16 And 18, High Street

The building at 16 and 18 High Street is an inn, later divided into two houses and shops. It dates from the mid-16th century, with alterations around 1809 and in the 19th century. The construction is limestone rubble, with timber framing refronted in brick in the early 19th century. The roof is covered with stone slates to the left and slate to the right, with a brick stack to the north of the through-passage below the ridge. The building has a U-shaped courtyard plan, with a single-depth front range and parallel rear wings flanking a through-passage.

The two-storey front has a three-window range. Number 16 has a good 19th-century shop front featuring panelled pilasters, consoles to the fascia and cornice, and horned 2/2-pane sash windows on the first floor. Number 18 has a 20th-century shop front with plate glass and a single 2/2-pane sash with exposed frame. The central through-passage has exposed timber framing and brick nogging. The north side of the rear range has a three-light attic window with ovolo-moulded mullions. Matching rear gables are present on the wings.

The interior of Number 16 includes a first-floor front room with a Tudor-arched stone fire surround and chamfered beams. A timber staircase in two sections leads to an attic winder stair. The north wing features plank and muntin panelling, chamfered beams with carved stops, panelled cupboards, doors, and door frames, along with old furniture. The roof is three-bay, with an extended collar truss between dormers carried at one end by two elaborately turned balusters, possibly from a former inn courtyard. Number 18 has been altered.

A medieval inn occupied the site in 1540, remaining open until 1751 and closing by 1809. The shop front of Number 16 was likely built for a druggist around 1828-58.