No. 39, Charles Square

XLIII.—No. 39 CHARLES SQUARE.

General description and date of structure.

That part of the eastern side of Charles Square which belonged to Charles Hills extended from and including No. 39, to the north-east corner of the square. This would appear to have been let in two plots: (a) containing a frontage of 40 feet in the square, abutting north on Charles Street and let to William Charles for 61 years from 23rd March, 1684–5 (fn. 1); and (b) containing a frontage of 44 feet and a depth of 49 feet, abutting north on ground of William Charles, and let to Stephen Rumball for a term ending Lady Day, 1745, i.e., probably the same term as (a).

Plot (b) corresponds to No. 39, and these premises, which, in all probability, are substantially identical with those originally built, therefore date back to about 1685.

The house consists of two storeys and a basement, with an attic in roof. It is double-fronted, with a plastered front, and has window-frames flush with the wall, with the glass divided into small panes. Internally, some of the rooms have square deal panelling, with a moulded cornice and chair rail. The staircase has a moulded close string with square newel posts finished with ball caps and moulded pendants. The balusters are well turned and spaced at a wider distance apart than usual (Plates 65 and 66). The staircase at the top has a three-light mullioned window which overlooks the garden in the rear, and is glazed with diamond-leaded lights.

Condition of repair.

Good.

In the Council's collection are:—

(fn. 2) Staircase balustrade, detail (measured drawing).