The conservation area consists of the following four distinct but inter-related character areas:
1. The former medieval town centre which consists of a group of 14th-19th century limestone buildings clustered around St Wulfram’s Church. It is the oldest part of the conservation area and is a highly significant area which is sensitive to any change or alteration. It comprises of the northern section of Castlegate, Church Street, Swinegate and Bluegate.
2. The 18th century commercial centre is the largest character area within the conservation area. The focal point of this area is the medieval Market Place, the two principal retail streets of High Street and Westgate, together with Watergate, Vine Street, the southern end of Castlegate and Finkin Street and other smaller subsidiary streets.
3. The 19th century civic centre situated on St Peters Hill which is characterised by a formal layout dominated by the ornate Guildhall and the open green in the foreground.
4. The residential district on the northern periphery of the town centre which comprises of North Parade, Brown Street, Brook Street, Manthorpe Road, Gladstone Terrace, Albion Road, Chambers Street and Welby Gardens.
St Wulfram’s Church is the focal point of the area; it dominates the street and skyline due to its large scale and unusually tall steeple. The church is located centrally within the churchyard, which is elevated above street level and enclosed by a brick boundary wall capped with stone copings. The top of the wall is parallel with the level of the churchyard which emphasises the church’s physical separation from the street and reinforces its historical importance. The churchyard has an open character which is enhanced by the mature trees planted around the perimeter of the boundary wall. There are attractive views from the eastern side of the churchyard across to Grantham House and of Church Trees from the north-west side. This open character provides a striking contrast with the enclosed approaches to the church and is a significant element of the character of this area. The conservation area covers a total of 32.6 hectares.
The large number of listed buildings in this area reflects it’s historic and architectural significance. There are six Grade I listed buildings: St Wulfram’s Church (12th-14th centuries), the Angel and Royal Hotel (late 14th century), Grantham House and stable block (14th century), the Old Grammar School (15th century) and the School House to the rear of Church Street (early 16th century). Grantham also has 3 Grade II* listed buildings: George Hotel, Vine House and the garden wall and doorway to Grantham House. There are also 148 Grade II listed buildings and 4 un-listed buildings of local importance.
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Download the Conservation Area Survey Help Notes.