163 High Street Riseley

163 High Street April 2015

163 High Street was listed by the former Department of Environment in June 1974 as Grade II, of special interest. The cottage dates from the late 17th or early 18th century and is built of colour-washed roughcast over a timber frame with a thatched roof. It comprises 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. The valuer visiting the cottage [DV1/C217/51] found that it was owned by Lord Saint John of Bletsoe and occupied by T Sharman who had a living room, kitchen, scullery and two bedrooms. A weather-boarded and tiled barn and pigsty stood outside. The valuer commented: "Quite nice".