2 The Square Aspley Guise

2 and 3 The Square about 1927 [Z1130/3a/9]

2 The Square was listed by English heritage in March 1987. The house and former shop dates from the early 19th century. It is constructed of red and yellow chequered brick with a slate roof. The department commented: "Included for group value".

The Rating and Valuation Act 1925 specified that every building and piece of land in the country was to be assessed as to its rateable value. Aspley Guise was assessed in 1927. The valuer visiting 2 The Square [DV1/C138/50] found that it was owned by Ponten and Son, grocers and part of the property, that on the right hand side, was occupied by A. Kershaw, who worked for the company. The firm is also recorded as Ponten and Sons in Kelly's Directory for Bedfordshire of 1928 (it is not listed in the directory for 1924) but in the following directories of 1931, 1936 and 1940 is listed as Porter and Son, so either Ponten was a spelling mistake, or the company changed its name or was taken over by one of a similar name.

The brick and slate end of terrace property comprised two living rooms and a kitchen, with four bedrooms above and an attic above that. A barn and w. c. stood outside and mains water, drainage and gas were laid on.

The left hand side of the building was occupied by Herbert Ash who paid rent of £55 per annum. His accommodation comprised the shop of 15 feet square and three other rooms measuring 10 feet by 15 feet, 15 feet by 7 feet and 24 feet by 7 feet. A brick and slate garage, store and store with a loft over stood outside as did a timber and slate lean-to hovel. The valuer commented: "Formerly owner and occupier, only been here 2 years. Top rent".

By the 1970s 2 The Square was owned by grocery chain Dudeney and Johnston Limited. In 1972 the licence to sel lalcohol changed from John Percival Dudeney, deceased, to John Bradfield Mortimer of 34 High Street, Bedford [PCAspleyGuise30/5] and in 1976 it changed to Kenneth William Mitchell of 34 High Street, Bedford [PCAspleyGuise30/7].

In 2010 Number 2 The Square was for sale. The particulars [Z449/5/10] note that the property comprised a porch, entrance hall, family room, study, dinin groom, rear hall, kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom, bedroom and sitting room downstairs. Above lay three bedrooms and a bathroom, with two further bedrooms on the second floor. Reached by a ladder from one of the first floor bedrooms was a studio with en-suite dressing room and bathroom. Outside lay a walled courtyard.

2 The Square July 2010