12-20, Main Street

A row of five cottages located on Main Street, Monks Kirby, dating to the 17th century with alterations in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The cottages are timber framed with whitewashed brick infill, largely refaced and raised in whitewashed brick. The roofs are of C20 cement tile, with a brick ridge stack; the lower part of No.12 on the right has a C19 plain-tile roof and end stack, while No.20 on the left has a later C20 render and plain-tile roof. The plans vary.

The cottages are two storeys high, with C20 two- and 3-light casements throughout. No.12 on the right has a two-unit plan and a two-window range. The lower right part features a large corner post; it has a C19 plank door with a brick segmental arch, and a lean-to addition to the right. No.14 and the passage to the rear between Nos.14 and 16 have plank doors with brick segmental arches. No.14 has a one-unit plan and a one-window range, with a C19 three-light casement with glazing bars to the ground floor, and some exposed heavy framing. No.16 has a two-unit plan and a two-window range, with a late C20 door and side-light inserted in a former window opening on the right, and a blocked doorway. No.18 has a one-unit plan and a two-window range, with a plank door. No.20 has a three-unit plan and a three-window range, with a plank door between the first and second bays, and later C20 three-light casements having moulded brick sills. The left return side has exposed framing. The interiors were not inspected. The group value derives from the cottages’ contribution to the historic character of Main Street.