52, High Street

A timber-framed building with origins in the 16th or 17th century, largely remodelled in the 18th century, and featuring a rear 17th-century timber-framed range, now used as commercial premises. The main range has a timber frame refronted in brick, while the rear range has a timber frame and brick nogging. Both ranges have brick chimney stacks and a slate roof. The building is oriented north-west to south-east, parallel with the High Street, and consists of one bay and three storeys. It likely originated as a single building with the adjacent No. 54 High Street, which is separately listed at Grade II. The principal facade was rebuilt in brick in the mid 20th century and features modern windows on the first and second floors. At ground floor level, there is a shop front with a large glazed window with a return and a half-solid front door, accented by pilasters with fielded panels and fielded panels on a moulded plinth. The interior has not been inspected. Bromyard is a small market town first recorded around 840; No. 52 High Street stands on a major thoroughfare known as Novus Vicus in the late 13th century and recorded as Newe Streate in 1575. The street was fully built up by the early 17th century, although some plots have been redeveloped since that time. Nos. 52 and 54 High Street appear to have been originally a single build that was later subdivided. The front range was refronted, likely in the 18th century, and the roofline was raised to accommodate an attic storey. The building was refronted again in the mid 20th century. The rear range dates from the 17th century, slightly later than the main section. The building is designated at Grade II for its architectural merit, despite the 20th-century alterations to the front facade. The surviving 17th-century rear range represents a good example of vernacular architecture. The building’s early date, with the main range from the 16th or 17th century and the rear range from the 17th century both retaining historic fabric, contributes to its significance. There is also group value, shared with the adjacent No. 54 High Street and other listed buildings along the High Street.