28 to 34 High Street Roxton

28 to 34 High Street in 1960 [Z53/97/16]

28 to 34 High Street was listed by the former Department of Environment in August 1983 as Grade II, of special interest. The department dated the group of cottages to about 1700. They are built of colour washed roughcast over a timber frame, have thatched roofs and form an L-plan. All cottages have one storey and attics. By the early 20th century they were owned by the former Lord of the Manor of Roxton and may either have been built by a previous Lord (the Lords Mordaunt until 1624 then the Delwane family) or acquired by the manor later.

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. Roxton, like most of Bedfordshire, was assessed in 1927 and the valuer visiting 28 to 34 High Street, known as Rattlebury Row, [DV1/C198/105-108] found them owned by the trustees of James Bogle Delap, the Lord of the Manor.

Number 28 was occupied by F. Livett, who paid rent of £6/1/4 per annum, and stood in 0.092 of an acre. The plaster and thatched building comprised a living room, a kitchen and two bedrooms above. A weather-boarded and thatched barn stood outside.

Number 30 was occupied by C. Livett who paid £5/4/- per annum in rent. The plaster and thatched building also stood in 0.092 of an acre and comprised a living room, a kitchen and two bedrooms above. Again, a weather-boarded and thatched barn stood outside.

Number 32 was vacant, though a later hand has added the name J. Fuller. The plaster and thatched building stood in 0.069 of an acre and comprised a living room, a pantry and a bedroom above. Once more a weather-boarded and thatched barn stood outside.

Number 34 was occupied by J. Bambridge senior who paid rent of £4/15/4 per annum. The brick, plaster and thatched property stood in 0.069 of an acre and comprised a living room and a kitchen with two bedrooms above, again a weather-boarded and thatched barn stood outside.

28 to 34 High Street March 2010