172 High Street Elstow

172 High Street February 2012

172 High Street was listed by the former Ministry of Public Buildings and Works in July 1964 as Grade I, of exceptional interest. This seems an odd grading, given that the Moot Hall is only Grade II*, i.e. less important

The cottage dates from the 17th century and has a timber-framed construction with weather-boarding on the gable and pebbledash rendering everywhere else. It has a thatched roof which is half-hipped at the south gable end. It comprises four bays, the northernmost of which has two storeys and the rest comprise one storey and attics.

The Rating and Valuation Act 1925 specified that every building and piece of land in the country was to be assessed to determine its rateable value. Elstow, like most of the county, was assessed in 1927. the valuer visiting the cottage [DV1/C33/9] found that, like most of the parish, it was owned by the Lord of the Manor Samuel Howard Whitbread.

The tenant was the treasurer of Elstow Bunyan Meeting, A. Cirkett. His rent was 2/6 per week. His accommodation comprised a hall, a parlour, a living room, a washhouse, three bedrooms (“one communicates”) and a barn measuring 10 feet by 18 feet (“really part of house”). The valuer commented: “Rent silly, occupier is assistant overseer and builder”, he also noted: “Weatherboarded sides. Very nice. Could be made a charming place”.