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High Street

Many of the High Street buildings are of extremely good architectural quality with a high number of statutorily listed buildings and an equally significant number of unlisted buildings that make a positive contribution to the Conservation Area.

Several historic styles and periods are represented in this part of the Conservation Area. The oldest buildings date from the 17th Century and are timber framed, some of which have been re-fronted at a later date - but evidence of the earlier structure remains internally or to the rear. There are numerous good examples of later periods of architecture such as Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian. There are also a significant number of vernacular buildings characterised by being two or three stories high, the upper storey comprising an attic space with a dormer window. From the rear of the High Street evidence of the original burgage plots can be seen in various places. Backland redevelopment has destroyed many of these plots, and where there has been significant redevelopment on the High Street several plots have been completely lost. On the East side the building line has been set back, probably to achieve a road widening scheme prior to the pedestrianisation of the High Street.

The High Street contains a high number of notable listed and unlisted historic buildings. 126-130 High Street (Grade II listed) was built in 1851 in blue brick with pale buff diaper pattern brickwork, tiled roof and stone mullioned windows. The timber bargeboards have both trefoil and quatrefoils patterns, and add significant interest to the upper level of the building. 120 High Street (Grade II listed) is an 18^th century building in the Georgian style with a low pitched pediment, moulded cornice and camber headed dormers.

The Lloyds TSB Bank at 112 High Street (Grade II listed) dates from the early 19^th century and is in a Regency style with classical stone portico and Doric columns. This building forms a key group with No’s 104-112 High Street including the timber framed 16^th century building at No’s 108-110 High Street. This was constructed in 1533 and is the oldest building in the Conservation Area, although it has some later 19^th century alterations including the shopfronts. This building was once the Unicorn Inn and the horn details can still be seen on the gables now adorned by Victorian bargeboards

Opposite the bank is a fine collection of 18th and 19th century buildings which have significant group value as well as being individually Grade II listed. The Red Lion PH at No.77 includes what was once the Roper Nail Warehouse to the rear, which originally formed part of a historic courtyard bordered by nail workers’ cottages. The timber framed former Hop Pole Inn on New Road (Grade II listed) was originally built in the High Street in 1572 but was later dismantled and relocated to this site in 1865. The upper floors retain the original framing with central jettied gable and carved bargeboards, but various features were added upon its reconstruction including the Gothic style porch and the chimneys.

The Golden Cross at 20 High Street (unlisted) was originally a 19^th century coaching inn, but was substantially rebuilt in 1932. The brass menu holders on the front elevation were designed by the Bromsgrove Guild.

1 High Street (Grade II listed) dates from the early 17^th century, as evident in its fine timber framing with fleur-de-lis motifs, but has been altered throughout the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

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This page was last reviewed 22 November 2011 at 11:26 by Web Team.
The page is next due for review 20 May 2012.