Brownston House, Grade I listed building in Devizes, England
Brownston House on New Park Street is a substantial building constructed from dark rubbed brickwork with two main stories, an attic level, and a basement. The structure features three dormer windows, an eight-panel door entrance, a hipped roof covered in aged tiles, and brick chimneys finished with decorative stone corners.
The house was commissioned around 1700 by Francis Merewether, who served as High Sheriff of Wiltshire and Member of Parliament for Devizes. About two decades later, a barrister named Thomas Browne made alterations and introduced Bath stone elements to the structure.
The house displays typical features of early 18th-century design with its symmetrical front and carefully worked stone details. Its refined appearance reflects the social standing of its original owners and still conveys a sense of prosperity and taste.
The building is accessible from the street and located at a central address in town, making it straightforward to locate. The architectural details and brickwork are best viewed in daylight.
The rainwater pipes bear engraved initials of Thomas Browne, marking his role in reshaping the house. This personal mark on a functional element is a rare glimpse into the craftsman's tradition of that era.
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