Bradninch Hall & Bradninch Place, Exeter, Devon

In November 2011 I had a wander around Exeter to take photos of the courthouse inside the castle walls and hadn't intended to take any of Bradninch Hall. However, whilst there I decided to look at some other nearby interesting architecture, which included Rougemont House and the Hole in the Wall pub. So, it would have been rude not to take some photos of this building too! ;) 

Interestingly, whilst researching the area, it was fascinating to see how the various buildings and the construction of the new Castle Street fit into the history of the Georgian 'new builds' near to the castle entrance. Castle Street was built in 1772, running parallel to the narrow, cobblestoned Little Castle Street, and it was just a year later when the Mediaeval buildings inside the castle walls were demolished to make way for the Palladian style County Court Assizes. Bradninch Hall was built circa 1800 and is situated between the Hole in the Wall on Little Castle Street and the castle entrance at the top of Castle Street.

The photo below shows the castle gatehouse in the background on the left.

Grade II listed, it's a two storey building constructed in Heavitree Stone, which is a dark red volcanic stone indigenous to Exeter. Brick facings surround the sash windows; the front door complete with a Tuscan porch and honeysuckle fanlight. A hipped roof with moulded cornice and a parapet. The dormers are a modern, later addition.

I didn't take many photos during this visit but I already have three taken circa 1991-95, looking through the gate at the entrance to Rougemont House and Gardens, one of which can be seen below.

Bradninch Hall was originally a private residential house called The Vineyard, due to the original use of the land.  However, in 1902 it was used as accommodation for 78 female students attending Exeter University, and was the University's first hall of residence. In 1906 it was bought by the city council, extended and renamed with its present title. It was later used as a Red Cross Hospital during World War I.

The photos above are of the extension, called Bradninch Place, situated to the right of and at right angles to the original building. There are some interesting features to mitigate what might otherwise be rather a bland block, including the Georgian style stonework above the door and the semi-circular arched brick facings above the windows with herringbone laid brick inserts.

Both buildings were used by the WEA and other related organisations at the time of my visit but now several different companies have offices inside both Bradninch Hall and Bradninch Place.

And to finish off, two more photos from circa 1991-5, taken through the wall gate opposite.

Sorry about the lack of photos. While creating the contents page recently I wondered why I hadn't added this article to my blog, then realised it was because I'd meant to go back and take more. I decided to add it now though, in case I can't get back for a long time...in which case I might forget again! ;) If I do have a visit soon I'll take some close-ups of the architecture and add them to this article. Cheers. :)