4, Water Lane

HERTFORD

TL3212SW WATER LANE, Hertford Castle 817-1/19/313 (East side) 10/02/50 No.4

GV II

Stable and coachhouse, now offices. Late C18, altered late C20. Red brick, Flemish bond, hipped old tile and Welsh slated roof above corbel band and dentil header brick cornice. EXTERIOR: 2 storeys, irregular fenestration, plat band at first-floor level on south and part west elevation, block truncated on SW corner by demolition for construction of Hertford Relief Road in 1964. South elevation first floor has half box dormer with coupled 6-pane sash windows. East elevation 3 half box dormers, that on right raised higher with C20 casement window, small recessed casement left of centre. Ground floor has paired doors at left under broad rubbed brick flat arch with segmental intrados, recessed 6-pane sash at left under wood lintel, and at right half glazed door with sidelights. Further right are small casement and sash, and far right carriage entrance, with 2 tall battened doors with pierced cruciform vents and long wrought-iron strap hinges, with reused timber beam lintel. INTERIOR: not inspected. HISTORICAL NOTE: the stables and adjoining cottages were built by the Marquess of Downshire in conjunction with his reconstruction of the Gate House. A building in this location appears on the Dury and Andrews map of Hertford of 1766, and the previous list raises the possibility of their containing earlier structure. Forms a group with Nos 6-10 and 12-16 (qqv). (Hertfordshire Countryside: Davies AG: From Royal Palace to Council Offices: Letchworth: 1946-1971: 34-8; Hertfordshire Countryside: Jones LFR: In the grounds of Hertford Castle: -1972: 46-7).

Listing NGR: TL3243512395