Bridgefoot House (South Side of Junction with the Forebury)

Bridgefoot House is a late 17th-century brick house, likely with origins in the 16th or early 17th century. It is L-shaped and situated on the south side of the junction with The Forebury. A date of “1569” is reportedly carved into timber discovered during renovations, suggesting an earlier structure.

The building is constructed of red brick in two distinct periods, with an old red tile roof that is hipped at one angle but gabled to the west and south. The external appearance is characterized by English bond brickwork up to ground-floor sill level on the rear walls of the north and east ranges, and across the south gable. Above and to the front elevations is a fine red brickwork in Flemish bond. A substantial brick chimney stack, partially buried in the south gable, has English bond construction with two splayed offsets and two diagonal shafts; more recent roof and gable brickwork extends halfway up these shafts. The east and north frontages feature a plinth and a projecting brick band at floor level, along with coved plaster eaves. There are three windows on each front. Dormers are topped with wood mullioned, two-light windows with diamond-leaded glass. The main windows are mullioned and transomed with rectangular leaded glazing, and have iron casements. Centrally, a two-light cross window is flanked by three-light windows. The entrance door is a 19th-century four-panel design with two glazed lights, set within a heavy, older frame with an architrave moulding and a box hood. Inside, there is an oak staircase featuring newels, turned balusters, and a panelled string. Dado panelling is reported to have been sold at Christie’s. The building is an interesting late 17th-century house incorporating remains of its earlier predecessor and is considered important in views of the bridge approaches.