Site:  

The Bandstand, Church Green, Town Centre

Grid Reference:    

SP 0413 6773

Description:

Bandstand. 1898, altered mid and late 20th century. Chamfered brick plinth; main structure timber framed with roof of sheet metal replacing original plain tiles and having large and ornate weathervane. Octagonal plan. Brick walls have curved brick coping and metal fretwork balustrade in alternating bays. Square timber posts have shaped braces in upper angles and support turret-like roof structure, which has overhanging eaves, also on shaped brackets. Interior has concrete floor and boarded ceiling with inserted metal downlighters.

The bandstand is also recorded to have been built in 1883 when the adjacent cast iron fountain (Grade II listed) was presented to the town by R S Bartleet, a needlemaster, to commemorate the installation of the town�s new water supply. Both structures were among the final phase of Victorian improvements to the town centre that followed the construction of the new parish church between 1854-5 and the new houses, commercial and institutional buildings that were erected around the green in the second half of the century

Significance:

The bandstand is an attractive architectural feature within the town centre and also of historic importance as a key element among the scheme of improvements that were carried out during the second half of the 19th century on and around the green. It has considerable townscape value, as it forms a striking group and a focal point on the green with the adjacent Bartleet fountain that is listed Grade II.  

History:

This building........