The Close (EHER 15376)

Early 19th century workhouse by Scott and Moffatt, with later 19th century additions, converted to flats in 1932.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Dunmow Workhouse was built in 1838-40. It was designed by George Gilbert Scott and William Bonython Moffatt in an Elizabethan Tudor style. In 1871 an infirmary was added. In the 20th Century the buildings were converted for residential use. <1> They are Grade II listed. <2> Flats and houses, former workhouse. 1840 Sir G.G. Scott. Generally red English bond brick with slate roofs. Of 3 major components, an entrance range containing the chapel and board room, a 'U' shaped courtyard range containing the bulk of the residential accommodation and service blocks and 2 terraces of later 19th century date, by Chancellor of staff houses. The front range is substantially single storey with a 2 storey entrance block with central four- centred carriage arch and oriel window over. The side ranges has central 'projecting parapeted gables and slated lean-to's on the back. All of red brick with black brick diapering and quoins and dressings of gault brick. Each wing has 3 paired diagonal shafted stacks and extra gable end stacks on ends. Main block has a four storeyed centre and 3 storey wings of similar general character with iron casement windows. The centre has 2, 3 storey 5-sided bay windows with parapeted gables over. Central ogee capped cupola, probably influenced by the Clock House nearby. The centre has 2 large end stacks and there are a series of substantial stacks along the rear wall of this range. The wings have short return blocks on each end and projecting, central, parapeted gables. The rear is similar in detail and a 3 and 2 storey wing returns to the rear, on the south end and is continued as lower service blocks to form an east range enclosing 3 sides of a garden court. In the north-east corner, a 2 storey coach house with arched opening (now blocked). A range of 2 and single storey blocks run down paralleling the south boundary of the site with a forge and ancillary service buildings. To the east, 2 terrace blocks of houses of later 19th century date. These are of 2 storeys and are of red English bond brickwork with gault brick dressings, with storey marking, string course. A low pitched gable marks the centre of the longer range and it has paired gabled porches at the ends. Both ranges have a regular pattern of closely spaced double hung sash windows, with large square panes and rubbed gault brick heads and doors incorporated as part of this arrangement. Front gardens are separated from the roadway by simple iron railings, in front of each terrace, mounted on low red brick walls with square brick piers at the boundary of each unit. Central ridge line stack and gable end stacks and numerous smaller stacks, through front and rear roof slopes. <3> 1998. Survey. Designed by Scott and Moffatt, the workhouse is situated in the south-east quarter of the town, to the east of Chelmsford Road. Erected in 1840, it follows a cruciform plan with a detached entrance range, infirmary and isolation block. Adopting a Jacobean style the buildings are of red brick with decorative blue-brick diapering, stock brick dressings and slate roofs; many of the original diamond-paned windows survive. Fronting Chelmsford Road the main entrance range has a projecting two-storey Dutch gable above the central entrance with single-storey wings, containing the board room and chapel . The gabled entrance bay has a four-centred carriage arch and a canted window at first-floor level. The wings are gabled at either end with a central gabled projection to the frontage; they are lit by large four-paned windows (six panes light the projection) with stone transoms and mullions set within a stock brick surround. Two pairs of diagonally set stacks with stepped tops serve each wing. The main workhouse building stands to the rear of the entrance range; a four-storey central block is flanked by three-storey wings. Two, three-storey canted bays project beneath the gables to the front and rear of the central block, allowing maximum supervision of the paupers in the yards. The south-western facade of both wings has been re-fronted with mock timber-framing and diamond paned glazing. Diapering is absent to the rear and the windows are surrounded by simple red brick surrounds. The yards were fully enclosed by cross-wings projecting from the main workhouse range. The kitchen and dining hall which stood to the rear of the central block has been demolished, whilst some of the outer ranges enclosing the yards have been altered. Modifications including inserted windows together with blocked doors and carriage entrances have been made to both the two-storey parallel range to the north-east and a detached block to the south-east. The two detached buildings to the rear of the site are probably later being interpreted as an infirmary and isolation block. The former is of two storeys, red brick with stock brick dressings and the facade has a moulded string course; the slate roof is surmounted by ornate stacks. A gable projects from the central bays and a single-storey porch stands at either end; tall vertical sashes provide light. The iron railings enclosing the gardens may have been added when the building was converted into flats. The two-storey isolation block is much smaller; built of red brick with stock brick dressings, the building retains its sash and hopper glazing. Following closure in 1914 the workhouse was used as army and refugee billets, and later a prisoner of war camp. In 1932 the buildings were sold and converted into flats <4>. Archaeological potential: although the site retains many of its original buildings and external character, subsequent conversion into residential units has probably resulted in the loss of internal spaces and fixtures/fittings. Site significance: architecturally, Dunmow is probably the best and most expensive example of a Scott and Moffatt workhouse in England. The site retains most of the principle components and its external integrity has not been compromised by the residential conversion; the re-use of the building about 1932 is unusually early and demonstrates how these structures can be successfully adapted to new uses. <5> See also: <6>