into wall posts with
curved braces. The posts and braces are supported on
corbels set in to the walls. Only one of the beams dates
from the C13th; the others have been replaced or reset. The
majority of the floor was stripped and the remaining floor
has been re-laid using original joists dating from the C13th
and has modern oak floorboards.
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4.3 The South RangeThe upper floor of the south range houses some of the most
important original features of the building. The space was
open to the roof and would have been lined on the north
and south walls with 14 individual study carrels divided by
1 metre deep limestone ashlar partitions carried on two-
stage corbels. Only one survives complete and the carrels
at the east end have been demolished reducing the pairs to
ten. The tops of the partitions were arched with a moulded
cornice.
Each carrel had a single rectangular window with
asymmetrically splayed reveals to direct the natural light.
Evidence of hinges shows that these would have originally
been fitted with a pair of narrow shutters, though further
rebates in the stonework on the north elevation indicate that
some of the windows were later glazed. By the C19th all
but one of the carrel partitions were reduced in size or the
hoods under-built with brick; damage was greatest on the
south wall.
The study carrels show evidence of dark red paint on the
mouldings which is largely limewashed over. In places
graffiti are cut into the stonework, one particularly interesting
example is that of a womans head wearing a head-dress
of C14th or C15th type. Other areas of graffiti may be
concealed behind the limewash finish of the walls.
Fig. 58 Section through south range
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4.3 The South Range
Fig. 59 The Scriptorium and remains of study carrels
Fig. 61 The Scriptorium, view looking east
Fig. 60 Ground floor of south range looking west
Fig. 62 Ground floor of south range looking east
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4.3 The South Range
Fig. 63 Elevation, section and plan through study carrel
Knowles 1932
Fig. 64 llustration of study carrels
Knowles 1932
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The West Range
The west range of the Priory housed the Friars refectory,
which occupied most of the range. What remains today
has largely been replaced by a terrace of C19th houses
which sit on the original footprint. The refectory was 25.6
metres long and was open to the roof with a large triple
lancet window on the south elevation and an arcade of
lancet windows to the west. It was accessed via a door
off the cloister and from the south range through a door
on the ground floor. The northern most part of the range
was separate from the refectory and had 2 floors which still
remain.
The original range was constructed of lias rubblestone with
limestone ashlar dressings and as with the south range the
area of wall exposed under the cloister walk is of sandstone
blocks.
The external ground levels in Ladybellegate Street are 1.5m
above the original C13th levels which is thought to be
largely due to demolished material from the Priory.
External Features: West Elevation (Fig. 69)
A small proportion of the original Priory is evident from
Ladybellegate Street though much has been revealed
about the original refectory from archaeological excavation.
The west elevation of the refectory would have onceincorporated an arcade of tall lancet windows divided by
a projecting pulpit which faced into the refectory. Only one
complete lancet window exists today (Fig 69a) though there
are remains of several others. The pulpit would be used by
the brothers to preach sermons during mealtimes.
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4.4 The West Range
Fig. 65 West range viewed from Ladybellegate Street
Fig. 66 No. 11 Ladybellegate Street viewed from north Fig. 67 Interior of southern room
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In the C16th the northern part of the range was remodelled
and linked to the new mansion house.The west elevation
was rebuilt with ashlar facings with a new 3 light mullioned
window and a large arched opening. Illustrations also show
a first floor gable and elaborate chimney stacks similar to
those of the mansion house. Only the arched opening exists
from this period (Fig 69b).
The centre of the range was largely demolished andreconstructed in the C19th when Ladybellegate Street
was built. Nos. 13 and 15 were completed in 1817 using
stonework and timber salvaged from the Priory. No. 17
was constructed later in the C19th in the narrow space
remaining but was brick built along with the adjoining
southern end of the range. This had new metal-framed
windows, a hoist and double height loading door added as
part of its conversion into Talbots mineral water factory.
External Features: East Elevation (Fig. 68)
Like the remains that can be seen from Ladybellegate
Street the west range facing the cloister was largely rebuilt
in the C19th and the facades of nos. 13 and 15 date
from this period. There is however a small area of original
masonry in east elevation of no. 17 which incorporates
the original refectory door and has possibly survived due
to being concealed behind the southern cloister gallery
(Fig 68a). Further C13th masonry exists as part of no.
11 Ladybellegate Street and like elsewhere incorporatesweatherings and corbels from the cloister roof (Fig 68b).
There are also the fragments of the original C13th door into
the cloister walk (Fig 68c). C16th alterations to the eastern
elevation were largely associated with the addition of the
first floor timber framed gallery which linked the west range
with the mansion house (Fig 68d).
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4.4 The West Range
Fig. 68 West range, external east elevation
Fig. 69 West range, external west elevation
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Internal Features (Figs. 70 to 74)
The majority of interiors and party walls date from the C19th
to the present day, however there are fragments of standing
archaeology which give clues to a more detailed history
of the range. Though nos. 13, 15 and 17 Ladybellegate
Street were completely repaired and modernised in 1995
to 1996, archaeological investigation carried out prior to
the restoration revealed that the north internal wall of therefectory had survived and become the south party wall
of no. 11 Ladybellegate Street. The wall had been raised
to suit the C19th roofline but still retained the outline of the
original scissor-braced roof structure in the masonry (Fig
71a).
Differences between the higher street level and the cloister
enabled an extra cellar level to be incorporated along the
street front.
No 11 Ladybellegate Street, currently disused, has not been
restored pending a final use being found for the building.
The external envelope and roof of the building were repaired
in 1995-6. The building retains its original scissor braced
roof comprising of 14 trusses, though the northern part
was rebuilt in the mid C16th using existing timbers. All of
the trusses have been modified at their feet; a ceiling was
installed to conceal the alterations. The first floor structure
is still present and was originally supported on two trusses
similar to those in the south range. The wall posts still exist
and support a tie beam which runs across the centre of therange but few of the corbels and none of the braces survive.
The floor joists have been packed out and are loose laid on
top of the beam and date from the C13th. However, they
are unlikely to be in their original positions due to the extent
of later alterations.
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4.4 The West Range
Fig. 74 West range, internal west elevation
Fig. 73 West range, internal east elevation
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Fig. 78 Photograph of part of the excavated east cloister walk Fig. 79 Plan showing the excavations in the north-east corner of the walk and the pattern of tiles found
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4.5 The Cloister and Precinct
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Fig. 80 Late medieval precinct and suggested form of the little cloister.
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4.5 The Cloister and PrecinctThe Priory Precinct
The boundaries of the Priory would have extended
beyond the walls of the four ranges though archaeological
investigation has been limited. Drainage trenches to the
north of the priory church located the burial of an adult and
child and are thought to be part of a much large cemetery
which was investigated by the Gloucester Archaeology
Unit in 1992 in the area now occupied by a car park. Theinvestigations revealed one hundred and twenty eight burials
from the excavation of a 20m long trench. The burials
included a priest, along with a great number of women and
children.
Ground probing radar has identified the precinct boundary
wall along the rear of the properties on Longsmith Street
and documentary evidence gives indication of the location
of the remaining boundaries. Archaeological investigation
of the foundations of the C14th arched gateway which
currently exists on the north west corner of the priory
complex have revealed that this entrance has been
relocated probably from the priory entrance on Longsmith
Street. Other parts of the precinct may have been used as
gardens and orchards.
The remains of the Priory as they exist today lack a
reredorter, kitchens, guesthouse and infirmary. The usual
location for the reredorter would be near to the dormitory
at the southern end of the demolished east range. Other
buildings probably lay to the south of the claustral rangesthough these were demolished in the late C19th and early
C20th and have not been excavated. Historic maps and
pictures show several buildings on this part of the site and
the structures were clearly linked to the south range. These
buildings appear to have formed a second smaller cloister
which was a feature of many friaries; the buildings at Bristol
Blackfriars still stand.Fig. 83 View east along Blackfriars Lane
with the carpark to the north
Fig. 81 Relocated C14th arched gateway
Fig. 82 Building on the site of the possible
former orchard
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4.6 ArchaeologyBlackfriars is unique in that substantial parts of all four
claustral ranges survive as roofed buildings and much of
the fabric dates from the original C13th construction. Since
the C18th, the priory has been the subject of antiquarian
interest and a number of historic texts have been compiled
including;
Palmer (1882)
Knowles (1932) First to investigate the surviving fabricin detail and to draw attention to the significance of the
south range and scriptorium.
Rackham, Blair and Munby (1978) Studied the surviving
C13th roofs during the restoration of the church.
Victoria County History (VCH) in the Gloucester volume
(1988)
Archaeological investigations have been carried out at
Blackfriars since 1963 following the acquisition of parts of
the site by the ministry of Works. Early investigations were
focused on the north and east ranges and were carried out
by Andrew Saunders (1963), Laurence Keen (1967-1972),
Peter Brown and Gill Hey (1977) and Christopher Guy
(1978, 1979 with minor works in the west range 1984 and
1985). A report on their findings was compiled in 1990 by
Peter Ellis based on an interim report by Saunders.
Since 1987 watching briefs have been carried out by Kirsty
Rodwell in a number of locations determined by excavation
required as part of restoration and maintenance works. In
1995 Phil Greatorix (for the Gloucester Archaeology Unit)carried out trial investigations in the north west corner of the
site after the clearance of C20th buildings.
The majority of excavation has been as a result of the
requirements of the restoration and repair works to the
priory and as a consequence has been limited to C13th and
later deposits.
Fig. 84 Diagrammatic summary of the archaeology within the priory curtilage
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4.0 The Gazetteer
4.7 Commercial Road BuildingsParts of the site covered under this Conservation Plan are
not part of the scheduled ancient monument and comprise
a number of buildings of various ages and quality which face
onto Commercial Road and Southgate Street.
The Commercial Road Properties
The street frontage facing Commercial Road is a mix of
building types. The far south-western corner of the siteis occupied by a C20th brick building of poor quality. The
building is largely two storeys with a flat asphalt roof and the
brick walls are plain with poor quality fenestration. A pitched
single storey section abuts the main block which appears
to be more industrial in appearance but has also been
heavily altered in terms of its fenestration and openings. The
building is owned and occupied by the Gloucester branch
of the Royal British Legion who also owns the adjoining
property which is the Tile Centre. This building is a two
storey block built in the mid C20th, with a glazed shopfront
facing the street and a horizontal band of glazing on the
first floor framed by horizontal panels of render. The building
is constructed between two brick flanking walls and,
although the building is the only active retail outlet within the
Blackfriars block, it does little to add to the quality of the
area.
Blackfriars Inn
East of the Tile Centre is the former Blackfriars Inn.The building is late C19th with two storeys. It has been
constructed of red brick with stone dressings and has
a pitched slate roof. There is a small yard with partly
demolished outbuildings to the rear. Blackfriars Inn was
acquired by the Ministry of Works in 1976, and is in fair
condition though it is currently disused and vacant and has
become the focus of some localised vandalism.
Fig. 89 Photomontage of the Royal British Legion from the junction between Commercial Road and Ladybellegate Street
Fig. 90 Photomontage of Commercial Road from the Royal British Legion to Blackfriars Inn
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4.0 The Gazetteer4.8 Southgate Street Buildings
Brunswick Baptist Church and 52-56 Southgate Street
Brunswick Baptist Church was built in 1973 and designed
by the architects Peter Falconer & Partners. It is built in a
modern Brutalist style of architecture using profiled concrete
cladding panels to form a dramatic large windowless
horizontal panel at first floor level. At street level the church
is accessed via metal-framed fully glazed doors and
screen set between panels of brickwork. The building isharsh in appearance though this is largely due to changing
perceptions and architectural fashions; it is a reasonably
well proportioned building that is not out of scale with
the surrounding context and is very much of its time. The
building appears well used and in fair condition though the
choice of materials, glazing and signage have dated and
deteriorated and the building appears tired and in need of
thorough refurbishment.
The adjoining building (52-56 Southgate Street) is a four
storied building with a glazed frontage to the street. The
building is designed with vertical strips of brickwork with
similar vertical strips of glazing separated by concrete
panels between. The building appears to have been built
as offices though the ground floor could have a commercial
function. Today the building is vacant. The choice of
materials suggests that it was built at a similar time to the
chapel, though it lacks any architectural quality and adds
very little to the visual amenity of the area, especially as
it is at a key location where Blackfriars Lane enters onto
Southgate Street.
The car parks to the rear of the Southgate Street buildings
and the elevation treatment of the building are poor and do
little to create a suitable setting for the Priory.
Fig. 93 Brunswick Baptist Church and 52-56 Southgate Street Fig. 94 View of the new extension to the rear of the Black Swan
Hotel
Fig. 95 Brunswick Baptist Church Fig. 96 Car park to the rear of 52-56 Southgate Street
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g5.4 List of Statutory Designations
The Priory buildings together with Blackfriars Inn and the
surrounding grounds are a Scheduled Ancient Monument
and the whole site falls within a conservation area
(Gloucester Conservation Area No. 5).
Priory Buildings Grade I
No. 13 to 19 Ladybellegate Street Grade II*
The boundary walls facing Blackfriars Grade II*
Lane and Ladybellegate Street
The Black Swan Hotel Grade II
Fig. 98 Diagram of statutory designations
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y 6.1 Managing future change
The city of Gloucester is currently the subject of major
regeneration work, which has involved assessing the
importance of what already exists and the potential for what
might come into being in the city in the future. Blackfriars
and the urban block it is located within form a key element
of this city-wide regeneration and will therefore be subject
to a great number of changes over the next decade. The
previous sections of this Conservation Plan provide a
detailed analysis of what exists within the block, its historicimportance and its relation to the rest of the city. This
section sets out the issues which may arise in the face of
the proposed regeneration and provides policies to manage
future interventions on and around the site.
The location and historical significance of Blackfriars makes
it an important part of the future development of Gloucester.
However, the Priory buildings are highly vulnerable to
change and inappropriate development could irreversibly
damage the integrity of the monument.
The issues and policies explored in this section assume that
a sustainable and appropriate new use needs to be found
for the Priory complex which will enable better access and
wider use of the buildings in order to ensure its survival. The
precise detail and design of how this potential to be realised
is beyond the scope of this Conservation Plan but the basic
principles of development may be agreed within these
policies.
Fig. 99 3D image of Blackfriars
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6.2 Context and setting
Issues and Vulnerability
The context and setting of the Priory has evolved throughout
its history and will continue to change. The Priory precinct
would once have been contained within a walled enclosure
accessed from two main entrances off Longsmith Street
and Southgate Street. The public side of the building would
have been the north side of the church where there was the
cemetery and also the west elevation where there was apulpit. By contrast the internal cloister would have created
an enclosed private setting. Now these two facades still
provide the public front to the Priory though their open
setting has been reduced to domestic gardens.
The buildings off Southgate Street and Commercial Road
have, for much of the recent history of the Priory, created
a protective boundary to the Priory which helps shield the
buildings from the noise and pollution of the busy streets.
However some of the subsidiary spaces to the rear of these
buildings are unattractive and create an unsatisfactorysetting immediately adjacent to the Priory. Ladybellegate
Street provides a quiet route from the city centre and forms
an important link between the Priory, Cathedral and docks.
Policies
Proposals should maintain the open space which
allows views of the Priory from the north and the
enclosed space of the cloister area.
The enclosure created by the Commercial Road and
Southgate Street properties is important and should
be maintained, though the quality of the buildings andback yards should be improved where possible.
The route from the city centre to the docks should
be maintained and enhanced in such a way as to
attract high footfall to the site and to create a safe and
attractive route for pedestrians, making the Priory more
accessible.
The presence of Blackfriars from Southgate Street
should be increased and the quality of the route
improved.
Fig. 100 View of Blackfriars from the carpark to the north
Fig. 101 View of access along Blackfriars Lane from Southgate Street
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6.5 Archaeology
Issues and Vulnerability
A great deal of archaeological investigation has been carried
out in the area around the Priory. Early investigations were
undertaken to reveal information about the original Priory
buildings whereas later investigations have been part of
construction works packages. Although much is known
about the form of the original building there are gaps in the
knowledge. Also the whole area dates back to the Romanoccupation and deposits in the area are all potentially highly
significant.
Policies
The archaeology of the site which lies below the C13th
deposits belong to the wider context of Gloucester and
should be preserved in situ where possible.
No below ground interventions should be carried out if
there is evidence of significant archaeological deposits.
All below ground works which are within proximity
of known archaeological remains will require the
development of an archaeological mitigation strategy
approved by Gloucester City Council and English
Heritage before works are commenced.
Where evidence of archaeological remains is unknown
a full archaeological investigation will be required in
accordance with PPG16 and designs must be altered
accordingly.
It is strongly recommended that the northern part of the
site should be backfilled up to the level of the first plain
ashlar course of the plinth, in conjunction with a new
drainage installation and any necessary archaeological
recording.
Fig. 102 Diagrammatic summary of the archaeology within the priory curtilage
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6.6 Potential for demolition
Policies
All demolitions and new works should be planned as
part of a comprehensive scheme for the whole site.
The site falls within a Conservation Area and
conservation area consent must be obtained for any
demolition of structures within this area.
All demolitions within the SAM boundary to gain SAM
consent before works are carried out and to undertake
any works in accordance with the requirements of the
consent approval. Buildings outside the SAM which
may impact upon the setting of the monument should
also be treated as being scheduled. However if works
are undertaken by English Heritage, SAM consent is
not required and the works can be undertaken under
the provision of a Class VI Consent.
Demolition works should be specified and carried outby suitably qualified professionals who are experienced
in dismantling buildings within historically-sensitive
sites.
Demolition works should be phased to allow
appropriate repairs and access to other elements of the
site when necessary.
Issues and Vulnerability
The Priory buildings are part of the SAM and the majority
are listed and of high significance; as such none of the listed
buildings is eligible for demolition. Other buildings on the site
contribute to the urban grain of the block and help protect
the Priory by shielding it from the detrimental effects of the
busy traffic off Commercial Street and Southgate Street.
However, there are certain elements of the site whichcurrently detract from the overall significance.
Some of the more modern and poorly-designed buildings
on the site are detrimental to the architectural and historic
importance of the whole block. The following diagram
shows the buildings within the study area which have a
detrimental effect upon the character of the area and which
it would be highly desirable to have demolished. These
include the car showroom and the nearby workshop. The
diagram also indicates which buildings are of low quality
and could be demolished if a suitable high-quality alternativebuilding were proposed. However, these buildings are in
close proximity to the Priory and to other listed buildings
and any proposals would have to consider this in their
design, the demolitions of the existing and also the effects
upon the potential archaeology in the area.
Fig. 103 The garage facing Commercial Road
Fig. 104 Workshops adjacent to the east range
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Fig. 105 Diagram of potential demolition within the Blackfriars site
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6.7 Intervention and new building
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Fig. 106 Diagram of potential new landscaping and construction areas within the Blackfriars site
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6.8 Vandalism and security
Policies
The more the site is occupied the less likely vandalism
is to occur, which means that the security of the Priory
is to a large degree is dependant upon the success of
the wider regeneration strategy.
Steps should be taken to improve the appearance of
the less attractive buildings on the site and to find new
uses for them that create an increased presence on the
site.
Vulnerable areas where vandalism is occurring should
be made secure without resorting to methods that
degrade the appearance of the area and result in
attracting further unwanted attention.
Consideration should be given to the potential of
lighting as well as management strategies to be
implemented by the future occupiers of the site.
Design strategies to deter vandalism and other crime
should be included within the new development of
the site. If the designers have no experience of this,
organisations such as Design Against Crime should
be consulted. This element of the design should be
seen as integral and key to the future success of the
whole site rather than considered as an afterthought.
Tackling vandalism and crime should be a
comprehensive approach with shared responsibility for
the day-to-day management of the site.
Issues and Vulnerability
The Priory buildings are secure and to some extent are
protected from the risks of vandalism by the occupation of
the Ladybellegate Street properties during the day. However,
the perimeter of the south and east range are easily
accessible from the street and are vulnerable to vandalism.
The disused appearance and continued deterioration of
some of the surrounding buildings within the urban block
does attract negative attention and will draw potential
vandalism into the site. This is apparent at the rear of
Blackfriars Inn which is also in close proximity to the south
range.
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6.9 Vehicle and pedestrian access
Issues and Vulnerability
Currently there is vehicle access onto the Priory site from
the north from Blackfriars Lane via a gate to a graveled
car park area. The cloister garth and north lawn of no. 11
Ladybellegate Street are currently inaccessible to vehicles.
Vehicle access into the cloister garth is highly undesirable
due to the vulnerability of shallow deposits of archaeology
and the potential damage to the attractive setting. Vehicle
access into the north lawn is also undesirable for the same
reasons.
Elsewhere within the urban block there is vehicle access off
Commercial Road to an area of hard standing behind the
car showroom and also to a carpark behind the Black Swan
Hotel. These are both difficult entrances on a busy road
and their potential capacity may be limited. A further car
park exists off Blackfriars Lane which serves the Brunswick
Baptist Church, though it is an exposed and unattractive
open area and in close proximity to the monument and isdetrimental to the appearance of the area.
The car park to the north of the Priory site is a well used
centrally located car park, and well positioned to serve the
potential uses at Blackfriars. However, it is in poor condition
and currently creates an unattractive backdrop to the Priory
buildings.
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Pedestrian access
Development proposals for the Priory site must consider the
access needs of all people, including those with impaired
mobility and other disabilities which could hinder access and
understanding of the monument. Some of the Priory spaces
present limitations for access and improving this must be
carefully balanced against the sensitivity of the fabric and
the effects of interventions to improve access.
Policies
Any future uses should avoid the need for additional
parking within the SAM and instead should look to
utilise existing space around the car showroom area
which has access off Commercial Street.
A site-wide access strategy should be developed
which enables reasonable, clearly signed and dignified
access for all people with impaired mobility to the Priorybuildings as well as the issues of attracting high footfall
to the site.
All solutions must be considered fully before alterations
are proposed to the historic fabric.
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6.10 Services
Policies
The condition of existing services should be surveyed
and inspected to assess their condition.
New services should be designed with the whole Priory
in mind in order to reduce localised piecemeal solutions
to individual buildings and spaces. The visual integrity
of the buildings should be retained while causing
minimal damage to the historic fabric. Visually obtrusive
servicing solutions including fire detection and health
and safety will not be acceptable.
Heavy or large scale plant should be placed where
impact on the historic fabric and integrity of the
monument will be minimal and should be designed with
the loading capacity of floors and structures.
New services should be designed to make use of
existing voids in the historic fabric wherever possibleand be reversible. It is therefore essential that the M&E
contractors be professionals experienced in working
with services in historic buildings where unusual
solutions often have to be found in order to avoid
both excessive surface runs or unacceptable damage
resulting from recessed services.
Drainage runs and below-ground services should be
designed to avoid important archaeological remains
and should be laid under the supervision of an
archaeological team.
Issues and Vulnerability
Currently the individual buildings have minimal incoming
services and can accommodate low numbers of visitors
with larger numbers catered for with temporary services.
Increased numbers and new uses will require new services
in a number of the buildings and these must be carefully
considered in order not to damage the integrity of the
buildings and spaces.
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p
Policies
A robust Heritage Interpretation Plan should be
commissioned which rigorously examines the impact
of new buildings on the interpretation experience of the
existing historic fabric.
The Heritage Interpretation Plan should also examine
the feasibility for new displays and temporary activities
related to the history of the site, the Priory, and the
changing social and economic context which shaped
the form of the buildings and streets.
Issues & Vulnerability
It is essential that the history of the site be accessible
to visitors and local residents and high quality, engaging
interpretation will be key to the long-term success of the
Priorys future.
Recent demolition works to remove the garage workshop at
the heart of the Priory site have opened up the cloister and
returned it to a landscaped space surrounded by the four
ranges. The interpretation of the cloister would benefit from
the reinstatement of a building adjoining the remains of the
east range, though at present this relies upon the demolition
of all or part of the car showroom on Commercial Road.
Although the church once extended further east and west,
the form of the C16th buildings is now the most important
feature of this part of the site and the interpretation of this
range externally should remain as the mansion house with
open space to the north and access from this direction.
The destruction of the interiors carried out by the Ministry of
Works sought to reinstate the character of the church. What
exists now is a mixture of remains from different periods that
are difficult to interpret. There is possible scope in reinstating
floors to replicate previous levels, though this would be
hindered by the ground floor levels that exist.
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y g
In the light of the broader moves for change in Gloucester
and the regeneration of Greater Blackfriars, it is desirable
that changes take place to Blackfriars Priory in order to
create a viable future for the buildings and to make this
special place more acccessible. The site has great potential
for change and new uses despite the highly sensitive nature
of the historic fabric and areas exist for new buildings.
The aim of this Conservation Plan is to guide those changes
and to point out those aspects of the site which are most
significant and valuable and which are highly vulnerable
to change and intervention. The plans on the following
three pages identify the most sensitive areas of each
building which are highly significant and require careful
consideration, as well as those areas which are more open
to the possibilities of change.
It should be emphasised that further investigations should
be carried out prior to the commencement of any design
work for the site.
Fig. 107 Diagram showing the sensitivity to change within the site (ground floor)
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Fig. 108 Diagram showing the sensitivity to change within the site (first floor)
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Fig. 109 Diagram showing the sensitivity to change within the site (second floor)
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This Conservation Plan has been written in close
consultation with all the stakeholders and interested
parties. Representatives of the following organisations have
discussed and reviewed the full contents of the plan and will
be responsible for its implementation:
Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company
English Heritage
Gloucester City Council
South West of England Regional Development AgencyGloucester City Museum & Art Gallery
Gloucester County Archaeology
As the regeneration project develops it will be necessary
to review the Conservation Plan and amend, where
appropriate, existing policies or write new ones. It is
important to consider the Conservation Plan as a live and
dynamic tool for change rather than a static, technical
report. Written in June 2007, the plan cannot predict
how change will occur in and around the site or whatnew information relating to the significance of the site
may emerge in the future. It is therefore imperative that
regular reviews are undertaken by the above stakeholders
to discuss new findings and to monitor the impact of the
proposed regeneration process upon the site and its historic
setting.
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