972

 

II  

Designated  

02/02/1981  

20/07/2000  

Gate Tower Block of Plas Castell  

 

Denbighshire  

Denbigh  

 

Denbigh - Castle  

305301  

365967  

 

Located on a commanding, elevated site immediately to the E of Leicester's church, within the Old Town; adjoining the rear, service range at Plas Castell  

Domestic  

 

Gatehouse and clock tower, built onto Plas Castell in 1882 for Emily Augusta Fazackerly, formerly of Barnwell Abbey, Somerset. The tower was built by J Simon Roberts and incorporated a clock which was subsequently removed to Barnwell church. The foundation stone is inscribed: "This stone was laid by E A Fazackerley on the 17th day of Jany. 1882".  

Large gate and clock tower of three-and-a-half storeys, in Italian Gothic style. Of red brick construction with bands of yellow brick and some limestone dressings. The tower is rectangular with 2-bay sides and 3-bay main faces, the central bays broader; the outer bays are defined by applied, off-set brick shafts which spring from corbels at first-floor level and rise through the battlemented upper stage as crenellated turrets. Large central archway to the lower stage, with 4 centred head in moulded brick; blind, sunk panels flank this on each side. The first floor has a 2-light window with narrow arched lights recessed within a larger arch. Above this is an oculus within a limestone frame with heraldic, pointed-arched top; the oculus originally contained the clock face. The outer bays have pointed-arched lancets on each storey, as do the sides; small-pane glazing with intersecting heads. Battlemented upper stage with off-set dentilations and limestone crenellations. The central bay rises up half a stage further and terminates with similar battlements and off-set corner turrets; faux machicolations with 3-light vertical slit window below. A limestone foundation stone is visible at the bottom R.  

The interior was not inspected at the time of survey.  

Listed for its special interest as a striking Victorian clock and gate tower in a prominent location showing robust Italian Gothic character with strong military references. Group value with Plas Castell.