Theatre Royal

Only the exceptionally fine ashlar façade remains, situated close to the towering west front of the cathedral. Two storeys and three bays, surmounted by a pediment. Wide, arched doorway with fanlight in the centre of the ground floor, flanked by single arched doorways with straight-headed surrounds. Three tall sash windows at first floor level with finely carved reliefs over two gryphons supporting a tripod within a rectangular frame over the central window, flanked by profile busts of Shakespeare and Garrick in circular frames. The tympanum of the pediment contains a circular plaque with a draped female figure holding a mask and a mirror. Used as a seasonal theatre and assembly room until 1869, when replaced by new Public Rooms.

Although the interior survived for some time afterwards, it has since been completely rebuilt behind the façade. A thorough restoration of the façade which received a European Architectural Heritage Year Award was carried out in 1975.