4 And 5, High Street

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

SP2054NW HIGH STREET 604-1/10/115 (East side) Nos.4 AND 5

GV II

Shop. 1920. By Osborn, Pemberton and White with FC Bayliss (architect to WH Smith); for WH Smith and Son. Brick with timber-frame facade; tile roof. 3 storeys; 3-window range. Large shop front has windows with upper leaded lights, C20 doors with leaded overlights, end consoles to cornice with canvas canopy; Tudor-headed entrance to left end has plank door. 1st floor has 5-light transomed oriels flanking 3-light window over embossed lead plaque with quotation from Shakespeare; 2nd floor has 5-light windows with enriched lintels and gablets with enriched barge-boards flanking 3-light window. Good rainwater heads and downspouts; plain bracket to old style painted sign. Rear extended to join premises in Bridge Street, Nos 17 & 18 (qv). INTERIOR: staircase with stick balusters has stained-glass lights of famous authors: Shakespeare, Bacon etc. A good and well-preserved example of the buildings in Stratford influenced by the town's Elizabethan heritage, which was being restored at the time. (Information from Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Record Office).

Listing NGR: SP2018054953