Hathaway Hamlet

Hathaway Hamlet comprises two cottages, originally one house, dating back to the 17th century, with 18th-century (dated 1717) and later alterations. The house is constructed of coursed rubble with brick gables, and has a concrete tile roof with brick end stacks. It has a two-unit plan, two storeys, and an attic, with a two-window front. An interrupted platt band runs above the ground floor. Each entrance has a plank door within a heavy frame. The windows are casements; the ground floor has a two-light leaded casement and a three-light casement with small panes. The first floor has two casements of three lights, one with some leaded glazing. A plaque in the centre of the first floor is inscribed "S and E K/ 1717," probably representing Samuel Kitchen and his wife. The returns show a continuation of the platt band and steep gables with 18th or early 19th-century windows; the left return has two Tudor-headed windows with small-paned glazing, while the right return has one Tudor-headed window and one small-paned window in a straight-headed opening. The rear of the building exhibits projecting courses on the upper part of the wall, and an eight-light window to the first floor. Hathaway Hamlet originated in the 17th century as a small grouping of cottages and farm buildings. In the late 18th century, most buildings were converted into a workhouse and almshouses for the parish of Old Stratford, a role ending in 1836 when a union workhouse was built in Stratford. The house previously contained a weaving shop used by John Morris in the late 17th century, which was divided between his sons-in-law, one of whom retained the weaving shop.