SNN108459 - Historic Building Recording of Nos. 21 and 23 St. Andrews Lane, Titchmarsh, Northamptonshire, 2011

Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd was commissioned to undertake building recording of nos 21 and 23 St Andrews Lane, Titchmarsh, Kettering, Northampstonshire, NN14 3DN, centred on Ordnance Survey National Grid Reference TL 02684 79515. No. 23 is a Grade II Listed Building, which is described in its listing description as ‘House. Early C18. Limstone, now rendered, with thatch roof. 2-unit plan. Single storey with attic. 2- window range of casements, with glazing bars, under wood lintels. Similar casements, under eyebrow dormers, to attic. Central 4-panel door also under wood lintel. Ashlar gable parapet to left and brick stacks at ends. Interior not inspected but noted as having remains of open fireplace.’ The adjoining property, no.21, is not listed. The cottages are not located within a Conservation Area, although they both lie just to the north of the Titchmarsh Conservation Area No.23 has been tenanted for some years but no.21 is derelict. The building recording was required by the Local Planning Authority in connection with Planning Permission for the partial demolition of no.21, leaving the front wall in situ, and the construction of an extension to no.23, along with internal renovations and improvements. A condition attached to this permission required the building recording of the cottages to be carried out before any demolition, rebuilding or renovation work. The building recording was undertaken in accordance with a Brief and a Written Scheme of Investigation. It was carried out on 23rd November 2011 broadly in accordance with that defined by Levels 2 of English Heritage 2006 Understanding Historic Buildings: A guide to good recording practice. No. 23 ST Andrew’s Lane is dated to the early 18th century in its listing description. It is constructed with limestone walls with a thatch roof supported by timber trusses, purlins and common rafters. A timber truss appears to have been incorporated in its party wall with no. 25 St. Andrew’s Lane suggesting that no. 23 and 25 were built at the same time. No. 23 has two brick chimney stacks, which have been covered in cement render. These lie at each end of the building which is a typical 18th century arrangement. The inglenook fireplace in the lounge is a type common in 17th century buildings. No. 21 St Andrew’s Lane butts no. 23 and a late 18th century date is suggested by graffiti ‘TB 1784’ on a stone in the west wall and the fire insurance plate on the front (south) wall. This building is also constructed with limestone walls. It has a thatch roof supported by common rafters, a few of which have collars supporting a purlin down each side of the roof. These roughly hewn timbers suggest that the building may be earlier than late 18th century in date.