57 The Bertram Hotel (former)

History

Plans for ‘The Bertram’ were prepared for David Lewis in 1874 (architect unknown), at a time when Broadway was known as ‘Green Lane’.

The premises is thought to have been built in 1875 (Roath History Society), a date which may be confirmed by the issuing of its first licence in September of that same year.

David Lewis, for many years the Landlord, also successfully stood as a Town Councillor in 1877.

Little appears to have changed externally over the years, until the pub was closed and converted to 8 flats in 2013 (see 13/02206/DCI). At this time, the roof structure was completely remade (and rooflights were inserted), the rear (southern) outshot was reconstructed in blockwork (its hipped roof raised) and sash windows were lost throughout.

Description

The Bertram occupies a prominent location on the corner of Broadway and Bertram Street, with principal entrance formerly to the faceted corner.

It is formed in snecked pennant stone with buff brick to two-story bays, quoins, plait bands and dressed openings (all with giant keystones).

The northern (Broadway) elevation is of three asymmetric bays. A central doorway with gauged semi-circular head (now closed off to form a window) is flanked by two, double-height faceted bay windows. The RHS is of three storeys with gable featuring a lancet window.

Stopped-up doorway to faceted (north-western) corner with long window above.

The western (Bertram Street) elevation drops from LHS three storeys with gabled attic storey (featuring lancet window), to two storeys. Off-centre doorway with gauged brick arch. Tripartite windows to ground floor, single windows above.

Red brick two-storey hipped roof outshot to rear (south) replaced in 2014 with modern blockwork structure which is now gabled to rear.

Artificial slate roof with rooflights. Chimney stacks retained. Modern uPVC top-opening casement windows.

Reason

A former public house constructed in high-quality materials which still retains some fine external detailing. Architectural and Historical Value.

Though closed, the long history of a public house on the site imparts some Communal Value.

References

BC/S/1/7145

1888 – Drainage of Bertram Hotel, Bertram Hotel, Broadway

D122/10/1

Bertram Hotel, Broadway, Cardiff, agreements, inventories, plans

1902-1962

LBRO/S/1/407

1874

Proposed Hotel, The Bertram, Green Lane

Developer: David Lewis

Building type: Communal Residential Facilities inc Hotels, Motels and Hostels

Elevations: N

Additional images

 

Posted on February 13, 2024.