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In January 2020 Archaeological Solutions Ltd (AS) carried out historic building of a barn at Pembroke Farmhouse, Bradley Road, Burrough Green, Cambridgeshire. The barn is curtilage listed to the main former farmhouse. Technical analysis reveals a modest but competently and systematically constructed building which is likely to be contemporary with the main farmhouse, dating to the middle of the 17th century. The barn is of four bays, timber-framed in elm and oak, was formerly aisled on one side and likely thatched in its original form. Extensive 19th and 20th century repairs removed the aisle and added various strengthening measures in softwood and steel-framing.

From February - June 2018, Archaeological Solutions (AS) carried out historic building recording and building monitoring and recording at Plummers, High Street, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire SG10 6BS (NGR TL 42762 19211). The recording was carried out as part of a planning condition in advance of/during alteration works to the building (EHDC Planning Ref. 3/16/1104/HH). It is proposed to demolish the existing outbuildings, erect a single storey rear extension, enlarge a rear window and erect a new outhouse within the site. Technical analysis revealed the survival of much original timber-framing to a probable 16th century two-cell house of fairly humble origin. The existing rear range may have been constructed at the same time, but as a probable barn. A general refurbishment in the later 17th century has left a legacy of historic doors and windows, and appears to have included the upgrading of the rear range to domestic use by the insertion of a floor, the reconfiguring of the staircase and introduction of plaster ceilings. Several more modest 19th century alterations also survive. The building has a long history of structural problems, including racking, which has resulted in much propping in the roof-space, insect activity and decay to the lower timber-work. In the 19th and 20th century, further repairs were attempted, including the replacement of the entire south end wall of the property.

In June 2017 Archaeological Solutions Ltd (AS) carried out a building recording and archaeological monitoring and recording scheme at The Cannon Tavern, 1-3 The Bourne, Ware, Hertfordshire (NGR TL 3565 1476). The recording was undertaken in advance of the conversion of the building to 3 selfcontained residential units and proposals to convert the adjacent cottage back to a dwelling with first floor extension. The were carried out as part of a planning condition in advance of/during the proposed alteration works to the building (EHDC Planning Ref. 3/16/1039/FUL). The project was carried out in accordance with advice issued by Hertfordshire County Council Historic Environment Advisor (HCC HEA, dated 12th August 2016), and a specification compiled by AS (dated 26th April 2017) and approved by HCC HEU and the LPA. Technical analysis confirms earlier historical and physical study which attributes its origins as a late medieval open hall. Substantial elements of the original building survive, particularly at upper level, while the roof appears little touched. The hall is formed of two unequal bays, the more narrow probably representing a smoke-bay, later superseded by a brick stack and converted to a conventional lobby-entry arrangement in the 17th century. The building was further upgraded in the early 19th century, when it assumed its existing plan form and appearance.

Summary In February 2015, AS carried out historic building monitoring and recording at Dane Farmhouse, Bower Heath Lane, Harpenden, Hertfordshire. The work was conducted in order to fulfil a condition of planning consent for the conversion of the loft space and followed on from, and enhanced, an appraisal conducted in March 2011 at the property. The farmhouse retains its mid-19th century appearance and is a typical example of a modest Victorian domestic structure, but internal modification has been comprehensive, leaving little of its original historic integrity intact. Associated buildings which once complemented the original farmyard complex have been converted to residential use. In 2012 following the initial survey, the house was augmented at the north-east corner with an extension and linking unit that saw a small modern boiler room and window removed under a separate planning consent application. The monitoring programme saw the exposure of the floor joists at the east end of the roof space, as well as a number of common rafters. The exposed fabric is consistent with the mid-19th century roof structure including slender softwood rafters rising over the purlin and slender thin-section floor joists, some of which appear replaced. No assembly markings, graffiti, or trade marks were found on any of the timbers.

In October 2014, Archaeological Solutions Ltd carried out an historic building recording and archaeological monitoring at 15-17 North Street, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire. The recording was commissioned in response to the requirements of a planning condition as advised by Hertfordshire County Council Historic Environment Unit. The site comprises the two properties of 15 - 17 North Street, and a collection of historic ranges to the rear; all currently under demolition/redevelopment. Despite extensive alteration to the property throughout its history, significant historic fabric survives, particularly at upper level. Furthermore, neither building demonstrates evidence suggesting it is timber framed, and they are of typical urban 18th century construction utilising brick and timber, but not as a timber construction system. For reasons of health and safety, archaeological monitoring of ground reduction to the rear of the properties was restricted; no access to the area was permitted.

In June and August 2015 Archaeological Solutions Ltd (AS) conducted a programme of archaeological monitoring and recording at Kitchener's Meads, No. 59 Fishpool Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire. This was carried out to fulfil a condition of listed building consent and followed on and enhanced an appraisal of the building conducted in January 2015. Technical assessment of No. 59 Fishpool Street reveals an historic building with a hitherto unexpected and complex evolution. Small clues internally, as well as substantial evidence surviving in the roof, indicate the presence of two phases of medieval building overlooking the street, one consistent with a 15th century date and the second an open hall demonstrated by smoke-blackening. The open hall was floored, probably in the later 16th or early 17th century. An early 18th century phase of work is evident, but the most comprehensive modernisation occurred in the period between c. 1790 and 1820. With re-fronting in brick and more significantly a parallel rear range that provided an elegant symmetrical bow-shaped façade the house became a building of some pretence. The current phase of remodelling sees the removal of much mid-20th work as well as the reinstatement of the historic layout in some areas. The archaeological monitoring and recording associated with the lowering of the external terrace found historic brickwork and fabric linked to the retention of the terrace away from the basement walls and is the subject of a separate report by AS.

In February 2009 Archaeological Solutions Ltd (AS) carried out a programme of historic building recording at Whitehall College, Dane O'Coys Road, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, prior to the demolition of modern accommodation and office blocks, the conversion of the two main houses and a row of terraced cottages on the site into private dwellings, together with the construction of six new houses in the surrounding grounds. Whitehall College was most recently a residential college for the Manufacturing, Science and Finance Union, after serving as a boarding house for the nearby girls' high school. The house was built at the turn of the 20th century as a private residence for Tresham Gilbey, a son of the famous wine merchant and 19th century entrepreneur Sir Walter Gilbey. The house is heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts traditions still fashionable at that time. It retains numerous features typical of the period and style including tall, shaped brick chimneys, steep roofs, stacked tile arches and leaded casement windows. Internally, many equally typical fixtures and fittings survive including 16th century style panelling, heavy Gothic Revival oak doors, a high quality cast iron fireplace and good original window furniture. The second house in the grounds, Venn House, is smaller and appears externally to be of the same date but more conservative. The survey found that this building in fact incorporates part of an early 19th century cottage at its core. Around Venn House are numerous estate walls of mid-19th century date and a row of cottages occupying a converted farm building of late 19th century date. The remaining modern accommodation and office blocks were of no historic interest.

In April and May 2011 Archaeological Solutions (AS) conducted an historic building recording at Rotten Row, Furneux Pelham, Hertfordshire (NGR TL 41655 27305). The recording was undertaken in compliance with a planning condition attached to planning approval for the proposed repair and maintenance of a small barn (EHDC Planning Ref. 3/10/0422/FP). Technical analysis suggests that the building forms a fragment of a larger building of probable late medieval or 16th century date. Only two early bays survive, together with the eastern gable below roof level, but this in turn displays some complexity, suggesting that while the north wall survives in its original form with little alteration, the south wall has been repaired or reconfigured using original material. The barn has undergone many subsequent piecemeal alterations and additions, none of historic interest and most of poor quality.

In April 2010 Archaeological Solutions (AS) conducted a programme of historic building recording at the former Rentokil premises, 4 London Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire (NGR TL 2473 3311). The work was commissioned by Broad Oak Manor Care Homes, and was undertaken in advance of the conversion of former offices to a 55-bedroom care home (Planning Ref. 1/09/00883). A desk-based assessment undertaken in September 2009 noted the location of the site within Area of Archaeological Significance No. 96, which identifies the potential for settlement evidence from theBronze Age, Iron Age, Roman and medieval periods in Baldock. A subsequent trial trench evaluation revealed no archaeological features or finds (Pozorski et al. 2009). The existing historic buildings were constructed in 1908 by William Sale and consisted of a detached residence with separate servants' accommodation, garage and workshop all set in extensive grounds. The buildings were linked and converted to commercial offices in the late 1970s or '80s, at which time a second large office range was constructed to the north. Most of the original gardens were lost to residential development in the 1960s and '70s. The house is typically Edwardian in style and construction, not dissimilar to contemporary houses then being built in Letchworth Garden City, though most of its original decorative features have been lost through successive modernisation and conversion to offices. The modern additions are of no historic or architectural interest.

In January 2010 Archaeological Solutions (AS) conducted an historic building recording at Little Organ Hall, Theobald Street, Radlett, Elstree, Hertfordshire (TQ 17761 98462). The work was undertaken as a condition on planning approval to alter and extend the property. Technical analysis suggests that the existing building was constructed as a modest farmhouse in the 1830s on a simple domestic layout with a small integral workshop to the rear. The building was severely damaged by fire in 2009. Examination of the surviving remains suggest that no traces of any earlier structures were incorporated into the 19th century building. Nothing of note survived the fire. All associated outbuildings shown on early plans had disappeared by the time of the survey.

In December 2009 Archaeological Solutions Ltd. conducted historic building recording at Gyfres Farm, Bucks Hill, Chipperfield, Hertfordshire (NGR TL 5056 2057). The work was undertaken in advance of an extension and alterations to the farmhouse and the conversion of the south barn. Circumstantial evidence attributes the construction of the house to John Carter in c.1550, though the historic core of the house may be older. The building probably began as a conventional, late medieval three-bay house with an open hall and cross-passage. In the 16th century the hall was floored over and a chimney constructed at the low-end. The third, service bay was replaced by a cross wing in the later 17th century, when an external stair turret may also have been added. The house was further enlarged with a new kitchen chamber and gabled western additions in the early 18th to century. The house has been extensively refurbished, and almost doubled in size by a modern extension. The associated barn is a well-preserved example of a three-bay structure with midstrey dating to the mid to late-17th century. It has been sensitively converted to its current use, but shows signs of a minor fire in the past.

In February 2010 Archaeological Solutions (AS) carried out historic building recording at The Grange, No.3 Codicote Road, Welwyn, Hertfordshire (NGR TL 23106 16333). The recording was commissioned by A. E. Bullock Limited, and was undertaken prior to the conversion of outbuildings into two, one-bedroom dwellings with adjacent parking. The survey found that the outbuildings form five distinct structural elements. The westernmost unit preserves substantial 17th century fabric, while a second area may be of even greater age, though has been extensively remodelled and potentially rebuilt in the past. A carriageway linking the outbuildings with the main house is also of contemporary date. The two historic ranges were refurbished and connected with a third unit in the latter half of the 18th century when the main house was constructed. A storage range and former stable at the southern end were probably added in the early 19th century.

In September 2009 AS Ltd conducted a programme of historic building recording at 191, 193 and 195 Sparrow's Herne, Bushey, in association with the conversion of the existing frontage buildings to residential use and the construction of new offices to the rear. In June 2010 archaeological monitoring and recording was undertaken. The buildings appear to represent a modest early-mid 19th century terrace of four properties, two of which functioned as shops by the late 19th century. In its original form the front elevation would have presented an attractive Victorian assemblage, which survives in essence at No. 191, though much of its early charm has been degraded by unsympathetic modern treatments. Between the production of the tithe map in 1840 and the 1880 Ordnance Survey map, the east end of the building was given a substantial rear wing with some possible amalgamation. Repeated intervention and modification has left the buildings with little historic integrity. No internal decorative fixtures or fittings survive, apart from one or two isolated examples. The archaeological monitoring and recording revealed no archaeological features or finds

In March 2010 Archaeological Solutions (AS) carried out an archaeological building recording at The Wellington, 1 High Street, Welwyn, Hertfordshire (NGR TL 23069 16243). The recording was undertaken during remodelling and refurbishment of the structure following a fire in June 2009. The analysis added considerably to previous knowledge of the building, suggesting that the historic core, a two-bay range with an upper floored hall or chamber and former crown-post roof is of 14th or 15th century date. This accords with the list of known licensees, who are recorded from the mid-14th century. The building was enlarged considerably in the later 17th or early 18th century with new timber-framed ranges to the north and south, flanking the ancient core, which was turned into a carriageway to the rear yard. The north extension may incorporate fragments of an earlier range. The main frontage was given a polite brick façade in the early 18th century, and a number of internal improvements also date to this period. Later major refurbishments can be traced to the 19th century, when small pent-roofed extensions were added to the rear, with more recent, 20th century flat-roofed additions providing kitchens. Previous modern refurbishment had given the inn a 'rustic' appearance by the exposure of brick and timber, but this has resulted in the loss of many Georgian decorative features. The fire caused most damage in the southern range, where the roof and upper floor were almost completely destroyed but the medieval core survived relatively unscathed.

In April 2009, Archaeological Solutions Ltd (AS) carried out an archaeological and historic building impact assessment at Piccotts End House, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. The work was commissioned by Atelier Architecture and Design in order to support a planning application for the conversion of existing outbuildings. Outbuildings at Piccotts End House comprise a late 18th or early 19th century stable and carriage house, together with a mid-19th century extension providing extra accommodation for horses and a second carriage. A third, triple-gable granary dates to a short time after. This was subsequently modified to provide a carpenter's workshop. The appraisal found that despite internal remodelling and modification, the external appearance of the building had changed little and forms a good representative sample of typical outbuildings of the period.

In September 2009 AS Ltd conducted a programme of historic building recording at 191, 193 and 195 Sparrow's Herne, Bushey, in association with the conversion of the existing frontage buildings to residential use and the construction of new offices to the rear. The buildings appear to represent a modest early-mid 19th century terrace of four properties, two of which functioned as shops by the late 19th century. In its original form the front elevation would have presented an attractive Victorian assemblage, which survives in essence at No. 191, though much of its early charm has been degraded by unsympathetic modern treatments. Between the production of the tithe map in 1840 and the 1880 Ordnance Survey map, the east end of the building was given a substantial rear wing with some possible amalgamation. Repeated intervention and modification has left the buildings with little historic integrity. No internal decorative fixtures or fittings survive, apart from one or two isolated examples.

In June 2009, Archaeological Solutions Ltd (AS) conducted an historic building recording project at Green Farm, Bovingdon Green. The works were required as part of a planning condition imposed on approval for a barn conversion. Technical analysis and historic building recording of outbuildings at Green Farm, revealed a complex sequence of structural additions and alteration in three or four distinct phases. A three-bay barn with a central porch lies at the core of the complex. This bears close similarities to the structure of the farmhouse, and may be of later 15th century date. Despite later repair, it remains largely as constructed and its northern bay is of particular historic significance as it retains almost every original timber intact. The barn was extended to the north and south in the early 17th century, being joined to the house by a lateral extension and carriageway. These extensions were initially created as open barns, but were later given inserted upper floors to create hay lofts. The modifications vary in date between the late 17th and 19th century, with a second phase of the early 18th century. Later modifications addressed deficiencies in the original timber, and include the addition of tension rods and other strengthening measures in the 19th century. A woodshed and garage were latterly added to the east in recent times. A small, disused hot-house to the south of the complex probably incorporates an older outshut.

In July 2009, Archaeological Solutions Ltd (AS) conducted a programme of historic building recording at Hill Farm, Love Lane, King's Langley, Hertfordshire. The buildings assessed comprised a timber-framed barn and granary. Detailed analysis of the buildings at Hill Farm established that a number of buildings, including the barn and granary, were constructed within a limited timeframe during a phase of general rebuilding and expansion in the late 18th / early 19th century. The barn is of good systematic construction, of both oak and softwood, comprising a typical animal / livestock house with a hayloft above. Parallels between this structure and the milling barn nearby indicate these two buildings are broadly contemporary, likely built soon after the production of the tithe map in the 1830s. The second structure comprises a systematic and expertly built granary, which has experienced considerable decay. It is in typical early 19th century style. The presence of Baltic bracking marks on many of the timbers, and a mark for a specific port (Danzig) sources the timber. The interesting use of stylobates, constructed of local Luton greys, suggests a pre-fabricated building process whereby the base for the structure was built prior to the delivery of a complete set of Baltic pine for construction. The granary predates the production of the tithe map and on balance likely dates from the 1820s / 30s, at a similar yet slightly earlier date to the timber-framed barn it now adjoins.

In September and October 2009, Archaeological Solutions Ltd conducted an archaeological desk-based assessment followed by a programme of historic building recording and archaeologicalmonitoring and recording at Tranters Yard in Baldock. The works were commissioned in advance ofthe demolition of the existing buildings to the rear of Whitehorse Street and construction of a number ofresidential dwellingsThe historic building recording found that two of the three buildings under assessment arecontemporary Buildings 1 and 2 are typical of construction seen during the middle of the 20th century,probably of 1940s or '50s date, constructed to serve a minor industrial purpose such as haulage yard ormechanic's workshop. Both have undergone much modification, retaining no original internal fittings.Building 3, to the north-east exhibits some minor historic interest, which though comprehensivelymodernised seems to be based around an original timber-framed core. The original roof survives andin one instance a corner post along with much of the timber-framing of the south wall, but the remaindercould be considered as effectively lost and superseded by the later modifications. Considering therecognisable elements suggests that this was always a humble agricultural building or out-house wherethe construction technique of the roof and the use of fairly robust primary-braced framing to the wallpanels perhaps indicates a date in the 18th century.Despite the potential for archaeological remains to be present on the site, especially dating from theRoman, medieval and post-medieval periods, no archaeological features or finds were located withinthe area of the new dwellings.

In May and June 2009 Archaeological Solutions Ltd conducted a programme of historic building recording of the brick and milling barns at Hill Farm, Love Lane, King's Langley, Hertfordshire, followed by archaeological monitoring and recording associated with the proposed development. The existing farm outbuildings appear to have developed in two distinct phases. The milling barn and two other nearby timber-framed buildings, including a barn and granary fit within a limited time-frame. These latter buildings are the subject of a separate report. Common elements of construction and other characteristics confirm a link, and place their construction in the first half of the 19th century. The milling barn originated as a timber-framed superstructure on a brick wall with flint panels, identical in style with surviving boundary walls around the farm yard. This was altered when the upper structure was filled in with Fletton bricks, possibly at the time the main range of barns was constructed around 1920. The continuous brick ranges appear, from map evidence, to replace earlier structures which are marked on the historic maps, though they incorporate no earlier fabric. They are constructed of variable pink Fletton bricks commonly encountered during the inter-war period, combined with robust, standardised timber elements such as doors and roof structure typical of the late 19th and early 20th century style. Monitoring and recording was undertaken during excavation of a foundation trench within the yard area, and during the excavation of two inspection pits to the brick barns. No evidence for the earlier structures seen on the historic maps was revealed during the monitoring and recording. Two courses of brick seen at the base of the current Fletton brick structures may represent reuse of brick from earlier structures.

In June/July 2009, Archaeological Solutions Ltd conducted a programme of historic building recording at 95 Langley Road, Watford, Hertfordshire. It is proposed to demolish the existing building and construct a new care home; the building recording was carried out to comply with a planning condition on approval. The site lies within an area of late 19th century residential expansion to the north-west of the historic centre of Watford and close to the medieval and post-medieval manorial site of Cassiobury. The site consists of a house with later extensions and additions, latterly in use as a care home. In plan, the original house would have been approximately symmetrical whereas the main façade was given a calculated asymmetry in typical Arts and Crafts style. It comprises a typical middle-class family home with spacious rooms where most fixtures and fittings were drawn from a repertoire of mass-produced decorative elements. However, the building's historic integrity has been considerably reduced by the replacement of the windows, while the house was given an entire institutional makeover in cheap materials, with compartmental division and removal of all extraneous fixtures. Montrose was evidently constructed as part of a speculative development in the late 19th century with a range of different materials used to positive effect. A number of nearby buildings provide interesting comparison, where dated bricks indicate they were all constructed in 1888. The south extension was added in the 1940s / 50s in an entirely sympathetic style. Later extensions are of no particular interest.

In October 2009 AS Ltd conducted an historic building appraisal at 23 Baldock Street, Ware. The appraisal was undertaken in order to support and inform a planning application to convert the property to residential and office use. Technical analysis suggests that the building was originally constructed in the 16th century, although by 1654 was in use as an inn known as the Black Swan. Heavy and repeated modification have obscured much of the original layout and removed most historic features, though the original disposition is ascertainable. This indicates a central room of higher status, flanked by a heated room to the north, and a small unheated room to the south, which probably gave access to the carriageway. The pattern of bay divisions extends through the building. The rear range may be of slightly later date, and of lower status. Most surviving decorative features date from the 18th century when the building was evidently remodelled. Elements remaining from this period include the front door, several of the sash windows and various internal cupboard doors.

In March 2008 Archaeological Solutions (AS) carried out a programme of historic building recording of a small house known as Hillside in Lamer Lane, Lower Gustard Wood, Hertfordshire. This was followed by programmes of archaeological monitoring and recording in April 2008 and July 2008. The building originated as a two-bayed timber-framed house, most probably in the 18th/ early 19th century, in keeping with other buildings in the area, the building was refaced in red brick. Several other alterations were made to the building in the late 19th/ early 20th century. In 1835 the house was converted to a beer-house called The Royal Exchange. Some of the modifications to the building may be attributed to this period of use, as well as its reversion for use as a domestic dwelling which probably occurred in the earlier part of the 20th century. The first phase of archaeological monitoring and recording was undertaken during the excavation of the dirt floor within the two original rooms (numbered 1 and 2). It identified a flint with crushed chalk and brick foundation along the exterior and interior walls, which was capped by a single course of red brick. The July archaeological monitoring programme was undertaken during ground reduction and excavation of foundation trenches to the rear of the house as part of a new extension to the existing house. No archaeological features were located in the area of works.

In March 2008 Archaeological Solutions carried out a programme of historic building recording of a small house known as Hillside in Lamer Lane, Lower Gustard Wood, Hertfordshire. The building originated as a two-bayed timber-framed house, most probably in the late 17th/ early 18th century. The building was subsequently extended at the rear and in the 18th/early 19th century, in keeping with other buildings in the area, the building was refaced in red brick. Several other alterations were made to the building in the late 19th/ early 20th century. Local history tells us that in 1835 the house was converted to a beer-house called The Royal Exchange. Some of the modifications to the building may be attributed to this period of use, as well as its reversion for use as a domestic dwelling which probably occurred in the earlier part of the 20th century.

In December 2008, Archaeological Solutions Ltd (AS) carried out a programme of historic building recording at Old Park Farm, Perry Green, Hertfordshire as part of a planning condition imposed on approval for a proposed change of use. The programme of works comprised the historic building recording of the timber-framed barn and further outbuildings including three Nissen huts. The barn (Building 1) at Old Park Farm represents a single surviving remnant of an entire and no doubt interesting complex. Although the farm is not well documented prior to the early 19th century, the name itself suggests some form of post-medieval expansion onto former manorial parkland. The quality of timber is variable as would be expected from locally sourced oak and this, along with other confusing elements, makes ascribing an accurate date problematic. Characteristics consistent with a 17th century date are visible, although construction techniques typical of the 18th century or later were employed. Ultimately the barn is not a clear-cut case where a number of characteristics can provide us with a reasonable degree of certainty, but on balance may tentatively be given a late 17th century to mid-18th century range. Buildings 2, 3 and 4 comprise 20th century Nissen huts, which oral tradition, supported by historic map evidence, indicates were constructed in the 1960s / early 1070s. Building 5 is a simple but flimsy structure, apparently fairly modern, although utilising reused timbers from an earlier building and constructed in the location of a building seen on the historic maps.

In June 2007, Archaeological Solutions Ltd carried out a programme of historic building recording of The Old House, 27 Leyton Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire; a Grade II Listed structure. The work was undertaken to satisfy part of a planning condition, which required the making of a detailed record of the parts of the building that are to be affected by proposed alterations. It is thought that the building originated as an inn and historic sources refer to it as the Bull as early as the late 16th century. The form and sturcutre of the main east-west range suggests that the existing building. is essentially 16th century and was probably originally built on the typical baffle-entry system, with rooms to either side of the central stack. A kitchen range was added to the south at a slightly later date. Several windows and doors within the building indicate a refurbishment in the early 17th century and it is perhaps around this time that a stair-turret, which lies to the north of the stack, was constructed. Several additions were made to the house in the subsequent centuries, with the two most significant being a barn/cart-shed probably in the late 17th or early 18th century and a domestic wing in the 1830s. In the 20th century a conservatory was added at the rear of the building.