Bedford Estates Cottages in London End

The Dukes of Bedford built numerous estate cottages in the various parishes in which they owned land from the mid 19th century into the 20th century. There were a number of different types but all are instantly recognisable as Bedford Estates properties. Fittingly the highest number was built in Woburn.

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. Woburn, like much of the county was valued in 1927 and the valuer visiting 1 London End [DV1/C126/62] found that the tenant was George William Hall whose rent was included in his wages and whose accommodation comprised a living room, a kitchen and a scullery with three bedrooms above. He had a coal barn and a W. C. outside. He also had mains water and drainage. His property was built in 1904. The other two blocks of estate housing in London End were described and tenanted as set out below.

2 to 8 London End March 2012

2 to 8 London End

• 2: Charles John Crocker whose rent was in his wages; living room, kitchen, scullery and three bedrooms with a coal barn and W. C. outside; gas lighting and mains water;
• 4: Samuel Anderton whose rent was in his wages; other details as Number 2;
• 6: Mrs. Emma Rose Ames whose rent was 2/6 per week; other details as Number 2;
• 8: Mrs. W. Ames whose rent was in her wages; other details as Number 2.

7 and 9 London End March 2012

7 and 9 London End

• 7: Sydney Fields Dobbs whose rent was 2/6 per week; living room, kitchen, scullery (with bath) and three bedrooms with a coal barn and W. C. outside; gas lighting and mains water
• 9: Frederick James Underwood whose rent was 2/6 per week; living room, kitchen, scullery (with bath) and three bedrooms with a coal barn and W. C. outside; gas lighting and mains water.