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Baring Crescent

Introduction

Baring Crescent is a spaciously set out group of detached stucco houses dating from around 1820. Until about 1850 the houses stood on their own overlooking the City across the fields. They were built by W. Hooper. The pleasure grounds were laid out at the same time and are still maintained by the residents association.

Principal Building

The houses built in Baring Crescent were described at the time as 'superior cottages' and have simple, if striking façades. The houses are built in a semi-circle with gardens, an access road and a communal pleasure garden in the front.

Gardens and Pleasure Grounds

The central area is mown grass with a metre wide sandy path around the edge. There are mature trees on all sides. There are shrubs which edge the front of the continuous planting on the perimeter, effectively making an informal hedge, with benches inserted on the east side. Baring Crescent is a private C19 communal garden maintained by the residents association.

Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts

Access contact details

Private Houses with a private residents garden.

History

19th Century

Work started to build Baring Crescent on 3rd September 1818 with twelve houses completed by 1828. Baring Crescent Fields had also been the venue for an ice-skating rink during the 1870's.

20th Century

Three of the houses were burnt out during the blitz and eight saved due to the prompt action of the fire watch. Ten houses survive, leaving a pleasant, if slightly austere semi-circle of houses with a private, semi-circular pleasure ground in front.

Features & Designations

Designations

  • Conservation Area

  • The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building

  • Reference: Nos 1 & 4, 6-12
  • Grade: II

Features

  • Detached House (featured building)
  • Ten Surviving
  • Description: Described at the time as 'superior cottages
  • Earliest Date:
  • Latest Date:
  • Pleasure Garden
  • Description: A communal pleasure garden in the front.
Key Information

Type

Garden

Purpose

Recreational/sport

Principal Building

Domestic / Residential

Survival

Part: standing remains

References

References