Kings Head Inn (EHER 27959)

A 17th century timber-framed and plastered building refronted in the 18th century.

November 1973. Grade II listed. No 52 Bradford Street (King's Head Inn). A 17th century timber-framed and plastered building refronted in the 18th century. <1> See photos <2>. January 2013. Building recording. There are two distinct oak timber-frames to the front of the house forming the walls and first floor. The northern frame is ornate with chamfered and moulded joists while the southern frame is more brutal with heavier, undecorated common joists. Both frames were jettied to the front but the southern frame seems to have projected further into the street. The mortices and one jetty bracket remains in the southern frame. Both frames had stairs up into the eastern bays. The frames in the Kings Head are both typical of this era and sit comfortably in the 16th century. It is likely they were joined together quite early on as the only connecting timber remaining shares the same characteristics as the main joists. The differing style of the frame, one decorated and one ornate, may reflect the status of the owners when they were first built or may have been a reflection of their function - one used for reception and one used for working or service. The position of the building, fronting the street suggests they may have been shops with accommodation above i.e live/work units. By 1848 the Tithe Award Map shows the Cellar in position, the Stable and the Coach House as well as a long range of buildings on the northern boundary. <3> King's Head (PH) [NAT]. <4> The King's Head Inn, 180 yards north of (42), with modern additions at the back. <5> Original HER entry merged with NRHE data transfer.