Building record BSE 303 - Palmers, No. 36 Buttermarket and Nos. 4-9 Abbeygate Street

19th century commercial premises constructed in the late 18th century, when the site was cleared of an earlier structure. Many of the timbers from this structure were re-used in the construction of the present building. Refurbishments were carried out in the 1830's and in the 19th and 20th century. The eastern building was also cleared and rebuilt by not until c.1830. A 20th century façade to the shop survives with a deep band of marble-like stone above frameless plate glass, the building frontage being supported on slender cast iron columns. At the upper levels, the original arrangement of seven sash windows with broad architraves remains, but the opening sashes at first story level are replaced. The timber-framed wall is finished with a modillion cornice and a parapet concealing the base of the roof. The rusticated block quoining at the corner is painted wood, simulating stone. The roof is plaintiled which was normal in Bury before c.1800. (S1). The Abbeygate street frontage has three windows c.1830 adaptation of the previous sashes with a splayed design, later adapted in the 20th century. At second floor level, 12 light sashes have console brackets and a shallow cornice. The shop fitting and suspended ceilings confuse any understanding of the internal layout (S1).