Details
SYDNEY PLACE
656-1/32/1653 (East side)
Two Watchman's Boxes at Holburne Museum
11/08/72
GV II*
A pair of watchmen's boxes flanking the entrance to the Holburne Museum (qv), dating from c.1840.
MATERIALS: The boxes are constructed from limestone ashlar.
PLAN: Approximately 1.5m square.
EXTERIOR: The boxes are approximately 3m high, and are identical. Each set on a plinth, with Tuscan pilasters set back slightly from each corner, flanking coved recesses to the three closed sides, a plain architrave to the front, a triglyph frieze, cornice and slightly pyramidal stone slab roof.
INTERIOR: The interior has a plain stone bench across the rear wall.
HISTORY: Sydney Gardens were laid out as commercial pleasure grounds between 1792 and 1794; the initial design was by the architect Thomas Baldwin, who, after he went bankrupt, was replaced by Charles Harcourt Masters in 1794. They were opened on 11 May 1795 as Sydney Gardens Vauxhall, and rapidly became a popular place of entertainment, hosting public breakfasts, promenades and galas. The main building was the Sydney Tavern (now the Holburne of Menstrie Museum), which stood at the western end of the central walk, and housed tea and card rooms, a ballroom, coffee room and a public house. In 1799, a section of the Kennet and Avon Canal was cut through the gardens, with the addition of decorative bridges and tunnels, which added to the picturesque appeal of the pleasure grounds. During the early C19, additional features and structures were introduced, adding variety and surprise in accordance with landscape design principles of the period. From c.1839, a section of the Great Western Railway was constructed, cutting through the gardens. Later in the C19, further ornamental structures were introduced, but these were largely cleared away after World War Two. In 1891, when the original 99-year lease of the Gardens expired, the entire site, including the Tavern, by then in use as a college, was sold, with the intention of replacing the former Tavern with a large hotel, and remodelling the grounds. The plan was abandoned and in 1908, the site was purchased by Bath City Council; the gardens were opened to the public as a municipal park in 1913, while the Tavern was remodelled by Sir Reginald Blomfield into the Holburne of Menstrie Museum. The gardens remain in use as a public park. The watchmen's boxes were constructed c.1840, when the Gardens underwent a period of enhancement and alteration, and have remained unaltered since this date.
REASONS FOR DESIGNATION DECISION
The two watchmen's boxes at the Holburne Museum are listed at Grade II*, for the following principal reasons:
* The structures, which date from c.1840, demonstrate a high level of quality in their architectural style, materials and craftsmanship
* They represent a rare survival of this building type
* They complement the axial formality of the overall composition of the Holburne Museum, its flanking walls and the buildings they face in Great Pulteney Street and Sydney Place
* Strong group value with the Holburne Museum (qv), formerly the Sydney Hotel or Tavern, which they were erected to serve, the other listed structures within Sydney Gardens, and the listed buildings in Sydney Place and Great Pulteney Street
Listing NGR: ST7563265220
