Terraced Houses in Leicester

Roofs

Early roofs might have had local Swithland slates, but from 1840 the railways brought in cheaper, lighter Welsh slate. Also, in older houses roofs might be pitched low to save on materials.
	The chimneys of small houses are generally not as ornate as those of larger houses (which can be seen here). However, as can be seen on the left, eventually even humble dwellings had a bit of decoration on the stack, and large pots (which are now highly prized as garden ornaments).
Finials such as that on the right are rarely found on the smallest terraced houses, but the larger the house the more likely you are to find an ornamental spike or animal.
	Some terraces have fancy ridge tiles, some don't. There are two styles shown here: on the left a sort of four tooth cogged crest, and on the right a two hole hexagonal crest (see the Bricks and Brass website on 'Further Reading' for many more examples).

Home

Background

Developments

Streets

Variations on the front

• Roofs

• Eaves

• Plaques

• Brick/stone bands

• Lintels

• Windows

• Doors

• Boot scrapers

At the back

Further Reading