35 Keeley Lane Wootton

35 Keeley Lane March 2012

35 Keeley Lane was listed by English Heritage in August 1987 as Grade II, of special interest. It dates from the 18th century and is timber-framed with pebbledash render. The cottage comprises one storey and attics beneath an old clay tiled roof. There is a 19th century one storey brick lean-to and a further storey at the east gable end.

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. Like most of the county, Wootton was largely assessed in 1927 and the valuer visiting 35 Keeley Lane [DV1/C132-133] found it divided into two tenements, both owned by B. Walker.

The western portion was occupied by a family member, J. Walker. Accommodation comprised a living room and kitchen downstairs with one bedroom above. Outside stood a barn and an earth closet. Next door was E. Cooper whose rent was £1/7/6 per quarter, set in 1923. The tenant simply had a living room downstairs and a bedroom upstairs in addition to a barn and earth closet outside. The valuer commented: “Very poor place, good garden” and noted that water came from a pump.