Externally this property appears as one building as noted above and the wall cladding with mathematical tiles is the sure sign that it is a timber-framed building.
During the 1986 renovation the cambered tie beam and crown-post were found in position (Figs. 1/ 2). These formed part of the party wall to No. 100, the braces of the crown-post having been sawn off. The design of the post places the date in the latter half of the 15th century. The position of the tie beam shows that the building was of the hall type and open to the roof rafters. Subsequently a ceiling was put in at a lower level, forming a second-floor, and by raising the roof, attics were created.
We can now see the plan. No. 96 was the service area, Nos. 98 and 100 formed the open hall, the open hearth mid-way between the service area and the present wall of No. 102, against which the owner would have sat at his table facing down the hall. The whole or part of No. 102 probably formed the owner’s retiring room, but this has not been established. The owner was obviously a man of substance.
The absence of street numbering makes it difficult to identify owners unless the building is contiguous with a well-known landmark such as a known inn.
In the photograph, the roof-line of No. 100 seen on the left would have continued into Nos. 96-98, before the alteration mentioned in the text.
Briscall W., 1987, Discovering Ashford’s Old Buildings, Ashford, LRB Historical Publications
List Entry
Grade: II
Date first listed: 04-Jun-1976
- 5344 HIGH STREET (North Side) No 96 No 98 TR 0042 NE 2/26II GV
- C18. 3 storeys painted brick. Tiled roof, hipped at one end. Wooden modillion eaves cornice. Guttering with lions masks. 2nd floor has 2 sashes with moulded architraves. 1st floor has 2 canted bays. Later shop fronts.
Nos 96-110 (even) form a group. Nos 106-110 being buildings of local interest.
Listing NGR: TR0090142857