71, 72 AND 73, WYLE COP

A pair of shops, originally dwellings and possibly incorporating early shops, dating to the mid-15th century. The building is timber-framed with a plain tiled roof. The sloping site results in four storeys to the lower section and three to the upper, divided by a central arch leading to a passage. There is a 4-window range. The lower storey has been partly renewed in brick with late 20th-century shop windows inserted. The upper storeys display close studding, with a middle rail on the first floor and cusped braces across the central section above. A deep, coved jetty is present on the second floor, supported by moulded brackets. There are three casement windows with leaded lights above the shop front on the left-hand side. Above this, original (restored) paired 4-light mullioned and transomed windows are present, one featuring ornate traceried heads. A plaque reading "Henry VII lodged here in 1485 before Bosworth" is situated below this window. A 6-light mullioned and transomed oriel window projects over the passage entry, and paired 2-light mullioned and transomed windows are to the right. Original (restored) fenestration remains in the second storey, including paired traceried 3-light windows to the left and a 6-light window centrally. A plain 4-light mullioned window is to the right. Exposed framing is visible in the side walls of the passage, featuring tension braces and an ogee-arched timber doorway. A gable end stack is present. The building likely comprises a first-floor hall originally built over shops. It is an outstanding late medieval town house, notable for the survival of original exterior fenestration. A rear wing forms the Trotting Horse building on Barracks Passage.