The 'Shoe' House of Conwy

The Shoe House

11 Castle Street, Conwy

That Shoe Bath!

This magnificent building is still for sale, and I thought I'd do a short post about the fascinating history of the building. Despite what you think about 'that shoe', it truly is a stunning building.

A Short History

A mid-late 13th century pottery sherd was discovered in 2012 by Dr Ian Brooks during a trench excavation in the rear courtyard. Although found in a later context, it suggests activity on the site well before the existing building was constructed.

1401 - Supporters of Owain Glyndŵr burned much of Conwy, destroying most buildings.

C. 1420 –the construction of Aberconwy House, the oldest surviving building in Conwy (apart from the castle and church).

Timber used in the roof of 11 Castle Street was felled, according to dendrochronology, in 1441-42

The original structure was an urban two-bay hall house. This makes the original building a similar age to Aberconwy House.

1589 

The hall house is converted into a stone-walled, storeyed hearth-passage house, possibly serving as the vicarage. The inscription above the front door (“1589 JB E”) is carved, showing the initials of John Brickdall and his wife.

1572 - John Brickdall becomes vicar of Conwy.

10 May 1578 - John Brickdall marries Em. Motley (date confirmed in parish registers).

1607 

John Brickdall dies, the same year a bubonic plague outbreak strikes Conwy. On 1 July, William Evans, his successor as vicar, takes possession of the building.

Pre-1789 

The building is converted into a public house and coaching inn, known as the Black Lion.

Late 18th century 

Major remodelling took place.

The inn operates as a posting-house with stables in the rear courtyard. The courtyard also serves as a Monday pig market.

Credit to Conwy Archives for this photo

If you want to find out more about events when the building was The Black Lion Inn, or about John Brickdall, join one of the Ale & Old Things Tours that will resume in autumn!

The current listing for the sale of the house is here: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/156467825#/media?id=media0&ref=photoCollage&channel=RES_BUY