159 And 161, Watling Street West

Nos. 159 and 161 on Watling Street West is a house and shop dating from the mid-18th century, although it has earlier origins. The building is constructed of painted brick and has a slate roof with a brick stack at one end. It features a two-unit plan and stands three stories tall with a two-window range. To the left of the center, there is a part-glazed four-panel door, and to the left, a canted bay window with a six-pane horned sash window at the front. To the right, there is a shop window divided into one section, all of which is covered by a deep coved hood. The first and attic floors have sash windows, all with gauged brick lintels. The building also has a storey band and a moulded brick eaves cornice. At the rear left, there is a two-storey wing made of coursed squared ironstone, which may date from the late 17th century. Inside, there is an open fireplace in the back wing with a chamfered bressumer and a fitted cupboard with a semi-domed head and shaped shelves. The property was formerly a butcher's shop, with a passage through the shop leading to the rear yard.