44 and 46, Broad Street

Numbers 44 and 46 Broad Street, Bromyard

This mid-18th century house stands on one of the principal thoroughfares in Bromyard, a small market town first recorded around 840, adjoining the market square. The building was remodelled in the early 19th century when it was divided and two shopfronts were inserted to the ground floor. The eastern shopfront was replaced in the early 20th century.

The upper storeys are constructed of red brick laid in Flemish bond, with brick chimney stacks and a slate roof. Number 44 retains an early-19th century shopfront, while Number 46 has an early-20th century shopfront.

The principal north-facing frontage above the shopfronts displays five windows to the first floor. The central window has a rounded head with moulded and corniced keystones; the cornice is missing from the keystone of the arched window, which also has imposts. The first-floor windows to Number 44 have unhorned 6-over-6 sashes, and the sashes of the arched window are unhorned and multi-paned. The first-floor windows to Number 46 have replacement horned 2-over-2 sashes. The second floor contains three square windows, which were inserted when the eaves level was raised by 10 brick courses. A heavy moulded eaves cornice now runs across the top.

Between the two shopfronts, a doorway with a replacement door is surmounted by an original 6-pane rectangular fanlight. The shopfront to Number 44 was remodelled in the first decade of the 21st century, when its 19th century appearance was restored. It now features a central recessed doorway with fanlight, flanked by projecting multi-pane windows. The composition retains the original projecting cornice which once linked the two shopfronts. The shopfront to Number 46 is set forward from the façade. A recessed glazed door is surmounted by a clock, thought to be part of the original design. To either side are large multi-pane windows with splayed returns, surmounted by transom lights with shallow arches. Across the top runs a fascia board. The shopfront is framed by panelled pilasters topped by console brackets. The rear elevation is roughcast with two gables and irregular, altered fenestration. A 20th century extension extends to the southwest.

Number 44 retains a relocated mid-18th century dog-leg staircase in the Chinese Chippendale style, originally situated at the centre of the building. The first floor contains some joinery thought to be original, including a panelled door and window seats. Number 46 has a large fireplace to the ground floor, now covered but reported to contain kitchen fittings. Also on the ground floor is a glazed door providing a view of the shop from the back room. The doorcase, thought to be early-19th century and possibly re-used, has a reeded architrave with flower motifs. This part of the building has an early-19th century plain dog-leg staircase with stick balusters and turned newel posts. The first floor retains some 18th century panelling.