ROCHESTER ESPLANADE TQ 7468 7/33 No 1, including railings GV II House, now shops and offices. 1859-61. Yellow brick with flush pale-coloured pointing; clay tile gable-end roof. 3 storeys with attic and basement. Symmetrical, 5 bays (2:1:2), the central entrance bay slightly projecting. Heavy quoining and dentilled eaves. String course to each floor. Doorway with stone architrave, panelled door under rectangular overlight. All windows with segmetal arches and stone cills on brackets; 3 dormers. 4-pane horned sashes throughout. Tall brick end stacks with no contemporary pots. Rear elevation (to Gandulph Square) stands forward of the Royal Crown Hotel: only the wall facing High Street is of yellow brick (with blocking courses and false windows to top floor), otherwise all stock red brick. 2½ storeys with mansard roof; 4 window range with 6, 10 and 20 pane hornless sashes; ground floor with 2 original doors (panelled with overlight), and modern garage entrance. Interior: some contemporary doors and door surrounds to ground-floor; well stair with curved rail, stick balusters and cast-iron shaped newels. Modern fire doors. The spear-headed railings that run along the Esplanace front and continuous with Royal Crown Hotel are probably contemporary and are included in this listing. No 1 Esplanade groups with the Royal Crown Hotel and occupies a prominent position opposite Rochester Bridge. Listing NGR: TQ7416168765