History

Formerly the National Provincial Bank which operated in Criccieth from its branch in Pwllheli until 1919 before establishing a sub-branch in the town. The first bank building was quickly replaced on a new site with the present building, designed in 1923 by Frederick Charles R. Palmer, surveyor to the National Provincial Bank.

Exterior

Random squared rubble, with ashlar dressings and steep splay stone roof recessed behind parapets which are stepped up at either gable to the end wall stacks. Single storeyed, with banking hall in main block and offices in rear ranges - a gabled wing to E and flat roofed W wing. Angled corner with entrance in segmentally arched doorway with mullioned leaded overlight. Asymmetrical gabled return to right of doorway with 3-tier 3-light mullioned and transomed window, and ashlar panel above it incorporating the name of the bank. Rear wing with crow-stepped gable and parapet, and 2-light mullioned and transomed window, set back beyond. Elevation to street has shallow canted 6-light mullioned and transomed bay window towards centre, with flanking single light transomed windows. Ashlar recessed panel incorporating name of bank above central window.

Interior

The banking hall is open to the roof, which has collar strut trusses carried on stone corbels. Original fittings have been retained: simple C17-style panelling to walls and counter, and corner fireplace with Delft tiles.

Reasons for Listing

A purpose-designed bank of exceptional quality, using the Arts and Crafts principles of local materials and expressive massing in a highly unusual and striking design, which is an important feature in the High Street.

External Links

• Cadwr Listing
• Wikidata Q29493121

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.

Recommended Books

• 
  The green guide for historic buildings: how to improve the environmental performance of listed and historic buildings
• 
  Hertfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Georgian Style and Design for Contemporary Living
• 
  Hampshire: Winchester and the North (The Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Pioneers of Modern Design: From William Morris to Walter Gropius (Penguin Art & Architecture)
• 
  Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Monuments