Pictures show devastation caused to Tudor building by blaze
The historic Grade II-listed building was damaged by fire, then suffered water damage from over a year of water ingress
A Tudor building damaged in a devastating fire is in urgent need of repair, Wiltshire planners have been told.
The owner of 3 Northgate Street in Devizes has applied for listed building consent to repair the building, which was badly damaged after a blaze destroyed neighbouring 2 Northgate Street.
The historic Grade II-listed building – with a Georgian façade but with parts dating back as early as the late 1500s – was damaged by fire, then suffered water damage from over a year of water ingress.
Reports and pictures from architects and conservationists show the devastation caused to the building after its neighbour – a kebab and pizza takeaway – suffered a devastating fire and was, eventually, demolished.
Planners have been told that the structural repairs to the roof will involve replacing around 80 per cent of the rafters.
A large historic wooden beam is no longer acting structurally, but will be retained, supported by new ceiling joists.
Roof slates will be salvaged and reused where possible.
Inside, water ingress has caused “significant deterioration” of the ceiling plaster and cornice. Larch floorboards have been warped by prolonged exposure to moisture.
A report by Wiltshire Buildings Record says parts of the house date back to the 1600s, and perhaps even the late 1500s.
In the 16th century wool trader Robert Waylen who bought the site of Northgate Mill nearby and all the buildings on it, including no.3 Northgate Street.
It was likely the Waylen family that converted the existing building into a three-story townhouse.
The building remained in the family until the early 1900s and was a school before being divided into apartments in 1958, when the ground floor came into commercial use.
The current owner has said he hopes to have a hand in repairs. As a heritage plasterer, he intends to carry out faithful repairs using traditional methods to the front of the building, with future works providing opportunities for heritage training days.
The fire that destroyed 3 Northgate Street occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
Firefighters were called to the blaze at just after 3am, and at its height around 40–45 firefighters and six fire engines, plus an aerial appliance, were tackling the blaze, with crews on scene for many hours to contain spread along the terrace.
The building was demolished over a fortnight in April.