1857, enlarged 1901. By J.H.Park. Sandstone ashlar (red brick
at rear), slate roofs. U-plan, formed by original block with
rear wing to Earl Street, and addition on south side also with
rear wing. Classical style. Two storeys (probably over
cellars), plus 3-stage tower to the addition.
The original range is a symmetrical 5-window composition, with a plinth,
channelled rusticated ground floor, rusticated quoins to 1st
floor, frieze inscribed "ERECTED BY THE CORPORATION A.D.1857
LAWRENCE SPENCER ESQUIRE MAYOR", prominent modillioned cornice
and balustraded parapet with ball finials.
The centre has a round-headed doorway with an architrave of coupled engaged
Tuscan columns and prominent cornice, above this a window with
pairs of panelled pilasters and consoles supporting a pediment
with lamb and flag, and a round-headed upstand in the parapet
with a shield.
All the windows are sashed without glazing bars, those at 1st floor paired under cornices on consoles.
The 2-window right-hand return is in matching style. The wing continued to the rear is of heavily rusticated rock-faced masonry, 5 windows, mostly round-headed and those at ground
floor barred, but the end bay has a square headed doorway and
window above both with cornices; and beyond this is a lower
2-storey 5-window cell-block with small semicircular windows
at ground floor and round-headed windows above, all with
grills.
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