Site Record

In 1764, The Sign House was described as 'a large one built of timber, nogged or plaster walls and thatched at the end of which are 6 bays in a ruinous condition to be taken down'. The present row of three houses shows some evidence consistent with this, since the westernmost end (No 3) has interior detail suggesting a 17th century date (axial beams, a simple oak dog-leg staircase and oak boarded floors to the first floor), while the exposed timbering in the eastern end (No 1) is of regular form and possibly late 18th century or early 19th century date. The thinner scantling timberwork to the exterior of No 3 is probably the result of further remodelling in the mid 19th century, and the fenestration and other detail (together possibly with the re-ordering of the internal planning) appear to be of this period.

The row comprises three houses, each of 2-unit plan form. The right hand section of the row (No 1 and part of No 2) is exposed box-framing with brick panel infill and a brick plinth. There is a slate roof with axial brick stack. All windows (which appear to be in original openings) have the bracketed canopies associated with the work of the Vaynor Estate. The central bays of the row are rendered (probably also over timber framing - exposed timbering visible in rear wall): low dormer window to the right of the gabled porch, with 2-light casement window on each floor. Similarly arranged 4-light casements to the left of the porch, with higher gabled dormer with decorative barge-boards to first floor.

The row exemplifies the complex patterns of alteration and adaptation which characterised building history on the Vaynor estate, and shows the continuing tradition of timber framing.

References:
D.W. Smith, 'Berriew in the Eighteenth Century', Montgomeryshire Collections, Vol. 70, 1982, pp.99-130;
Drawings of proposed C19 alterations, Vaynor Park estate papers.

RCAHMW, 2010.