8 Hamilton Drive

One of a group of eight similar semi-detached houses built c1886-88, possibly for Frederick Messom, now converted into flats or bed-sit accommodation. Area previously used for garden allotments known as Fishond Gardens. Three storeys including attic space with part two storey and part single storey rear wing plus, originally, a small outbuilding / privy. No significant extensions to original building. Red brick facades with common bricks used on side and rear elevations. Two storey canted window bay on front facade with flat roof. Corbelled brick / terracotta detailing at eaves and gable verges with double and single,shaped or moulded brick / terracotta string courses at storey height levels on front facade. Stone dressings to door and window openings including complete surrounds on front facade with lintels and sills on side and rear elevations. All of the stonework has now been painted. Gabled roof with large side gable plus gable over canted bay on front facade and gable dormer facing garden. Gables to stepped roof on rear wing. Plain tiles with decorative perforated clay ridge tiles. Original brick chimney stacks with string course and corbelled red and blue brick caps. Buff ‘crown’ chimney pots. Originally, pair of stacks to main house plus single stack at gable to rear wing. Original lean-to canopy over main entrance door with patterned plain tiles and carved wood bracket with decorative side panel. Originally sash windows generally, some with glazing bars, plus six panel partly glazed main entrance door. Roof windows added. Original cast iron rainwater fittings replaced and further downpipes added. Small rear garden area with boundary wall adjacent to rear gardens of houses on Hope Drive. Original brick garden wall adjacent to Hamilton Drive now removed to provide car parking area in place of original front garden.