12 And 14, High Street

ROCHESTER HIGH STREET TQ 7468 7/43 Nos 12 and 14 24.10.50 GV II* Formerly a pair of houses (probably with shops), now a shop with offices. They stand end-on to the street and are of the same build, c.1500, with later additions. The original plan of each was probably the standard 2-cell, storeyed block with the shop facing the street. If so, then No 14 was extended to the rear at an early date, perhaps the first quarter of the sixteenth century (see blocked window and early door described below). Lateral stairs (C17 where dateable) possibly in original position. Timber-framed with plaster infil; the framing consists of close-set studs with downard braces; crown post roofs. 2 storeys with gabled attic; Kent tiled roofs. Brick stacks in valleys. Exterior: No 12 with late C20 shop front and door; No 14 with c.1900 shopfront (fluted end pilasters, large glazed windows with decorative uprights and little rectangular overlight, tiled plinth, panelled reveal). 1st floor jettied with floor joists exposed. Most of the framing survives to No 14, but a substantial central section of the 1st floor framing of No 12 has been altered. Intermediate studs possibly inserted when the paired leaded casement windows placed under the tie in the C17 (4 pairs to No 14 2 to No 12); some C20 renewal. The lower rails to No 12 may mark position of original windows. Gable framing identical. No 14 has some jettying to rear; C19 warehouse/workshop (with hoist) to rear of No 14. Interior: much remodelled. Internal party wall has downward braces and studs; formerly external doorway with 4-centred arch with 5 light blocked window adjacent with diamong mullions, now part of party wall. Crown post roofs, that to No 12 with a slightly non- standard crown-post with run-outs C17 stairs (to No 14) with stout turned balusters. Plain vaulted cellar.

Listing NGR: TQ7419568747