9 Gig Lane June 2008

Number 9 Gig Lane, Little Thatch, was listed by the former Department of Environment in 1980 as Grade II, of special interest. It is an 18th century building, constructed of rubble and whitewashed, it has one storey with attics and a thatched roof. When Heath and Reach was inclosed in 1841 the cottage was owned, with other land, by the devisees of Thomas Day (in other words he had left the property in his will). The cottage stood in 1 rood 22 poles of land.

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. Heath and Reach was assessed in 1927 and the valuer visiting the property [DV1/C254/18] noted that the owner was Mrs. Claridge, of Holly Tree Farm, and the occupier G. Thompson. Rent was four shillings per week, a figure set in 1907.

The cottage was a simple 'two up two down'. Accommodation comprised a kitchen and living room downstairs with two bedrooms above. Outside lay a weather boarded and slated lean-to barn, a weather boarded and felt barn, a brick and tile pigsty and a fowl house. The valuer commented: "neglect".