What can be glimpsed of 20-22 Leighton Road June 2008

Elizabeth Knight owned 20 and 22 Leighton Road, Little Acres, when Heath and Reach was inclosed in 1841. Schedule to the inclosure award described the building as cottages and garden standing in 1 rood 7 poles of land. The property was listed by the former Department of Environment in 1980 as Grade II, of special interest. It is a 17th century structure which has a timber frame with red brick nogging. There are two storeys capped by an old clay tile roof. The porch is modern.

Under the terms of the Rating and Valuation Act 1925 every piece of land and building in the country was assessed to determine the rates to be paid on them. The valuer visiting Little Acres [DV1/C205/24-25] noted that it was owned by A.A.Roberts and divided into two tenements. Number 20, nearest the road, was occupied by Miss Bicknell and contained a living room and kitchen with two bedrooms above. An earth closet stood outside. Rent was £5 per annum.

Number 22 was occupied by Roberts himself and comprised a parlour, living room and scullery with four bedrooms above. Again, an earth closet stood outside. The valuer commented: "Extra for good size garden" and "was two cottages too rambling".