Numbers 27 To 30 And Detached Outhouses

A row of four cottages, Numbers 27 to 30, with detached outhouses, were built in 1853 as part of the Bedford Estate by the 7th Duke of Bedford. Constructed of red brick laid in rat-trap bond, they have 20th-century tile roofs. The cottages form a symmetrical one-and-a-half storey block with a four-bay facade. The outer bays are gabled, while the inner bays have smaller gablets above. The ground floor has two three-light windows flanking two two-light windows. The attic level has four two-light windows. All windows feature cast iron lattice casements with slightly cambered heads. Two doorways are centrally located, each topped by a gabled hood supported by curved brackets and drop finials. The doors are plank. Numbers 27 and 30 have porches on their side elevations. Multiple red brick chimney stacks are present.

The 7th Duke of Bedford aimed to provide comfortable housing for agricultural labourers. The emphasis in cottage building during the late 1840s focused on functionality rather than picturesque design. The quality of construction is remarkable for the period, and these cottages represent an influential contribution to the development of working-class housing, ultimately influencing garden cities and early council housing. The Dukes of Bedford built approximately 500 cottages locally between the 1840s and World War I. This block is typical of the plain yet substantial dwellings from the early phase of this building program, and is similar to design number 5 in the 7th Duke's Plans and Elevations. The brickwork appears to be an early example of cavity walling, as noted by Charles Hacker. Numbers 23 to 26 form part of a significant group of estate cottages along a road that defines the boundary of Woburn Park.