Draperstown Conservation Area

Location: Co. Londonderry
Designation date: 26 October 1979

Draperstown was a late Georgian planned settlement begun in 1818 and refounded with a major new building programme by the Drapers Company in 1938-9. Plans for rebuilding were prepared by Mr W J Booth and the new Draperstown as it became known consisted of a large triangular space flanked by terraces of stone and slate buildings generally in the classical form of architecture.

Draperstown is a traditional crossroads type settlement based around the junction known as the Old Cross. The buildings are located in accordance with a clearly defined and well established building line.

The triangular feature known as The Shambles is an outstanding characteristic of the village and together with the wide crossroads creates a distinctive settlement pattern.

The design guide generally provides information on the planning context, historical development, description or character appraisal of the area, the designation and guidelines for development proposals.