Sunday 1 September 2019

Quiz Part 1

It is a long time since I did a quiz, but inspiration arrived in the form of this curious little building. If you have ever visited it personally or come across it in architectural books or guides then I am sure that you will recognise it immediately - it is very distinctive - once seen never forgotten. 

 What was the building used for?
Clues:
Here in the west country there tends to be a preponderance of these buildings which are all built to provide similar facilities. However, this is the only building designed in this unique architectural style. 
Across the whole of the UK there are a least 50 towns or cities that had or still do have buildings built for the same purpose. 
All of the places where they are built need to have a supply something very specific. 
To give everyone the same chance I am switching on 'comments moderation'. If your answer is correct then I will hold your comment back until the close of the quiz on Thursday 5th September.

29 comments:

  1. I don't think I have seen this before, despite living in the West. To me it looks Victorian and the spire looks as though something is air-dried in it? It's not a wool-hall is it? I am intrigued.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are correct about the period being Victorian Tom, however, I thought it better to remove that question in order to give you an honest reply, and others will obviously be able to see it here too.
      I like your observations about the spire but unfortunately they are not correct.

      Delete
  2. Well, we lived down in Weymouth and Somerset over a period of 12 years, but this has me flummoxed. The west country is most famous for cider and we had many independent cider press buildings and market towns around the area we lived, but I never saw anything like this. I look forward to finding out. Best, Jane xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Is it one of those little skinny, rectangular guard houses that a uniformed guard stands in, wearing a big bearskin busby?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your answer is fun Debra - it made me smile but thanks for trying.

      Delete
  4. Possibly a Victorian public bath house? B x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dearest Rosemary,
    Well, it is intriguing enough with some Fleur de Lys symbols.
    Was it for special access to the public during snowy days?
    Hugs,
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
  6. Just a wild guess but is it either a purpose built pigeon roost (handy for eating them) or a jail- two buildings I've seen on my travels around most towns.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those are both good guesses Bob, but sorry they are not the answer.

      Delete
  7. Hello Rosemary, A very quaint and attractive building. I am going to guess some kind of pump or spring house.
    --Jim

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello Rosemary, Is it a small tower on top of some type of rotunda? I know that band music is enjoyed in parts of the West country.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a really great idea Betty which I like, but sorry it is wrong.

      Delete
  9. Never seen before, really curious for the answer !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I will reveal all of the outside of the building on Thursday.

      Delete
  10. oooh this is a conundrum Rosemary. It looks a bit Gothic with fleur di lis, fancy brickwork and nicely painted. Not a clue to what it is though! My first thought was Guildhall, Town Hall or tithe barn, and I keep thinking sheep market!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All good ideas Polly but sorry they are not the answer.

      Delete
  11. Hi dear Rosemary.
    Could this be a 'wash house' or 'laverie/lavanderie/lavoir' as they are called in France? There is one in my brother's village in Caunes-Minervois, and I have seen them in Italian villages also.
    Must say though I don't think I've ever seen any in southwest England, but wouldn't be surprised to know they are there as before home laundry rooms and automatic washing machines, washerwomen/laundresses had to have a place to do laundry - and sharing a water supply somewhere was often a necessity.
    Just a guess!



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Mary - thanks for giving it a go - this quiz appears to be one of the most difficult I have done to date, but all will be revealed on Thursday.

      Delete
  12. Beautiful architecture. I have no idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love all of the details on this building.

      Delete
  13. I'm enjoying reading others' guesses and have none of my own. Will look forward to the big reveal on Thursday!

    ReplyDelete

❖PLEASE NOTE❖ Comments made by those who hide their identity will be deleted


“You can't stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you - you have to go to them sometimes”

― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh