272, 273, 274 and 274A Dark Lane

Nos 272, 273, 274, and 274A on Dark Lane are a row of cottages dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The buildings are timber framed with rendered surfaces, some brick infill, and thatched roofs. The original layout is unclear, but it is thought that there may have been a 17th-century house extended at either end, resulting in four cottages, or possibly two original 17th-century cottages. There is a rear outshut, with Nos 272 and 273 featuring rear lateral stacks, Nos 273 and 274 sharing a ridge stack, and No 274A having a gable end stack. No 274 has a framed rear wing that appears to have been built around the same time. The cottages are two storeys high and have a total of seven windows, with various 19th-century and modern casements, as well as three modern gabled porches. No 274A is an 18th-century addition.

The interiors of Nos 273 and 274 have been observed, featuring deeply chamfered beams with lambs tongue and bar stops. The roof structure includes both common rafters and windbraces. No 273 has a modern staircase, while No 274 has a winder staircase. The main room of No 272 can be seen through a window and has a heavily beamed ceiling and an open fireplace.

The cottages are of interest due to their multiple phases of construction, although the original layout remains obscure without further detailed study. They are said to have been the site of the Manorial court and may have medieval origins, but no evidence of this was found during the inspection.