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Heritage at Risk(v1.0)
CONVENT OF MERCY 10-18 PUMP ST. LONDONDERRY
Andrew McClelland 27/10/2005 00:00:00

HB Ref No:
HB01/19/067

Address
CONVENT OF MERCY 10-18 PUMP ST. LONDONDERRY

Townland:

Status:
Currently at Risk

Listing Grade:
B


HARNI Number:
HARNI 01/19/004

Conservation Area:
Yes

Condition:
Very Poor

Industrial Archeology:

Occupancy:
Partially Occupied

Vernacular:

Degree of Risk:
Critical

Thatched:
No

Availability:
Unavailable

Monument:

Current Building Use:

Derelict:


Description

Originally the offices of the Londonderry Sentinel and Londonderry Standard, this impressive three-storey, brick-built, late-Georgian block, mid-way down the gently sloping Pump Street, forms one of the most imposing groups within the walled city area. Built c. 1800, they once formed a group of several separate buildings before becoming a convent in 1848, and used as such until very recently. The principal building of the group is seven-bays wide and has an impressive entrance door containing and large, elliptical spider's-web fanlight above a finely-dentilled frieze supporting flanking columns on either side of the Georgian recessed and panelled door. A fine iron overthrow and railings, that run the length of the building, further adds to the overall effect. The Derry Journal records that the former hotel and convent was converted into commercial premises for Bedlam, a vintage and antique curiosity shop, which occupied the premises in 2011 (NIEA HB Records; Derry Journal) however it is no longer in use. Now in need of a new use, the ongoing regeneration of the city should hopefully ensure that this group can, without too much bother, once again play a prominent role in the life of the surrounding area. Refs: UAHS, City of Derry, 1970, p.24