46 LEOMINSTER (E.c.)
(O.S. 6 in. (a)XII, S.E., (a)XIX, N.E.)
Leominster is a municipal borough and market-town
12 m. N. of Hereford. The town still retains a considerable number of its old timber-framed houses, of
which some fourteen appear to date from the Middle
Ages. Of the individual monuments, the Priory
Church with an interesting 12th-century nave, the
Market Hall (now Grange Court), and the houses
numbered (6), (13), (41), (48), (76), (87), (114) and
(138) are the most important.
Ecclesiastical

Leominster, The Priory & Parish Church of S.S. Peter & Paul
a(1). Priory and Parish Church of St. Peter and
St. Paul stands on the N.E. side of the town. The
walls are of local sandstone rubble and ashlar with
dressings of the same material; the roofs are lead-covered. There appears to have been a convent of
nuns here, at least as early as the 9th century; this was
dissolved in 1046. No trace survives of the buildings
of this establishment. The manor of Leominster was
granted by Henry I to his new Benedictine abbey
of Reading in 1123, and the cell or priory of Leominster was probably established then or shortly after.
To this date no doubt belonged the destroyed eastern
arm and transepts, and the consecration of the altar of
the Holy Cross soon after 1130 probably implies that
the works had then extended to part of the existing
nave. The original design of this nave was not
proceeded with above the main arcades and probably extended W. only as far as the existing W.
tower. The superstructure shows the adoption of
an entirely different design and may date from about
the middle of the 12th century; at the same time the
central solid pier in each arcade was replaced by an
open arch and its two responds were transformed
into cylindrical piers. An alteration in alignment in the
N. arch of the W. tower shows that this did not form
part of the original design though the details are still
indicative of a mid 12th-century date, much of the
carving showing a close affinity with that at Shobdon,
which is definitely dated before the middle of the
century. It is, however, possible that the W. doorway,
on which this carving occurs, was built before the
tower was contemplated and that the tower itself was
an addition with the reconstruction of the N. and S.
arches supporting it. The North Aisle was built at
the same time as the nave, and with it a S. aisle, of
which only the base of the W. wall remains. The first
addition to the church was the main South Nave, which
replaced the original S. aisle in the 13th century; a
dedication in the 5th year of Bishop Ralph of Maidstone
(1234–40) probably indicates the date of this addition,
which may have had an aisle on its S. side, of which
there are no remains. At some uncertain period the
central chapel of the main apse of the church was
replaced by a much larger Lady Chapel, of which the
foundations of the side walls have been found. The
existing South Aisle and South Porch were added early
in the 14th century, the 13th-century S. doorway and
porch-entrance being re-set in their new position.
Probably in the first half of the 15th century the upper
part of the W. tower was re-built or added on a smaller
scale than the substructure; it rests on an inserted E.
arch and arches thrown across on the N. and S. sides
of the earlier tower. About the same time the great
W. window of the S. nave was inserted. The priory
was suppressed in 1539, when the E. arm and transepts
were demolished, and the E. end of the original nave
built up; the E. bay of the N. aisle was perhaps
destroyed at the same time. In 1699 a great fire
demolished the roofs and the arcade between the S.
nave and the S. aisle. The arcade was then re-built
and the church restored and reopened in 1705; this
arcade had pillars of the Tuscan order, but much earlier
work was re-used in the arches. The original nave was
restored under G. G. Scott in 1866, and the pavement
lowered; the rest of the church was restored by the
same architect in 1878–9, when the arcade piers were
cut down to their present form, and an additional bay
inserted at the E. end. The S. aisle was again restored
in 1886, and the W. tower in 1891. The E. windows
of the S. nave and aisle were inserted in 1923.
The destroyed Presbytery, Transept and Crossing
were excavated in 1853, and some attempt has been
made to outline the remains on the surface of the
ground. The remains were again excavated in 1932.
The general outline of portions of the building is
partly preserved above ground, but little of this is
actually ancient work, except for part of the S. wall of
the S. quire-aisle, together with the lower part of the
S. wall of the S. transept, which forms part of the
boundary of the churchyard.
The excavations showed that the presbytery was
apsidal with side aisles, ambulatory and three apsidal
radiating chapels; no remains however were found of
the eastern chapel, which was replaced in the 13th or
14th century by a larger rectangular Lady Chapel. The
axis of the E. arm is tilted slightly to the S. from that of
the nave. The arms of the transept were of unusual
length, judging from the surviving remains of the S.
transept, which had an apsidal chapel projecting to the
E. of it. The partly surviving S. wall of this transept
contains a 14th-century recess (see Fittings). The W.
respond of the S. arch of the crossing still exists on the
E. wall of the nave; it is recessed in four plain orders
but does not survive as high as the capitals; the
corresponding respond on the N. has been entirely
removed. The W. arch has been destroyed except
for the S. springing of the arch, visible inside the nave
and incorporated in the later blocking wall.
The North or Monastic Nave (104½ ft. by 27½ ft.) has
a 16th-century E. wall and window, the latter of four
trefoiled lights with vertical tracery in a two-centred
head with a moulded label. The 12th-century N. and
S. arcades were originally of three semi-solid bays
divided by single open bays. The middle solid bay
on each side was removed and replaced by an open
arch with the result that only two solid bays now
remain, with three open arches between them and a
single open arch to the W. The purpose of these
solid bays was presumably to carry very broad transverse arches, perhaps in connection with a barrelvault; the scheme, however, was abandoned before
the triforium was built. The E. solid bay (Plate 137),
on the N. side, is pierced by a narrow round-headed arch
of two square orders; inserted in the S. face is a 13th or
14th-century doorway with moulded jambs, two-centred
head and label; the next three bays have round arches
of two square orders resting on cylindrical columns
and half-round responds with moulded bases, scalloped
capitals and moulded or enriched abaci; the middle
bay take the place of a former solid bay, the joints in
the columns and the wall above being apparent;
the scallops of the original work have a convex outline,
while those of the later work are straight; the solid
fifth bay is pierced by a narrow round-headed arch of
one plain order with chamfered imposts; the sixth
bay has a round arch and responds generally similar
to those of the open bays further E., but the W. respond
is of shallower projection; the moulded base has plain
pointed spurs and the abacus is cut back to follow the
outline of the orders of the arch. The S. arcade (Plate
135) is generally similar to the N. arcade, but there is no
inserted doorway in the E. bay (Plate 137). The triforium, on both sides, is designed irrespective of the bays
of the arcade below; it is of eight bays on the N. and
nine on the S., each having two round-headed openings
(now blocked) enclosed in a plain round outer order and
all with chamfered imposts; the E. bay on the N. has
been destroyed and replaced by a 15th-century window
of three trefoiled lights with tracery in a four-centred
head. The clearstorey, on each side, is designed
without reference to the triforium and has five round-headed windows separated by two blind arches of
similar form and making a continuous arcade; the E.
arches on the N. side have been destroyed by the 15th-century alteration to the triforium; on the outer face
the bays of the clearstorey are divided by narrow
pilaster buttresses.
The West Tower (16 ft. square at the base) (Plate 134)
is of three stages with an embattled and panelled parapet
and angle pinnacles. The ground stage is of mid to
late 12th-century date, but has an inserted 15th-century
arch in the E. wall which almost entirely envelops the
responds of the 12th-century arch; the later responds
are panelled in two heights, the lower with cinque-foiled and traceried heads and the upper with cinque
foiled heads; the arch is moulded and two-centred
with impost mouldings at the springing level. From
the responds of this arch two similar arches spring to the
W. wall and are set against the 12th-century side walls
of the earlier tower; these arches carry the side walls
of the superstructure; below them is the 12th-century
structure consisting of a main arch and a triforium arch
on each side; the main arches are two-centred and of
two plain orders with chamfered imposts; that on the
N. is noticeably skewed from the E. respond; the
triforium-arches are round-headed and of two plain
orders with chamfered imposts; the arches are now
blocked. The W. wall contains a 12th-century doorway (Plate 136) and window divided by an enriched
string-course and flanked by broad pilaster buttresses;
the W. doorway has a slightly pointed external head
of five main orders, all plain except the middle and
outer orders, which have cheveron-ornament; there
is a small subsidiary order between the two innermost
orders; the jambs have each three attached shafts with
moulded bases and spur-ornaments and elaborately
carved capitals (Plate 138); those on the N. are carved
with (a) doves in interlacing foliage, (b) two men cutting
foliage, (c) snakes and interlaced foliage; S. side, (a)
scrolled conventional foliage, (b) two lions, (c) conventionalised corn; the abaci are carved with conventional foliage, diapering, etc.; the round rear-arch is
of two plain orders springing from attached shafts with
capitals (Plate 138) carved as follows: on N. and S.,
(a) mask and vine-scroll, (b) simple one or two-strand
interlace; the inner abacus on the N. side is plain
but the outer abacus is elaborately carved with scrolls,
etc., and a figure of Samson and the lion (Plate 139);
the abaci on the S. are carved with foliage and flowers.
The figure of Samson almost exactly reproduces the
much larger figure on the tympanum at Stretton Sugwas
and the figures of men closely resemble those at Shobdon
and Kilpeck. The large round-headed W. window is
of three orders, the middle being moulded and resting
on attached shafts with moulded bases and capitals
carved on the N. with linked rings enclosing birds, as at
Brinsop; the abaci are carved with foliage; the rear-arch rests on attached shafts with capitals carved with
enriched scallops and having carved abaci. The two
upper stages of the tower are of the 15th century and
are set back within the lines of the earlier tower. The
lower stage has in each wall a restored window of two
trefoiled ogee lights with a quatrefoil in a two-centred
head, with moulded reveals and label; in the E. wall
is a stone inscribed, "This steeple was poynted in the
yeare 1690 by the order of Mr. Humphrey Laurence
gent. Mr. William Apperly, Churchwardens." The
bell-chamber has in each wall a window similar to those
in the stage below. The parapet and pinnacles appear
to be modern.
The North Aisle (12¼ ft. wide) is mainly of the 12th
century, but the E. bay is a modern restoration. In the
N. wall are six windows, the easternmost is modern;
the second and third windows are each of three transomed lights carried up into a gable; below the transom
the work is of stone, and perhaps of the 13th century;
the transom and the work above is of oak, and probably
of the 18th century; the much restored 13th-century
fourth window is of five pointed and graduated lights
set in a gable; the fifth window is similar to the second;
the 12th-century westernmost window is of one round-headed light with reveals of two square orders; further
W. is a doorway with a segmental head, and perhaps of
the 12th century; W. of the fourth window is a
blocked doorway, perhaps of the 15th century, and with
traces of a square head; the W. bay of the aisle is
divided from the rest by a 12th-century arch of stilted
round-headed form and of two plain orders on the E.,
with chamfered plinths and imposts; the W. bay has
a groined vault, part of which, at any rate, is of the
12th century, but it is plastered on the soffit and only
a small part of the plastering is old; in the W. wall is a
13th-century window of three lancet-lights; above the
vault is a chamber lit by a 12th-century round window
in the W. wall.
The South Nave (130 ft. by 28½ ft.) (Plate 137) has a
modern E. window. The N. wall is formed by the S.
arcade of the N. nave; against the last pier is a heavy
buttress which incorporates the springers of an arch over
the original S. aisle. On the face of the original clearstorey are a series of moulded and carved 15th-century
corbels for a former roof. The S. arcade of six bays
is, in its present state, modern; the two-centred arches,
however, probably incorporate much 13th-century
material, particularly in the inner order. The lower
part of the W. wall is partly of the 12th century, being
the W. end of the original S. aisle; further S. the wall is
of the 13th century with a heavy pilaster buttress of this
date, opposite the S. arcade; rising above the buttress
is a square 14th-century sanctus bell-cote with a single
pointed opening and a modern capping; the restored
15th-century W. window is of eight transomed and
cinque-foiled lights with vertical tracery in a two-centred head with moulded reveals and label; two of
the mullions have external buttresses of four stages;
below the internal sill, towards the N. is a half-arched
recess, perhaps of the 13th century; the back of the
recess is the internal face of the original aisle-wall.
The South Aisle (130¾ ft. by 29¼ ft.) (Plate 137) is an
early 14th-century building of six bays. The E. window
is modern. In the S. wall are five windows, each of
four trefoiled lights with geometrical tracery in a two-centred head with moulded labels and head-stops;
the reveals, mullions and tracery are moulded and
enriched with ball-flower ornament; the external
stonework was refaced in 1923, and the whole of the
tracery of the second window is a modern restoration;
the re-set 13th-century S. doorway has a two-centred
arch of three moulded orders carried on moulded
jambs with two plain and three filleted shafts with
moulded bases and abaci and capitals carved with
'stiff-leaf' foliage. In the W. wall is a window similar
to those in the S. wall.
The South Porch is of early 14th-century date, but the
outer archway is re-set work of the 13th century much
restored on the outer face; the two-centred arch is of
three moulded orders, with shafted jambs and triple
shafts carrying the inner order; the bases and capitals
are similar to those of the S. doorway; above the
archway are three completely restored niches with ballflower ornament.
The Roof of the N. aisle is of pent-form with some old
tie-beams and curved struts. The roof of the N. nave
may incorporate some old timbers, above the modern
ceiling.
Fittings—Bells: twelve and sanctus; sanctus late
15th-century and inscribed "Sancta Maria Ora pr."
Chairs: In S. nave—two made up with pieces of 16th
and 17th-century carving, including back panels with
Dives and Lazarus and God the Father with angels and
a wine-press respectively, terminal figures at sides, the
date 1567 inlaid in back of each and other inlay-work,
probably not old. Chest: In E. vestry, N. aisle—
plain panelled front with moulded lid and three locks,
probably early 18th-century. Coffin and Coffin-lid:
E. of S. transept, stone coffin. In N. aisle—in sill of
third window, coffin lid re-set in window-sill. Communion
Tables (Plate 50): In N. nave and in S. aisle—two
with turned legs, rails with shaped brackets, lower rails
of scissor-form, probably early 18th-century. Consecration Cross: In recess at W. end of S. nave—cross formy,
repainted. Door: In S. doorway—of two folds with
wicket and of six ranges of fielded panels, early 18th-century. Monument: In churchyard—W. of S. porch
to John Groubb, 1667, head-stone. Paintings: In
N. nave—on pilasters of S. triforium, 6th, 7th and 8th
bays, remains of painted zig-zag and diapered ornament,
similar ornament on imposts, late 12th-century. In
W. bay of N. aisle—on N. wall, large painting of the
'wheel of life,' large circle with remains of inscriptions
in Lombardic capitals and enclosing ten smaller circles
connected by spokes with a central circle; defaced subjects in smaller circles; one inscription remains in part
—"[Putavi quod] Vive[rem] vita me decepit"; W. of
the circle is a large seated figure playing a harp; background treated with masonry lines and scrolled foliage;
string-course plastered and painted with scrolled ornament and decoration carried a short distance on to the
springing of the groined vault at the N.W. angle; 13th-century, design similar to that in the Arundel Psalter
(Proc. Soc. Ants., XXVI, 47). Piscina (Plate 61): In S.
aisle—in S. wall, recess with moulded jambs and trefoiled
head under a pointed label with headstops and bishop's
head above, 13th-century, re-set and drain destroyed.
Plate: includes a late 15th-century chalice (Plate 59),
shallow bowl with enriched band inscribed in blackletter "Calice(m) saluta(r)is accipia(m) et nomē dnī invocabo," enriched hexagonal stem with buttress-projections and knop with facetted projections, engraved and
enriched base with concave sides, with the initials IHC
and XPC alternately; late 15th or early 16th-century paten
(Plate 59) with sex-foiled sinking enclosing an engraved
vernicle and with foliated spandrels; cup and cover-paten
(Plate 60) of 1576, the former with band of engraved
ornament round bowl; stand-paten of 1698 and a large
brass alms dish of Dutch make with repousse figures of
Adam and Eve, 17th-century. Rain Water Heads: On
S. aisle—one with cresting, initials and date I.S. 1668;
another with cherub-heads and T.L. 17.9. Recess (Plate
79): In destroyed S. transept—in S. wall, with moulded
jambs and segmental-pointed arch with ball-flower ornament and moulded label, early 14th-century, probably
tomb-recess. Scratchings: On S. W. respond of crossing,
on N. arcade of N. nave and on tower, various 12th-century masons' marks; 15th-century masons' marks on
E. arch of tower and W. window of S. nave. Sedilia
(Plate 61): In S. aisle—in S. wall, three seats, with
shafted jambs and piers and moulded and trefoiled
heads, enriched with ball-flower ornament, under gabled
labels also with ball-flower ornament; sedilia flanked
by buttresses and pinnacles with carved finials; seats
stepped up towards the E., early 14th-century. Tiles:
In S. nave—in recess at W. end, various slip-tiles,
mainly with foliage but also with a lion, shield of old
France and part of an inscription, probably 14th-century. Miscellanea: In N. aisle—the old Ducking
stool (Plate 80) of the Corporation, consisting of a
framework on four solid wheels and supporting a seesaw beam, on the long end of which is a seat, probably
17th-century.
The Monastic Buildings lay to the N. of the church,
the cloister adjoining the N. aisle of the nave. The
string-course on the external face of this wall no doubt
marks the height of the cloister-roof, and there are,
perhaps, traces of the division into bays. No traces
remain of the buildings round the cloister, but a range
of buildings incorporated in the Workhouse probably
represent the rere-dorter and perhaps the infirmary.
This building is described separately.
Condition—Good.
Secular
a(2). The Priory House (Plate 140), now part of the
Workhouse, is now of three storeys but was formerly
of two only. The original walls are of sandstone, and
the modern alterations and additions of brick; the roofs
are slate-covered. The range formerly projected E.
from the N. end of the dorter-range of the priory
and probably comprised the rere-dorter at the W. end
and a block to the E., probably either the Infirmary or
the Prior's Lodging. Under the whole building, from
W. to E., runs a water duct or stream, called the Pinsley
Brook. The eastern block was built in the 13th
century and has a smaller block of the same date
projecting to the E. and perhaps forming a chapel on
the upper floor. The western block was evidently
re-built after the suppression of the Priory, but no doubt
stands on old foundations. The building was fitted
up by Thomas Lord Coningsby (1692–1729) as a gaol,
afterwards becoming in turn a mansion-house and a
workhouse. In the 19th century the top storey was
added and many alterations made.

Leominster, The Priory House (Now Workhouse)
The E. end (Plate 140) of the building has a segmental-pointed arch spanning the stream; above it are two
13th-century lancet-windows, and the upper floor has
remains of a window of three grouped lancets, the
head of which has been destroyed since Price's views
were taken about 1795. The N. side of this block
has three original lancet-windows, one on the lower
and two on the upper floor. The N. side of the main
block has on the lower floor two 13th-century windows,
each of two lancet-lights; the head of the western
window has been restored; further W. is a blocked
doorway, of the same date and with a two-centred
head. The upper floor has a restored lancet-window
towards the E., and a window of two transomed and
pointed lights towards the W; both have labels.
The rest of the front has no ancient features. In the
W. wall is a segmental brick arch over the stream. The
S. side of the building is partly covered by modern
additions; there are two restored, transomed windows
similar to that in the N. wall. Inside the building, the
supposed chapel has a blocked 13th-century doorway,
with a pointed head, in the W. wall and S. of it an
original window now opening into a modern addition.
In the chapel-wing is a Tudor fireplace, now blocked.
Condition—Good.
a(3). Forbury Chapel, now offices, was originally
of one storey but now of two; the walls are of stone
and the roofs are slate-covered. The chapel of St.
Thomas of Canterbury is said to have been built under
the influence of Archbishop Peckham in 1282. The
chapel stood to the N.E. of the Great Gatehouse of the
priory and within the precinct. After the Reformation, it became in turn a court-house, school, assemblyhall, and finally offices.
The Chapel (58 ft. by 26 ft.) is of late 13th-century date
and has an E. window (Plate 140) of three plain pointed
lights in a two-centred head with a label. The N.
wall has, in the W. part two original windows each of
a single trefoiled light with a label; the other openings
are modern. The S. wall (Plate 140) is divided into
three bays by tabled buttresses; in each bay is a restored window similar to those in the N. wall; there is
a modern doorway in the middle bay and an original
doorway in the W. bay with chamfered jambs and
segmental-pointed head. On the roof is a small timber
bell-cote with a weather-vane dated 1729.
The Roof, now partly concealed, is of six bays with
trusses of hammer-beam type but without collar-beams;
the side-posts have moulded pendants and the wall-posts terminate in carved heads; from the wall-posts
spring curved brackets to the hammer-beams; the
principal rafters cross at the apex, and resting on them
is an outer pair of principals which support the purlins.
Fixed to the S, side of the roof is a band carved with
the date "Anno Dom. 1659," but this would appear
to apply to an alteration or repair; the roof itself is
probably of the 16th century.
Condition—Good.
a(4). Castle Moat, 800 yards S. of the church, is a
four-sided enclosure surrounded by a dry moat.
a(5). Grange Court (Frontispiece), formerly the
Market Hall, 140 yards S. of the church, is of two storeys
with attics; the walls are timber-framed and the roofs are
covered with stone slates. It was built by John Abel,
'King's Carpenter,' in 1633, and formerly stood in
the town at the junction of High Street and Broad
Street. It was sold by auction in 1853 and re-erected
in its present position, the open lower storey being
closed in, a wing added on the E. side and the roof
renewed.
The structure is a handsome example of early 17th-century timber-work.

Leominster, Forbury Chapel

Leominster, The Old Town Hall Now Grange Court
The W. front (formerly the E. front) is of four bays.
The lower storey, formerly open, has Ionic oak columns
resting on stone pedestals and supporting segmental
arches; the arcades have central pendants and spandrels
carved with foliage and monsters; above the columns
rise moulded posts with grotesque brackets supporting
the overhang of the upper storey; on the frieze above
the arches is an inscription carried round the building
and reading, "Vive Deo gratus, Toti mundo tumulatus
Crimine mundatus, Semper transire paratus; Where
Justice rule, There vertu flow; Vive ut post vivas,
Sat cito si sat bene; Like columnes doo upprop the
fabrik of abuilding, so noble gentri doo support the
honor of a Kingdom; In memoria aeterna erit Justus
1633." The upper storey projects with a panelled
and enriched frieze and cornice as a fascia and having
carved heads above the brackets and flanking the bays
of this storey are fluted and carved Doric pilasters on
modern pedestals; the timber-framing is exposed
and is partly set diagonally. The four bay windows
have modern frames and mullions but rest on brackets
carved with foliage and grotesque heads; eight of these
brackets are original. Above the middle bay is an
18th-century gable. The N. end has a lower storey,
formerly of two bays and generally similar to that on
the W. front. The arch-spandrels are carved with
foliage or cherubs; the brackets of the upper storey
are carved with masks and scrolls; the fascia is similar
to that on the W. front. The upper storey has a
central bay-window resting on modern brackets
reproducing the old brackets which are preserved in an
outbuilding; between the brackets are small enriched
arches. The timber-framing, in part, has ornamental
curved braces to the panels, mostly restored. The
gable projects on six brackets carved with various
devices including a mermaid and a dove; the framing
of square panels has ornamental braces. The S. end
is practically uniform with the N. end, but the brackets
under the gable are carved only with rosettes and
foliage and the brackets under the window are modern.
On the E. side the two exposed bays are similar to
those on the W. front but without carving. Above the
middle of the roof is a hexagonal cupola with open
arched sides and a copper-covered dome with a weather-vane dated 1687. The royal Stuart arms of oak formerly
on the N. end of the building are now fixed on the
front of the modern Town Hall.
Inside the building are some original moulded ceiling-beams. There is also an early 18th-century door,
possibly from the former staircase. Preserved in the
garden of the house are the following pieces of early
stonework probably from the church: (a) a 13th-century font with a square chamfered bowl, stem with
four attached shafts, moulded caps and bases; (b) part
of a coffin-lid; (c) tapering cylindrical bowl of a 12th-century font; (d) quatre-foiled drain of a piscina;
(e) torso of effigy in a loose gown, probably 14th-century; (f) various architectural fragments; and
(g) a stone mould for casting a crucifix.
Condition—Good.
a(6). Townsend House, and stable, on the S. side
of Green Lane, 610 yards W. of the church. The House
is of two storeys; the walls are mainly of brick and
timber-framing and the roofs are slate-covered. The
house was built early in the 16th century and consists
of a hall-block with a long cross-wing at the E. end.
About 1604 the two projections N. of the hall were
added and other alterations made. Late in the 18th
or early in the 19th century the exterior was much
altered and the N.W. projection from the hall-block
partly re-built. There was perhaps a W. cross-wing
which has been destroyed. The N. front of the hallblock has a large early 17th-century window of five
transomed lights with moulded frame and mullions.
The early 17th-century projecting porch, further
E., has a round outer archway (now blocked) with
moulded imposts and gadrooned archivolt; it is
flanked by enriched Ionic pilasters with busts below the
capitals and standing on pedestals; the entablature is
enriched, and in the spandrels of the arch are raised
disc-ornaments. The N.W. projection has, on the
ground floor, a window similar to that in the main
block but of three transomed lights with moulded
wood frame and mullions. At the N.W. angle of the
cross-wing is a timber post and curved bracket supporting
the upper storey which projects at the N. end. In the
S. front is an original window, similar to that on the N.
front but of four lights. Inside the building, the
ground floor of the hall-block, formerly one apartment,
has original moulded ceiling-beams forming fifteen
panels and with remains of moulded plasterwork in
some of the panels; in the inserted walls are two early
17th-century panelled doors; there is also an early
18th-century dresser. In the cross-wing the N. room
has original moulded ceiling-beams; the walls have
early 18th-century panelling, and there is a moulded
surround, to the fireplace, of the same date. The
staircase-hall has a dado of early 17th-century panelling;
the stairs are of the 18th century. On the N. partition-wall is a moulded plaster panel (Plate 72) with the
central device of a crowned heart; on the beam above are
the initials IHS and the date 1604. The S. room is lined
with early 17th-century panelling with an 18th-century
cornice and other fittings of the latter date. The first
floor of the cross-wing has some refixed early 17th-century panelling and two doors of the same date.
The N. room has 18th-century panelling, and on the W.
side is a moulded wall-post with a shaped head.

Leominster, Townsend House
The Stable, now a garage, 66 yards E. of the house, is
a timber-framed building of early 18th-century date.
Condition—Good.
Monuments (7–176)
The following monuments, unless otherwise
described, are of the 17th century and of two storeys,
timber-framed, and with tile or slate-covered roofs.
Many of the buildings have exposed ceiling-beams.
Condition—Good or fairly good, unless noted.
Bridge Street, W. side
a(7). House, two tenements, Nos. 1 and 3, immediately N. of the bridge, has been largely refaced with
brick and modern timber-framing.
a(8). House and shop, No. 5, immediately N. of
(7), is of three storeys. The front has been remodelled
and heightened but the back has exposed timber-framing.
a(9). House, Nos. 13 and 15, 20 yards N. of (8), is
of three storeys. It has been refronted and heightened,
and at the back is a double-gabled extension of late
17th or early 18th-century date; this has exposed
timber-framing. The back door, of battens with
ornamental strap-hinges, is perhaps of the same date.
Inside No. 13 is an early 17th-century staircase with
turned balusters, moulded strings and grip-handrails
and moulded newels with shaped finials and pendants.
a(10). Outbuildings, at the back of No. 17, and W. of
(9), is of late 17th or early 18th-century date. It has
exposed framing and is partly weather-boarded.
a(11). House, No. 23, 25 yards N. of (9), is of three
storeys but has been refronted and heightened, but
some timber-framing is exposed in the S. gable.
a(12). House, No. 27, 5 yards N. of (11), is of three
storeys. It has been refronted, but the back has
exposed timber-framing.
a(13). House, No. 29, immediately N. of (12), is of
late 14th or early 15th-century date. The upper
storey formerly projected on the E. front (Plate 141)
but has been under-built, probably early in the 18th
century. The bressummer is moulded, and there is a
moulded string with embattled cresting below and
first-floor window-sill. The upper storey has heavy
exposed timber-framing with two trefoil-headed panels
below the base-beam of the gable. The gable has
original barge-boards with elaborate cusped and
traceried enrichment. The back is largely faced with
late brickwork.
a(14). Old Cross Keys Inn, No. 31, immediately N. of
(13), has exposed framing to the upper storey of the E.
front. In it are two original and slightly projecting
windows with moulded frames, heads and sills.
a(15). Houses, four tenements, Nos. 33–39, immediately N. of (14), have a continuous modern front.
The two northern tenements are probably of early
17th-century date, but the two southern appear to have
been built early in the 18th century. Some timber-framing in exposed at the back.
a(16), Range (Plate 143) of four tenements, Nos.
55–61, 35 yards N. of (15), was built probably early in
the 18th century. The framing is exposed on the
upper storey of the E. front.
a(17). House, No. 63, immediately N. of (16), has a
gabled front with exposed framing. The former
overhang has been under-built.
a(18). House, No. 63a, immediately N. of (17), has a
projecting upper storey gabled on the E. front.
a(19). House, two tenements, Nos. 65 and 67,
immediately N. of (18), has a projecting upper storey on
the E. front.
a(20). Old Tan Works, standing back from the road,
70 yards N.W. of (19), is of six bays, and has exposed
framing.
a(21). House, No. 91, 255 yards N.N.W. of (20), is
perhaps of early 18th-century date. It has exposed
timber-framing.
a(22). House (Plate 143), No. 97, 35 yards N.N.W.
of (21), has exposed timber-framing; that of the
ground storey is fairly close-set vertical framing, but
the upper storey has diagonal framing in panels. The
upper storey projects slightly on the E. front on a
moulded bressummer; at the S. end is an original
panelled door with two carved scrolls above, refitted
in the 18th century. The windows also appear to be
of 18th-century date. The back elevation has plain
framing. Inside the building is a dado of original
panelling, and other panelling and fittings of the 18th
century. An original newel-staircase leads to the attics.
E. side
a(23). Outbuilding of Marsh Court, immediately
opposite (22), is perhaps of early 18th-century date and
has exposed framing.
a(24). Range of four tenements, Nos. 100–106,
130 yards S.S.E. of (23), has some exposed framing at
the back. The two northern tenements are perhaps of
later date than the others.
a(25). Range of three tenements, Nos. 80–84, 40
yards S. of (24), is perhaps of early 18th-century date,
and has exposed framing.
a(26). House, No. 78, 5 yards S. of (25), has exposed
framing in large squares. The gable projects on the
W. front and leans heavily outwards.
a(27). House, two tenements, Nos. 66 and 66a,
30 yards S. of (26), has been refronted in brick.

Leominster, Plan Showing the Position of Monuments
a(28). House, two tenements, Nos. 56 and 56a, 45
yards S. of (27), is of two storeys with attics. The
ground storey has been faced with brick but the timber-framing is exposed above, with a range of square panels
under the eaves. Inside No. 56 is a re-used early 16th-century moulded beam.
a(29). House, two tenements, Nos. 52 and 54,
14 yards S. of (28), is of two storeys with attics, and
was built probably early in the 18th century. The
timber-framing is mostly exposed.
a(30). Anchor Inn, No. 46, at the S. corner of Mill
Street, is of three storeys. It has been heightened and
much altered but some original framing is exposed at
the back. About 15 yards to the E. is an early 18th-century stable-building.
a(31). House, Nos. 42 and 44, immediately S. of (30),
has exposed timber-framing in squares.
a(32). Hop Pole Inn, No. 40, immediately S. of (31),
has been refronted and otherwise much altered.
a(33). Outbuildings, 20 yards S.S.E. of (32), were built
probably early in the 18th century and have exposed
framing. The second outbuilding is E. of the first.
a(34). House, No. 28, 20 yards S. of (33), was built
in 1718, the date on a rain-water head. A room on the
ground-floor is lined with re-set early 17th-century
panelling. Over the fireplace are six early to mid 16th-century carved panels set in carved framing: (a)
helmeted head of a woman, (b) shield-of-arms, a
cheveron between three boars' heads razed, (c) helmeted
head of a man, (d) cartouche with the initials A.B.,
(e) cartouche with the same initials, (f) head of man in
grotesque cap and collar with the monogram T.C.
a(35). House, No. 22, 25 yards S. of (34), is of three
storeys. It was altered and heightened in the 18th
century, but has some exposed timber framing at the
back and a chimney-stack with pilaster-strips.
a(36). House, No. 10, 35 yards S. of (35), is of late
18th-century date, but has an earlier timber-framed back
wing.
a(37). Outbuilding, at the back of No. 4, and 20 yards
S.E. of (36), is probably of early 18th-century date, and
has exposed framing.
a(38). House, No. 2, immediately N. of the bridge,
is of two storeys with attics. It was built early in the
18th century and consists of a rectangular front block
with a projecting wing on the E. The walls are of
brick with rusticated stone quoins and a hipped roof
with an eaves-cornice to the main block. There is a
band-course between the storeys. The W. front has a
central doorway with a semi-circular fanlight with
radiating bars; above the door is a half-round hood
with a moulded archivolt and scrolled brackets. Inside
the building are a number of original panelled doors,
cased beams with cornices, some panelled linings to the
windows and other woodwork of the same character.
The original staircase (Plate 74) has heavy twisted
balusters, moulded strings and handrails, and panelled
newels with moulded cappings. On the first floor
landing is a round arch with moulded imposts and
key-block with a shaped pendant.
Mill Street, N. side
a(39). House, No. 1, at the junction with Bridge
Street, is of two storeys with attics. It is probably
of early 18th-century date but has been much altered.
Some timber-framing is exposed at the back.
a(40). House, Nos. 29 and 31, 85 yards E. of (39), is
of two storeys with attics. It has been heightened, and
the timber-framing in front has been restored; that
at the back is original.
a(41). The Poplands (Plate 141), formerly the Harp
Inn, house, No. 61, 360 yards E. of (40), was built
probably early in the 16th century on a rectangular
plan. Early in the 17th century the house was extended towards the N., and in the 18th century the
W. front was largely refaced and a central wing added
on the E. The gabled S. end has close-set timber-framing except to the ground floor, which is of modern
brick. At the first floor level is an original moulded
bressummer terminating at a pair of elaborately carved
and scrolled brackets, perhaps of later date. The gable
projects on an original moulded base-beam with a band
of carving above consisting of intersecting arches with
cusps and foliated spandrels. The side-posts of the
upper storey have attached shafts with curved brackets
supporting the gable. The barge-boards are carved
with running leaf-ornament, and have a Jacobean apexpost. The E. face has close-set framing up to the
added wing. The N. end has later timber-framing in
square panels. Inside the building are some original
ceiling-beams.
Broad Street, E. side
a(42). House and shop, No. 2, at the N. corner of
Church Street, is of three storeys. The W. and S.
fronts are modern, and the roofs have been raised, but
the framing of the original gables is retained in the
attics.
a(43) House and shop, No. 4, immediately N. of (42),
is of three storeys. The exterior has been refaced, and
the only old work visible are the gable ends of the roof.
a(44). House and shop, No. 6, immediately N. of (43),
is of four storeys. It has been greatly altered and
refaced.
a(45). Outbuilding, at back of No. 10, 15 yards N. of
(44), is partly faced with stone and brick but has
exposed framing to the upper part.
a(46). Houses and shop, Nos. 12 and 14, N. of (45),
appear to have been built as one house in the 18th
century and subsequently altered. At the back of No.
12 is a long range of 17th-century building, with
exposed timber-framing in large squares; the E. part
is of late 17th or early 18th-century date. E. of this
addition is an early 18th-century stable-building with
exposed timber-framing. In an addition to No. 14
is a re-used 17th-century door with ornamental strap-hinges.
a(47). House and shop, No. 16, immediately N. of
(46), is of three storeys with attics. It is perhaps of
early 18th-century date, but the front is modern. The
back is of brick with band-courses between the storeys.
a(48). House (Plate 142) and shop, No. 18, immediately N. of (47), is of three storeys with attics, and
was built c. 1600. The W. front, above the modern
shop, has exposed framing in squares and is finished
with two gables. The second and attic floors project
on shaped brackets; the bressummer to the attic floor
is moulded, as is a beam below the windows. The
barge-boards are enriched with two rows of billets
and have apex-posts. On a post above the second
floor level is the date 1600. Inside the building, the
upper staircase (Plate 73) is original and has flat
shaped balusters, heavy strings, moulded handrails and
square moulded newels with moulded terminals.
a(49). House and shop, No. 22, 10 yards N. of (48),
is of three storeys. The front is modern and forms one
composition with No. 24. At the back is a long range
mostly refaced except for the top storey, which has
exposed framing and formerly projected; the moulded
bressummer remains. The E. gable has moulded and
dentilled barge-boards and a shaped apex-post. Inside
the building the front room, now a shop, has a plaster
ceiling with a lozenge-shaped panel in the middle.
a(50). House, No. 24, immediately N. of (49), has
like it a modern front. At the back (Plate 142) is a
projecting wing with exposed framing and with diagonal
framing in the gable; the roof has been raised. The
chimney-stack has four grouped shafts with diagonal
pilaster-strips. Inside the building, the front part has
plaster mouldings set against the ceiling-beams, and
the main room has a lozenge-shaped plaster panel with
acorn enrichments. The room above has a similar
ceiling. The back room has some original panelling.
The staircase has an original newel with a shaped
terminal.
a(51). House and shops, two tenements, Nos. 28 and
30, 16 yards N. of (50), is of three storeys. The front
is modern, but at the back of No. 28 is some exposed
timber-framing with a moulded beam at the eaves-level. Inside No. 30 is a dado of original panelling.
a(52). House, No. 32, immediately N. of (51), is of
four storeys. The front is modern, and the house has
been heightened.
a(53). House, No. 36, 10 yards N. of (52), is of
three storeys. It has a modern front and has been
heightened. Inside the building is some exposed
timber-framing.
a(54). House, No. 44, 22 yards N. of (53), is of two
storeys with attics. The S. part of the building is
original and was extended to the N. in the 18th century.
The chimney-stack is original, and has grouped shafts.
a(55). Buildings, at the back of Nos. 40 and 44. The
E. building had an open timber-framed gallery on the
W. side but is now faced with weather-boarding. It
perhaps formed part of an Inn. The N. building is
perhaps of early 18th-century date and has exposed
framing to the upper storey.
a(56). Cottage, two tenements, 25 yards N. of (54),
incorporates part of a crutch-construction which may
be mediæval but may only be re-used material. The
timber-framing of the original gable is exposed on the
N. side with a subsequent heightening on the W. slope.
W. side
a(57). House, No. 35, 45 yards S. of Kenwater Bridge,
is of two storeys with attics. It has a modern front
combined with that of No. 33.
a(58). House, No. 33, immediately S. of (57), has
like it a modern front. The back has exposed framing
and diagonal framing in the gable. Inside the building
is a blocked doorway with a pointed head and a door
of original panelling.
a(59). House, No. 27, on the S. bank of Pinsley
Brook, is of two storeys with attics, and is of L-shaped
plan with the wings extending towards the S. and W.
The upper storey projects on the N. front. Within
the porch, on the E. front, is an early 18th-century
doorway with brackets for the pediment, which is now
removed. Inside the building is a little re-used early
17th-century panelling and some 18th-century woodwork.
a(60). House, No. 23, at the S. corner of New Street,
is of three storeys. It has been entirely refaced in the
18th century. Adjoining the house on the W. is a
long range of outbuildings with exposed timber-framing.
a(61). Barclay's Bank, No. 9, 65 yards S.S.E. of (60),
is an 18th-century building but incorporates a 17th-century building at the back, with diagonal framing in
the gable.
Vicarage Street, N.E. side
a(62). Range of three houses, Nos. 4, 6 and 8, at the
bend of the road, 20 yards W. of Broad Street, is of two
storeys with attics. No. 4 was built probably early in
the 18th century, but Nos. 6 and 8 are of early 17th-century date. The gable of No. 6 has original billeted
barge-boards. The timber-framing is exposed at the
back. To the N. of No. 8 is an outbuilding with
exposed framing.
a(63). Range of three tenements, Nos. 10, 12 and 14,
20 yards N.W. of (62), has been refaced in brick. The
timber-framing is exposed at the back and S.E.
end.
a(64). Range of two tenements, Nos. 16 and 18,
immediately N.W. of (63), has exposed framing both
at the front and back.
a(65). Range of five tenements, Nos. 30–38, 35 yards
N.W. of (64), is of three storeys. It has been much
altered and heightened, but some timber-framing is
exposed at the back.
S.W. side
a(66). House, No. 5, 10 yards W. of (65), has exposed
timber-framing in large squares. The N. part of the
building is probably a later addition.
Condition—Poor.
New Street
a(67). House, two tenements, Nos. 2 and 4, on the N.
side of the road, 120 yards W. of Broad Street, has
exposed timber-framing.
a(68). House (Plate 143), two tenements, Nos. 25
and 27, on the S. side of the road opposite (67), had a
later enlargement at the back. The front has exposed
timber-framing and the upper storey projects on a
simply moulded bressummer and shaped brackets.
a(69). House, No. 41, 30 yards W.S.W. of (68), was
built in the 16th century, and probably formed part
of a larger building. The upper storey in front has
close-set timber framing and projects on an original
moulded bressummer, partly under-built. Inside the
building is an original moulded ceiling-beam.
Burgess Street, N. side
a(70.) Warehouse, 30 yards W. of Broad Street, has a
S. wall of 18th-century brick. The timber-framing is
exposed on the N. side. Inside the building, the roof
has five original trusses.
a(71). Outbuilding, at the back of house, 100 yards W.
of Broad Street, is of rubble. The house is modern
but incorporates some old timber-framing and roof-trusses.
a(72). Cottages, now builder's store, 10 yards W. of
(71), have been much altered but retain some exposed
timber-framing.
a(73). Houses, Nos. 30–34, 35 yards W. of (72), have
18th-century additions at the back. The S. side and
the two ends have been refronted, but some framing is
exposed at the back. Inside No. 34 is a plaster ceiling
with a moulded margin and a band of enrichment.
a(74). Houses, No. 36 and Nos. 1 and 2, Burgess
Gardens, N. of (73), has some exposed framing on the
E. side. The N. part is an extension, probably of early
18th-century date.
S. side
a(75). House, No. 7, 100 yards W. of Broad Street, is
of three storeys. The top storey was added in the
18th century and the front refaced. The long S. wing
has some exposed framing.
a(76). Grafton House (Plate 143), No. 9, W. of (75),
was built probably late in the 14th century. The
upper storey formerly projected in front but has been
under-built; it has exposed framing with cusped braces;
a similar brace remains at the back (Plate 143), together
with an original window or panel with an ogee head.
Inside the building, the middle portion, or hall, of two
bays, was originally open to the roof; the central truss
is of collar-beam type with curved braces forming a
two-centred arch; the wind-braces are cusped, each
pair forming a cinque-foiled arch. The framing at the
ends of the hall-roof is probably also original. The
roofs of the building at either end of the hall have plain
collar-beams and chamfered rafters and purlins.
a(77). Houses, Nos. 19 and 21, at the corner of Rainbow Street, are of three storeys, the top storey being an
addition. Some of the timber-framing is exposed.
a(78). House, No. 10 Rainbow Street, immediately
S. of (77), is of three storeys, the top one being an
addition. The timber-framing is exposed.
Cranes Lane, W. side
a(79). Cottages, Nos. 1 and 3, at the corner of Green
Lane, were built probably early in the 18th century and
has exposed framing.
a(80). Cottages, Nos. 5–9, 25 yards N. of (79), are of
similar date and character.
a(81). Cottages, Nos. 21–25, 20 yards N. of (80),
are again of similar date and character.
a(82). Cottage, No. 29, 25 yards N. of (81), is probably
of early 18th-century date, but has been heightened.
The framing is exposed.
Church Street, N. side
a(83). Baker's Arms Inn, 15 yards E. of Broad Street,
has been refronted.
a(84). House, No. 7, 10 yards E. of (83), has been
largely re-built but retains its original framing on the E.
side.
High Street, W. side
a(85). House and shop, No. 2, immediately S. of the
Market Hall, is partly of four storeys. The front part
has been largely re-built in the 18th and 19th centuries,
but the back part has exposed timber-framing within the
building. There is also an early 16th-century moulded
ceiling-beam. The staircase in the front block incorporates some early 17th-century carved work. There
are also some curious 18th-century paintings on the
walls of view from the windows.
a(86). Outbuilding, at back of No. 6, 5 yards S. of
(85), is of two dates in the 17th century and has some
exposed framing.
a(87). House and shops, Nos. 8 and 10, S. of (86), is
of three storeys, and was built c. 1630–40. The top
storey has three gables and projects on four brackets
carved with scrolls and male and female heads and
busts. At the back is a building, formerly detached
and with exposed timber-framing.
a(88). Barrel Inn, No. 12, S. of (87), is of three storeys.
It has been much altered and refronted, but has evidence
that the upper storeys formerly projected. At the
back is a detached outbuilding.
a(89). House and shops, Nos. 14 and 16, S. of (88),
is of three storeys. The rear block is a later addition.
Inside the building is some exposed framing and an
original shaped bracket.
a(90). House and shop, No. 18, S. of (89), is of three
storeys. The front has been refaced. At the back is
a narrow building with some exposed framing.
a(91). House (Plate 142) and shop, No. 20, S. of (90),
is of three storeys. The top storey has two gables
and projects on shaped brackets with a moulded
bressummer; the gables also project on a moulded
bressummer and have dentilled barge-boards and apexposts with moulded terminals. The timber-framing of
the top storey is exposed and is divided into squares
with angle-braces; the central post has the initials and
date I. and G.P. 1673. The framing of the gables has
curved braces with projecting points similar to those
in the Old Town Hall. The wing at the back has
exposed timber-framing.
a(92). House and shop, No. 22, S. of (91), is of three
storeys. It was perhaps heightened in the 17th century,
as is indicated by the framing at the back. The upper
storey and the gable project in front, the former on two
shaped brackets. The barge-boards are dentilled and
have a carved apex-post. At the back is a 17th-century
window with a moulded sill.
a(93). House and shop, No. 24, S. of (92), has been
entirely re-built, but at the back is a large outbuilding
with some exposed framing.
a(94). House and shop, No. 26, S. of (93), is of three
storeys. It has been much altered and re-built but
contains a late 17th-century staircase with turned
balusters, square newels with turned pendants, and
moulded and pulvinated strings.
a(95). House and shop, No. 30, 5 yards S. of (94),
is of three storeys. The front block has been much
altered and heightened; at the back is a lower wing
with exposed timber-framing. Further to the W. is a
detached building of three storeys with a lower wing
at the back; both have some exposed framing; in
the higher building is a newel-staircase with a moulded
post and an original framed partition.
a(96). House and shop, No. 38, on the N. corner of
West Street, is of three storeys. The central portion
was perhaps an L-shaped 17th-century building,
heightened and enlarged to cover the whole triangular
site in the 18th century. On the W. side at the back
is an original timber-framed gable.
E. side
a(97). House and shop, No. 7, 10 yards S. of Butter
Cross, is of three storeys. The upper storeys project
slightly at the back. Some framing is exposed inside
the building.
a(98). Houses and shops, Nos. 13 and 15, 20 yards S.
of (97), are of three storeys. They have been much
altered, and No. 15 has been refronted in brick. The
second storey projects on part of the S. side and retains
one shaped bracket.
a(99). House and shops, Nos. 17 and 19, S. of (98),
is of three storeys. The front has been refaced in
brick. The upper storeys project on the W. side, the
lower projection having a moulded bressummer of
early 16th-century date, which is presumably the age of
the original building.
a(100). House (Plate 142) and shop, No. 37, 50 yards
S. of (99), is of three storeys. The gabled front has
exposed timber-framing, and the two upper storeys and
the gable project on moulded bressummers; below the
second floor projection are two scrolled and carved
brackets, and the barge-boards of the gable are moulded.
The back (Plate 142) also has exposed framing, and
the projecting gable has a moulded bressummer; in
the gable is an original two-light window with moulded
frame and mullion.
a(101). House and shop, No. 39, S. of (100), is of three
storeys. The gable has moulded barge-boards and an
apex-post with a moulded pendant. The house was
built probably late in the 17th or early in the 18th
century.
a(102). House (Plate 142) and shop, No. 41, S. of
(101), is of three storeys. The front, above the shop,
has exposed timber-framing and two projections with
moulded bressummers. The lower framing is in
squares with braces across the angles, but the framing
in the gable has curved braces with projecting points
like those in the Old Town Hall. The gable has
dentilled barge-boards and a carved apex-front with
a moulded pendant. Inside the building is some
original panelling and three original panelled doors.
a(103). Houses and shops, Nos. 43 and 45, S. of
(102), and at the corner of Corn Street, are of three
storeys. The upper storeys project on both the W. and
S. sides, but on the W. the ground storey has modern
shop fronts. Below the upper storey on this side and
below both projections on the S. side are scrolled and
carved brackets. Inside the building some framing of
the former E. wall is exposed and there is a panelled
door with an arcaded panel at the top.
Drapers Lane, E. side
a(104). House and shop, No. 7, 20 yards S. of Church
Street, is of three storeys. The back wall has some
exposed timber-framing.
a(105). House (Plate 142) and shops, Nos. 9 and 11,
S. of (104), is of three storeys. It was built probably in
the second half of the 16th century, and the date 1575 is
cut in comparatively modern letters on a ceiling-beam.
The front has close-set timber-framing and two gables.
The second floor projects on a moulded bressummer
and curved brackets. The window in the N. gable has
original moulded mullions. The added 17th-century
back wing has exposed framing.
a(106). House and shop, Nos. 13 and 15, S. of (105),
is of three storeys. It has been refronted in brick.
The back wing has exposed framing. Inside the
building is some original panelling.
a(107). House and shop, No. 23, 15 yards S. of (106),
is of three storeys. It was built probably late in the
16th century and extended to the W. in brick late in the
17th or early in the 18th century. The front has been
refaced in brick. A chimney-stack at the back has two
diagonal shafts. A detached outbuilding at the back
has exposed framing.
a(108). House and shop, No. 25, S. of (107), is of
three storeys. The front block has been refaced, as
has the rear block, but some timber-framing is exposed.
W. side
a(109). House and shop, No. 18, opposite (107), is
of three storeys. The front has been refaced; the S.
side projects over a passage-way on a series of shaped
struts or brackets.
a(110). House and shops, Nos. 20 and 22, S. of (109),
is of three storeys. It was built early in the 16th
century and the top storey was added probably early
in the 17th century. The front has exposed framing,
and the top storey projects on a moulded bressummer.
On the N. side the upper storeys project over a passageway on shaped brackets; the diagonal bracket to the E.
shows that the street front formerly projected also.
In the passage is an original doorway, with a curved
and shaped head, now blocked. The timber-framing
is exposed at the back.
Corn Square
a(111). Conservative Club, No. 7, at the N.E. angle
of the square, is of three storeys. The main building
is of 18th-century date, but the E. wing is of the 17th
century and has some exposed framing. At the back
is a two-storeyed outbuilding of the same date, with
exposed framing to the upper storey.
a(112). House and shop, on the S. side of the square,
10 yards E. of School Lane, retains its original roof-trusses.
a(113). Three Horse Shoes Inn, W. of (112) and at the
E. corner of School Lane, was built c. 1600. The upper
storey projects on the W side and formerly projected
on the N. front also, but has been under-built. The
fronts are painted with sham framing.
a(114). House (Plate 144) and shop, at the W. corner
of School Lane, was built probably in the 15th century.
The upper storey projects on the E. side and formerly
at the N. end, where it has been under-built; the projection rests on shaped brackets with a diagonal bracket
at the angle springing from a moulded capital on the
corner-post. The gable of the N. end has original
foiled and sub-cusped barge-boards. The framing is
exposed on the E. side. Inside the building the upper
storey retains much of its original framing, including
one heavy curved brace to a tie-beam. The S. end
has an original window with a chamfered mullion; it
is now blocked by the adjoining house. There is a
17th-century widening on the W. side at the southern
end.
a(115). House (Plate 144) and shops, W. of (114), is of
three storeys. The front block was built late in the
14th or early in the 15th century, but was heightened
by one storey early in the 17th century and finished with
two gables towards the N. The timber-framing of the
second storey is fairly close-set and probably original;
that of the third storey, which projects on a moulded
bressummer, has a range of 17th-century square panels
with angle braces; a further projection in the gable
has a moulded base-beam; the barge-boards have
carved zig-zag ornament. Inside the building are
remains of the original roof-truss with cusped principals,
collar and a strut above the collar; the original framing
in the E. and W. gable walls is also exposed. The
long S. wing is a 17th-century addition and has exposed
timber-framing.
Corn Street, N. side
a(116). Houses and shops, Nos. 1 and 3, at the E.
corner of Victoria Lane or the Butchery, are of three
storeys but the two lower storeys of No. 3 have been
thrown into one. No. 1 has been largely reconstructed,
but No. 3 retains its timber-framing in the upper part
both at the front and back.
a(117). House and shop, No. 5, E. of (116), is of two
storeys with attics. Some timber-framing is exposed
at the back.
S. side
a(118). House and shop, No. 4, 25 yards E. of Iron
Cross, is of two storeys with attics. The front has
been refaced in brick, but some framing is exposed at
the back. The upper storey projects over a passageway on the E. on straight struts.
a(119). House, No. 6, immediately E. of (118), is
of three storeys. Some timber-framing is exposed on
the W. side at the back.
a(120). House and shops, No. 10, 5 yards E. of (119),
is of three storeys. It was formerly the King's Arms
Inn extending through to Etnam Street. The front
block was built late in the 18th century but the adjoining
rear-block is of 17th-century date and has exposed
timber-framing in the S. wall. On the W. side of the
yard at the back is an early 18th-century addition of two
storeys with exposed framing. The lower part of the
W. wall is of rubble. The upper storey forms a large
hall.
a(121). House and shops, No. 18, 5 yards E. of (120),
is of three storeys in front and of two behind. The
front is of the 18th century, but at the back are remains
of an L-shaped early 17th-century building. It was
altered and heightened in the 18th century. Still
further S. is a late 16th or early 17th-century wing,
subsequently heightened. The upper storey formerly
projected on the E. side, but has been under-built. Some
timber-framing is exposed at the back of the main
building and on the E. face of the S. wing.
School Lane, W. side
a(122). Houses and shops, Nos. 4–8, 20 yards S. of
Corn Square, has some exposed framing both at the
front and back. It was heightened late in the 17th
century and partly again in the 18th century.
E. side
a(123). Houses and shops, Nos. 3 and 5, 15 yards S.
of Corn Square, are of two storeys with attics. Inside
No. 3 are two early 16th-century moulded beams,
probably re-used.
a(124). House and shop, No. 7, S. of (123), is of three
storeys. It has been refronted in brick, but the timber-framing is exposed at the back.
a(125). House, now two tenements, 15 yards S. of
(124), has been refronted in brick. Some timber-framing is exposed at the back with a large curved
brace under the eaves.
Etnam Street, N. side
a(126). House and shop, No. 3, 45 yards E. of South
Street, were outbuildings of the former King's Arms Inn
in Corn Street. The S. wall has been refaced in brick
but the timber-framing is exposed on the N. side.
a(127). Cottages and shop, Nos. 5–9, E. of (126),
have been refronted, but the timber-framing is exposed
at the back.
a(128). House and shop, No. 17, at the E. corner of
School Lane, is of two storeys with attics. It has been
much altered and heightened.
a(129). House and shop, Nos. 25–29, formerly the
Old Iron Boat Inn, 15 yards E. of (128), is of two
storeys with attics. It has been refronted in brick in
the 18th century. The timber-framing is exposed in
the W. gable and at the back. There is an outbuilding
to the N. with exposed framing.
a(130). House and shop, No. 31, E, of (129), has
been refronted in brick. The long wing at the back
has some exposed framing.
a(131). House, the Vinery, No. 43, 55 yards E. of
(130), is partly of three storeys. The upper storey
formerly projected in front, but the whole front has
been re-built and heightened. The timber-framing
on the W. side shows the former arrangement. The
framing is also exposed at the back and in the long N.
wing.
a(132). House, No. 45, E. of (131), is of three storeys.
The front has been re-built and heightened. The back
has exposed framing showing a later heightening;
the N. wing also has some exposed framing. Inside
the building is a re-used moulded beam of the 15th
century.
a(133). Chequers Inn, No. 61, 40 yards E. of (132), is
of two storeys with attics. It was built late in the
16th or early in the 17th century, and has a projecting
timber-framed gable on the S. front with a moulded
bressummer; the gable has moulded and enriched
barge-boards. The back wing is a 17th-century addition
and has exposed framing. Inside the building are some
original moulded ceiling-beams and a panelled cupboard door with cock's-head hinges. The staircase
retains an original newel with an ornamental terminal.
In the back wing are two 17th-century doors of moulded
battens.
a(134). Houses (Plate 143), Nos. 63–67, E. of (133),
were built perhaps late in the 15th or early in the 16th
century. The S. front formerly had a projecting upper
storey but the eastern part has been refaced; the western
part has an original gable with fairly close-set timber-framing. Some framing is also exposed at the back,
but most of the original building is covered by a 17th
and 18th-century addition. Inside the building (No. 65)
is some early 17th-century panelling.
a(135). Duke's Arms Inn, No. 75, at the E. corner
of Duke's Lane, has a modern front.
a(136). Houses, Nos. 89 and 91, 40 yards E. of (135),
is partly of two storeys with attics. The E. wing
with a gable fronting the street was built late in the
14th or early in the 15th century, and the house (No. 89)
may represent the W. cross-wing of the same building;
both it and the main block of No. 91, however, seem
to have been re-built in the 17th century. Inside No. 91
is a considerable quantity of early 17th-century
panelling. The roof of the E. wing is original and
of three main bays with king-post trusses and collars
cusped on the upper side and forming a large trefoil
with the principal rafters; there are intermediate
trusses, two of which have curved braces under the
collars forming segmental-pointed arches; the wind-braces are cusped.
a(137). House, No. 97, 60 yards E. of (136), has been
refronted in the 18th century. There is some exposed
framing on the W. side and the gable at the back has
diagonal framing. On the W. side is an old battened
door with strap-hinges.
a(138). White Lion Inn (Plate 143), at the bend of the
road, 120 yards E. of (137), was built early in the 16th
century and has a modern gable on the E. side and
modern additions on the W. It may have once projected further to the N. The timber-framing generally
is exposed and the upper storey projects on the E. side
and S. end on curved brackets and small shafts with
moulded capitals; the bressummers are moulded;
the S. gable also projects on two curved brackets. At
this end the first floor has been partly under-built and
the bressummer is covered by a fascia-board. Inside
the building, the middle part formed a single room with
moulded ceiling-beams forming four bays from N. to S.
and three from E. to W. The S. part, also formerly
one room, has similar but rather more elaborately
moulded beams. The rooms above also have moulded
ceiling beams.
S. side
a(139). Cottage, No. 90, 60 yards W.S.W. of (138),
has a lower addition at the E. end. Most of the
timber-framing is exposed.
a(140). House, No. 48, 190 yards W. of (139), was
bought for the Baptists in 1696 and converted by
them for use as a chapel. The existing chapel, to the
S., was built in 1771, and the house converted again
into two tenements. The upper storey projects on the
N. front and the timber-framing is exposed. Inside
the building part of the E. staircase is old and there is
an old door with strap-hinges.
a(141). House, No. 32, 105 yards W. of (140), has
been almost entirely re-built. In it is a re-set early 17th-century staircase with turned balusters, grip-handrails and square moulded newels with moulded
terminals. In the back wing are some remains of
another staircase of the same date, made up with later
work and some early 17th-century panelling.
a(142). House, No. 24, 12 yards W. of (141), is of mid
18th-century date, but at the back is a detached 17th-century building with exposed framing.
a(143). House, No. 22, W. of (142), is of three storeys.
The front block is of 18th-century date, but at the back
is a 17th-century wing. Inside the building is some
linen-fold panelling said to have come from the
church.
a(144.) Range of four tenements, No. 10 and Nos. 1–3
Miles Court, 70 yards W. of (143), was perhaps originally an inn and outbuildings. Some of the timber-framing is exposed but the front tenement has been
refaced in brick. Inside the building is an early
18th-century fireplace with a stone surround and
cornice.
West Street, N. side
a(145). House and shop, No. 4, 10 yards W. of High
Street, has a modern front block. The back part has
some exposed timber-framing.
a(146). House and shop, No. 6, W. of (145), has been
refaced in brick. The timber-framing is exposed at the
back.
a(147). White Hart Inn, No. 10, 10 yards W. of
(146), has a modern front. The back has an original
gable with exposed framing. The N. wing has been
partly refaced in brick.
a(148). House, No. 22, 25 yards W. of (147), was
built probably early in the 18th century.
a(149). House, No. 42, 70 yards W. of (148), is of
three storeys. It was largely re-built in the 18th century,
but the side wall next the entrance-passage has the
exposed framing of the original building.
S. side
a(150). Talbot Hotel, Nos. 5 and 7, 15 yards W. of
South Street, is of three storeys. The front block
was largely re-built and heightened in the 18th
century. The back wing has some exposed timber-framing.
a(151). House and shop, No. 9, W. of (150), has been
much altered in the 18th century. Inside the building
are two original door-lintels with a pointed head cut
on the soffit.
a(152). House and shop, No. 15, 10 yards W. of
(151), is of two storeys with attics. The front is
gabled, and some timber-framing is exposed on the
W. side.
a(153). House and shop, No. 19, 15 yards W. of (152),
was built perhaps early in the 18th century. The
front is of brick but some framing is exposed in the E.
wall. A long outbuilding at the back has exposed
framing.
a(154). House and shop, No. 27, 30 yards W. of
(153), has been refaced and much altered.
a(155). House, No. 39, 40 yards W. of (154), is of
three storeys. It has been almost entirely re-built.
a(156). House, Nos. 41 and 43, W. of (155), has been
practically re-built late in the 18th century.
a(157). Golden Cross Inn, No. 49, 17 yards W. of (156),
has a modern front. The E. side has exposed timber-framing and an original gable. The outbuilding, S. of
the house, is probably of early 18th-century date and
has exposed framing.
Bargates, N. side
a(158). Range of three tenements, Nos. 20–24,
45 yards W. of the E. end of the street, was built late
in the 17th or early in the 18th century. It has been
partly refaced in brick, but some of the framing is
exposed.
a(159). Range of three tenements, Nos. 38–42,
70 yards W. of (158), was built probably early in the
18th century and has exposed timber-framing.
S. side
a(160). House, two tenements, Nos. 7 and 9, 15 yards
W. of Dishley Street, has been partly refaced. The
upper storey projects in front on curved brackets and
has exposed timber-framing. The framing is also
exposed at the back.
a(161). House, No. 11, W. of (160), has been much
altered.
a(162). Range of tenements, Nos. 15–19, W. of (161),
has some exposed framing in front.
a(163). House, Nos. 21–25, W. of (162), was built
in the 15th century but the main block, now Nos. 23
and 25, seems to have been reconstructed in the 17th
century and has exposed framing of that date. The
original gabled cross-wing, No. 21, also has exposed
framing, and the upper storey projects on curved
brackets and has two cusped braces in the framing.
a(164). House, Nos. 27 and 29, W. of (163), is of late
17th or early 18th-century date, with a modern front.
Some timber-framing is exposed at the back.
a(165). Cottages, Nos. 10 and 12, on the W. side of
Dishley Street, 25 yards S. of Bargates, have some
exposed timber-framing. Most of No. 10 has been
re-built.
a(166). Cottages, Nos. 4 and 6, on the N. side of
Westbury Street, 100 yards W. of South Street, are
perhaps of early 18th-century date. Some timber-framing is exposed.
South Street, E. side
a(167). Queen's Head Inn and adjoining house, Nos.
11 and 13, opposite West Street, were built probably
early in the 16th century but were extensively altered
in the 17th century and refronted and heightened late
in the 18th or early in the 19th century. Inside the
building, the front room of both houses has original
moulded ceiling-beams and evidence of a former
projecting upper storey; the beams form a series of
square panels, and in No. 13 the moulded joists are also
exposed.
a(168). Dutton House, at the S. corner of Etnam
Street, was built probably late in the 16th century, and
the part at the S.W. angle remains. The N. part of
the house was re-built in the 18th century and there are
various modern additions. The exterior has been
completely refaced but one original chimney-stack
remains; it has three square brick shafts with projecting
diagonal nibs. Inside the building, the S.W. room is
lined with re-set panelling of various dates. The room
above has an original fireplace, with chamfered jambs
and four-centred head; the room is lined with 18th-century panelling with some late 16th-century panelling
over the fireplace. Panelling of the same date forms
an overmantel in another room. The modern staircase incorporates some late 17th-century twisted
balusters.
a(169). Warehouse and Houses, Nos. 47 and 49,
200 yards S. of (168). The houses have been refronted,
but some timber-framing is exposed elsewhere.
W. side
a(170). House, No. 10, 50 yards S. of West Street,
has been refronted. It contains two early 16th-century
moulded ceiling-beams which may be in situ or older
material re-used.
a(171). House and shop, No. 16, 20 yards S. of (170),
has been altered and heightened in front in the 18th or
19th century. At the back is a series of three buildings
of various dates in the 17th century, with some exposed
timber-framing. A window at the back of the shop
contains a number of fragments of mediæval glass,
probably from the church.
a(172). Cottage, at the back of No. 20, and 5 yards
S. of (171), has some exposed timber-framing.
a(173). House, two tenements, Nos. 118 and 120,
320 yards S. of Westbury Street, has been heightened
and refronted. Some timber-framing is exposed in
the N. wall.
a(174). House, two tenements, Nos. 128 and 130,
20 yards S. of (173). has some exposed timber-framing.
b(175). Range of tenements, 550 yards S. of (174), has
exposed timber-framing in squares.
a(176). Cottage, two tenements, on the E. side of Gate
Lane, 400 yards S. of West Street, has exposed timber-framing in squares.