Description

Late 18th to early 19th century with later alterations and additions. 2-storey, 3-bay rectangular-plan symmetrical, crowstep-gabled cottage sited to N end of similarly dated small terrace, built on ground rising to S; 2- and single storey additions to rear forming L-plan. Harled. Windows set close under eaves.

W (PRINCIPAL) ELEVATION: window (formerly door) at ground in bay to centre. Window at each floor in each bay flanking.

N (SIDE) ELEVATION: 2-storey, 3-bay block to centre: door to outer left; window at each floor in each bay remaining. Single storey, lean-to 3-bay addition to outer left: window in each bay. 2-storey, single bay gabled block (main cottage) to right: window at each floor, set to right; gablehead stack above.

S ELEVATION: adjoining Number 8 (lsited separately).

4- and 8-pane timber sash and case windows. Purple slate roof; stone ridge; mutual stone skew to S; harled, corniced gablehead stack to N; similar mutual stack to S; uPVC rainwater goods.

INTERIOR: not seen, 1998.

Statement of Interest

B-Group with 8, 10 and 12 School Place. This row of cottages stands on the site of Kirkwall's Grammar School which probably began as the Cathedral Sang School attended by choristers. The site seems to compete with Number 36 Broad Street (listed separately) for the accolade of Kirkwall's original Grammar School, both seeing service as such at one time or another. The first recorded schoolmaster was Thomas Houston who was appointed by Bishop Reid to hold office from 1544 to 1595. Another school (dated around 1820) has been described, designed by a Mr Gillespie and comprising a low pavilion and an arched doorway. It was finally replaced by the present T S Peace building (listed separately) which has been since converted to Orkney Islands Council offices (1980). The value of this row of cottages to the streetscape of School Place is enhanced by its juxtaposition with the T S Peace building to the north and the massive East Church to the south.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q77773675

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

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