Nos 54, 55 And 56 And Approximately 20 Metres Of Wall East And South Into North Street

These are three cottages at numbers 54, 55, and 56, along with approximately 20 metres of wall extending east and south into North Street, located in Ilminster. The cottages date from the late 18th or early 19th century. The front facade is of rough ashlar, while the rear of numbers 55 and 56 is brick. The roofs are slate with stepped stone copings and brick stacks to the gable ends of numbers 55 and 56. Number 54, situated on the right (west) side, was likely an ancillary building constructed of rubblestone, featuring a single 3-light casement window under the eaves and an entrance in the right return. The cottages have double-depth plans. Number 55 is a one-window range, with a door to the left and 19th-century three-light casement windows with small panes on both floors. Number 56 is a two-window range, featuring 20th-century two-light casements on the first floor and to the left of the central door. To the right of the door are double planked doors that are not wide enough for a carriage. The interiors have not been inspected. The cottages are situated behind the garden of St Mary’s Hall in North Street. A wall, approximately 5 metres high, attached to the front-left corner, encloses the garden and is constructed of Flemish-bond brickwork with burnt headers, rubblestone above, and Ham Hill stone coping. A segmental arch in the centre of the High Street wall provides access via a large 19th-century door with strap hinges, and a smaller door to its left, which has a concrete lintel—providing rear access to houses in Court Barton. The wall curves northeast into North Street for approximately 40 metres, terminating in an archway over a gate leading to St Mary’s Hall. A further wall, of Flemish-bond brick, is attached to the rear-left corner and runs southward to meet the northeast corner of Abbot’s Court.