Listed Building record MDR5361 - Formerly The Peacock Inn, No. 67 Low Pavement, Chesterfield

Formerly The Peacock Inn, No. 67 Low Pavement, Chesterfield, a 16th century timber framed building. 'The first floor may originally have served as a guildhall, possibly that of the Blessed Mary. Evidence of occupation dating from the late 13th century was found during a survey in 1974 and a 15th century stone house preceded the present structure. A stone-lined cess pit contemporary with the stone-walled house was excavated in the back yard. Residual sherds of three Romano British vessels were found in the excavations, which also yielded 13th-15th century and post-Medieval pottery sherds. An east-west gully (undated) represents the earliest feature on the site. It was followed by a late 13th century clay floor and associated occupation debris. The floor was renewed. A new stone structure was erected in the 14th century, possibly associated with some industrial activity. In the late 15th century a timber-framed building, possibly a guildhall, was erected. This had 3 bays (of which only 2 survive) and may have been up to 17m (54ft) long and 6m (20ft) wide at ground level. Modifications were made to the building in the 19th and 20th centuries.' (1-2) The Peacock remained open as a pub until 1972, a name only being used for around 150 years. At one stage, the building belonged to a complex building that ran along Low Pavement, before being divided into individual sections in the 19th century. Shortly afterwards initial examination of the upper floors revealed that the building was timber framed. Once the form redevelopment was to take place on Low Pavement had been settled, it was decided that the Peacock should be thoroughly restored. The most impressive part of the Peacock is the large open hall upstairs, originally accessible by stairs in a small wing, long since destroyed. Below, in the ground floor, a series of thick substantial beams and thick walls support the upper level and roof. Evidence of blocked windows have been noted on this level, possibly indicating where building divisions have previously occurred. The area under the Peacock was a series of buildings from the 13th century onwards with sandstone foundations, destroyed in the 15th century to make way for the series of buildings along Low Pavement. (3-4) From the National Heritage List for England: 'LOW PAVEMENT 1. 5169 ------------ No 67 (The Peacock Inn) SK 3871 SW 1/64 12.8.74. II GV 2. C16 timber framed building on site of at least 2 earlier buildings. Street facade, plastered 1st floor, ground floor has tiled mid C19 public house front with entablature and panelled pilasters. Large coved eaves, steeply pitched slate roof, brick chimneys. 2 storeys, cellars and 2 dormers. 2 bays but originally of at least 3 bays, eastern part now lost and eastern end wall, boarded over timber frame. 2 windows those of 1st floor contemporary oriels extending through coving to eaves. Ground floor has elliptically arched windows flanking centre round arched door with 7 panels, the top panel semi-circular. Door set in moulded architrave. Internally, substantial timber framing visible - front wall replaced but wall posts - curved to brace jetty remain. 3 of 4 corner posts visible on stone footing. Rest of ground floor now generally of stone or brick. Ceiling beams intact with stopped chamfers and centre chamfered beam extending across width of building, 1st floor has later ceiling inserted above tie beams. Western rear timber framed extension probably carried earlier staircase. (Present earlier/mid C19 dog leg staircase beyond, has continuous handrail and iron balusters). 1st floor internal walls have close studding exposed with tall panels grooved to take thin stone slab infill lath and plaster infill around windows and coving. Butt purlin roof with double purlins tenoned into trusses, arched wind braces and collars. Listing NGR: SK3812671061.' (5)