Badgers Holt Kensworth

Badgers Holt January 2013

Badgers Holt was listed by the former Department of Environment in September 1980 as Grade II, of special interest. The property dates from the 17th century. The upper part has brick-infilled timber-framing whilst the lower part of the structure is partly brick, all of it is colourwashed. The cottage comprises two storeys with attics. There is a modern extension.

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. Kensworth, like most of the county, was assessed in 1927. The valuer visiting badgers Holt found that it was owned by the trustees of Benjamin Bennett of Dunstable and divided into three. The occupiers, running east to west, were: Levi Austin; S. Punter and H. Punter they paid rent of 2/-, 4/- and 2/6 per week respectively.

Levi Austin’s accommodation comprised a living room, scullery and pantry downstairs with two bedrooms and an attic above. He also had “a small part of” a weather-boarded and corrugated iron barn as well as a brick and tiled earth closet. The valuer commented: “Poor”.

S. Punter’s accommodation comprised a living room and a washhouse downstairs with two bedrooms above. They had another part of the barn as well as a brick and slate earth closet. H. Punter’s accommodation was identical.