The High Street

HS1			The High Street in the days of the thatch - according to Violet Cosh, the thatches had been removed by 1910. Going up the left hand side of the road, the little out-building on Forge Cottage is reported to have been a flour store for the bakery, but this has all but disappeared with the plinth remaining as a flower border. The porch still exists on No 3, The High Street but as a recent replacement after being demolished by a car shortly after closing time one evening. No 1, The High Street was taken down and rebuilt in the 1970s but without the eves. A louvered roof can be seen on part of the roof of The New Inn (now The Fox and Badger) which was then used as a brewery. Can you imagine the aroma through the village. Weaver's Farm can be seen with its thatch, and, coming down the right hand side, there is The George (now George House) and The Manor House and Manor Court Cottage. It's interesting to see how the railings outside The Manor House have been added since then. Throughout the 19th century, the annual sheep fair took place on St Julian's day (17 October). Sheep and cattle were penned from The School House to the west end and horses were tethered from The Manor House down Mill Lane. Up to 500 sheep were for sale but the fairs came to an end in 1915.

HS2			Church Farm House as seen from the High Street. This L shaped house was originally used as a guest house for pilgrims and visitors to the Church. It was owned by Thomas Seymour under Edward VI, but his family lost it in 1564 in consequence of his attainder and it reverted to the crown.

HS3			Church Farm House from the driveway.

HS4			Church Farm House front door with Mrs Packer (I think)

HS5			Church Farm Cottage is believed to have started its life in 1620, probably as a single roomed building. When this photograph was taken it was owned by Ashman the Bootmaker and by then it had been converted from two cottage to one. The pump to the left (against the wall of Peace Haven) has now gone but the stone next to it is still there though it's now on its side. The building seen in the background between Peacehaven and Church Farm Cottage is shown on the 1931 village map but has since been removed.

HS6			The (Old?) George Inn was believed by Fussell to be built before 1730. It then became, firstly, a Post Office and then George House. Could the name on the proprietor's board be William Knowles?

HS7			The proprietor of The New Inn was J W Bishop, licensed to sell Beer, Ale, Porter, Wines, Spirits & Tobacco. It looks as if the louvered roof has gone by this time so brewing must have ceased.

HS8			The New Inn across the market square, with, as far as I can make out, J W Bishop's name still on the proprietor's board.

HS9			The inscription says "To the memory of William Cole, 31 years guardian of the poor for this Parish, a man of sincerity and kindness with ready sympathy and warm heart, generous to all alike. Erected by friends 1907". This memorial trough is still in the same place today, though now surrounded by a clutter of posts and telephone boxes. It has, for generations, formed a meeting place for the youngsters in the village.

HS10			The Post Office is shown in this position (opposite Hungerford Terrace) on the 1931 village map. The proprietor's board says Charles ???. The 1886 map shows a Post Office near to the George Inn (St Bede's or Footman's Cottage ???).

THE HIGH STREET