27-30, GENTLEMAN'S WALK

Shops, likely originally houses, were constructed around 1700, with a rear block dating back to the 17th century. The building is rendered and has a concrete and pantile roof. Situated on a corner plot, it is three stories high and comprises nine bays, with the central three bays projecting. A 19th-century shop front occupies the corner, alongside two 20th-century shop fronts. Sash windows are present throughout, featuring glazing bars, except for four first-floor windows. Raised and moulded surrounds are complemented by flat hoods at the first floor level, which continue into a stringcourse. A canted oriel window is located at the extreme right of the first floor. Iron-work balconies are attached to the windows. Other external details include rusticated quoins and panels positioned between the windows, alongside an elaborate eaves cornice featuring modillion details. A central two-story dormer gable, rusticated on its lower level, accommodates two sash windows and a single top casement. Three small gabled dormers are also present, topped by a hipped roof.

The interior of No. 27 was inspected, revealing a circa 1700 open well staircase extending through all floors, incorporating moulded strings with shaped tread ends, twisted balusters, a moulded handrail, and square newels. A cyma-moulded axial beam is visible in the front cellar. The possibility remains of other original internal features being concealed. Beneath the rear wing of No. 27 lies an undercroft, dating to the 15th century, with a later vaulting section to the east. It is built of brick and features two bays of quadripartite vaulting with chamfered ribs, along with a lighting niche in the north wall and a blocked side chamber. The undercroft’s distance from the street line, and the junction of the present west wall with the vaulting (the west bay being truncated), suggest it was originally four bays in length, with the two western bays likely demolished during the construction of the circa 1700 street-facing range. This undercroft is an important example within the city walls.