Cavendish Place, Gate Piers outside 8 and 9, Brighton

Asset type

Historic Building - Street furniture (gate piers)

Local Listing Reference

LLHA0013

Conservation Area (CA)

Regency Square CA

Description

Pair of historic gate piers; no longer in use or attached to associated property. Cast iron, they were likely installed in conjunction with the construction of 8 and 9 Cavendish Place in c.1829 by A.H. Wilds, or soon after. The buildings were originally constructed as two semi-detached houses, known as Cavendish Mansions. The c.1870 Ordnance Survey map shows the Mansions and indicates a gate to the front and/or side of each property. Unusually, the alignment of the gates/railings does not match. The buildings were converted into an hotel in the early 20th century, at which point Ordnance Survey maps indicate the gates/railings were removed. Cast iron and square in section, they display a zig-zag pattern of foliate filigree to the each side, with raised and fielded square panel above. Semi-circular heads with sinuous sunburst style design. That to the west survives intact, that to the east has been damaged. Source: Carder 1990.

A, Architectural, design and artistic interest

ii. A highly unusual design and good example of early 19th century gate piers v Highly decorative and of particular aesthetic interest.

C. Townscape interest

i. A novel survival which contributes to the streetscene.

iv. Clear association with 8 and 9 Cavendish Place, which are listed.

E. Rarity and representativeness

i. Such ornate gate piers are a rare survival, which provide evidence for the arrangement of gates/railings in that location.

F. Intactness

i. One of the piers survives intact. The other has been damaged

Date of inclusion

2015