48-49 Paices Hill

A C17 cottage, extended in a number of phases to form two dwellings. Fire-damaged in 2016.

MATERIALS: No 49 is timber-framed and has brick nogging laid in stretcher bond; subsequent phases are built from brick using a mix of bonds. Where the roofs survive, on No 48 and on the western outshut, they are covered in clay tiles.

PLAN: the building has an irregular footprint; the main range runs E-W and has a cross-wing to the SW, forming an L-shaped plan. Single-storey outshuts have been built on the E and W ends, and there is a two-storey extension to the N.

EXTERIOR: 49 consists of three timber-framed bays, with a two-bay cross-wing. The metal frames of a number of windows survive, as do external brick chimneystacks. The C20 outshut on the W survives; it is built of brick laid in Flemish bond and has two metal-framed windows and a modern door.

49 consists of two bays built upon the E end of the original cottage. It is constructed of brick laid in English bond, with brick lintels to the openings, and timber framing in its E gable. It has an outshut built upon the E gable end, and a two-storey pitched extension on the N, built in Flemish bond. Windows are irregularly sized and are a mix of metal-famed and leaded timber casements.

INTERIOR: the interior of 49 could not be inspected, however, it was clear that much internal joinery and any fixtures were destroyed by the fire. The joists of the floor frame appeared badly burned, and the deep spine beam was heavily charred. A simple cast iron fire surround survives in the gable end of the cross wing.

In the stair hall of 48, the timber framing and queen post truss of the E gable of the original cottage are exposed. There are a number of C19 ledge and plank doors, but no other features of note.