EDO5184 - Christchurch Library (Druitt Library), 29 High Street, Christchurch; historic building survey 2006

Dorset County Council property management division conducted an historic buildings survey of Christchurch library during January and February 2006. The building is a three storey brick built regency town house built c. 1800 with additions in the second half of the 19th century. It was known as 'The Roses' and then 15 High Street in the 19th century. James Druitt became the occupier of the house some time between the 1841 census and the 1844 tithe apportionment. The house was extended by Druitt c. 1870 onto the neighbouring plot to the north west, formerly occupied by the national school. A large 2 storey bay was added to the rear c. 1880 and neighbouring building to the SE were demolished betwee 1870-1883 to make way for a further extension (1). extensive gardens were also added to the rear and are depicted on the 1870 OS 1st edition 25 inch map (2). In 1946 Hampshire County Council were given the building by Charlotte Druitt to use a s a library. Extensive alterations were acrried out in 1955 '...resulting in the loss of much of the original fabric of the earlies part of the house including the complete remodelling of the main staircase.' A modern bay has also been added at the rear of the building (1)