Don't Judge a Book by its Cover - Worcester's Historic Property Part 2
Another Worcestershire historic property that is hiding its true origins, well almost.
34 Sidbury, Worcester
A grade II listed historic property – the original structure began life in the 16th/17th Century according to the British Listed Building Site, and I would be personally leaning towards more the 16th Century given that Sidbury has a number of timber framed properties and a couple of examples dating from around 1400. Although the heyday for the more intricate and advanced methods of timber framing was the late 15th to the early 17th century. To achieve a definitive date of build, or as close as possible, a little more research would be necessary. There are a number of later editions/extensions to the property, which include the Georgian façade, which was an edition to bring what was then an ageing look more up to date and to add a look of grandeur.
In the 1800’s, this historic property was part of a terrace which continued into Sidbury, and it had a neighbour on both sides. The image from the early 1900’s shows a bustling Sidbury with the Angel Commercial Hotel to the left of No. 34. The doorway, which has now become part of No. 34, well I am not sure who it originally belonged to, but it does appear to lend itself to have been part of the Hotel. Number 34 at this time was known as the Victoria Temperance Hotel, and it was then numbered 60. Mrs Taylor would have greeted you at the door, and for 30s per week, you could have boarded at this establishment.
I am wondering whether the previous occupiers would have approved of the current establishment being a place where you can enjoy a lovely glass or two of vino.
So all the property on the left of this postcard (and opposite 34) has been demolished and replaced by City Walls Road up to the cross indicated, which is Danesbury House. We only get a brief glimpse of 34 to the far right forefront – have you spotted the grand doorway?
Sidbury sits outside of the City Walls, but don’t be fooled into thinking that this lessens the importance of Sidbury; in fact, it is quite the opposite, as this is believed to have been the original route into the city by those ancient tribes. During excavations, evidence also suggests(with the discovery of the remnants of A Roman road) that it was the route that the Romans took into the City.
Number 34 (previously 60), which sits on what is classed as the south west side of Sidbury, did well to survive the development of the area, as it must have been at risk on several occasions. Today’s view of Sidbury on the south west side looks very different, with most of this side beyond number 34 and up to the turning for Bath Rd demolished during improvements! Such as the widening of the road/canal bridge.
In fact, this property is the only example of a timber-framed property left on this side of the road. If you were to switch sides, there are a number of timber-framed buildings that have survived. Some of which look very much as they would have done – the day they were built, one displays a date of 1420, and the others are hidden behind a modest brick façade, and of course we have the very grand Commandery.
Stepping inside Benedicto’s (No. 34) and its origins become far more obvious with the beam work exposed, stunning fireplaces with original beams, and a dogleg staircase. The cellar area is also stunning, with what I presume are sandstone bricks which give a real medieval look.
No. 34 has, for many years entertained – from a Temperance Hotel to what is now a thriving restaurant, the building seems to have retained its soul and is another example of a property that should be celebrated for its firm historic footprint within Worcester.
Do you own a historic property and ever wonder about its past? At Sutcliffe & Co, we not only provide good advice and find you the right Insurance we also genuinely care about these historic properties.
