Former Hyde Park Schools

Carr Lane Hyde Park Doncaster DN4 5AA

Building

Roofed and walled permanent structures.

Asset type

Two interesting late Victorian buildings, one with clock tower and well restored and another with weathervane. As both buildings are very similar, on the same site and were both formerly part of Hyde Park Schools they are being submitted together. A later 1930s building which may have once been part of the school is excluded.

Age

The second building facing the cemetery has a plaque with the date 1895.

Rarity

Victorian schools are not rare but these are in good condition with clock and weathervanes raising interest.

Architectural and Artistic Interest

The architect is not definitely known. However the index to the inaccessible Archives indicates that John Simmons provided plans in 1895. The assumption is that this index refers to these two properties. The upper building now in use by a glazing firm is as follows : Series of 5 linked tall single storey buildings, gable to front, in smooth red brick laid in English bond. Welsh slate roof with decorative clay ridge tiles and finials. Front: brick detailing at gable verges with dentils. Central unit has clock tower on ridge with 3? faces, slate-clad roof and base, with decorative ironwork above including weather vane. Central unit has entrance door beneath large fanlight, flanked by 2 windows. The other 4 units each have tall central window flanked by 2 shorter ones all with painted stone heads and sills, all chamfered. All windows are modern replacements. Each gable has a triangular vent built in, with decorative brickwork surround. Right end of elevation has corner brickwork nicely rounded at low level. The other building constructed at right angles and facing the cemetery appears very similar but of around 10 units. There is no clock but there is an elaborate weathervane tower. It bears a plaque which says ' Corporation Schools, Erected 1895. Frederick Brightmore, Mayor' This is in use by a Council agency for housing repairs. The upper building still retains a limestone wall which is probably older. This has been demolished at the lower building. Both buildings are of interest.

Group Value

The upper building retains a limestone wall which matches that of the nearby cemetery, archway and lodge which are listed nationally.

Historic Interest

The historic interest lies in the fact that they are schools which have been adapted for other uses, one for a glazing firm and the other for housing maintenance. Schools were erected at this time as education became available to wider age groups. In Doncaster they also were perhaps part of a wider improvement schemes---the name Frederick Brightmore on the plaque on the lower building appears on another plaque at the top of Town Moor Avenue. This was a new road laid out at the same time.

Archaeological Interest

None known

Landmark Status

The glaziers building with clock is highly prominent from a major roundabout and surrounding main roads.

14 Aug 2023

14 Aug 2023