4-6 Church Street, Oakham, Rutland

In 2006, AOC Archaeology Group was commissioned by Burley Park Developments to undertake building recording works at Church Street, Oakham. The site included a Grade II listed cottage, another cottage, flour store, bakehouse, stable and cart shed arranged around a narrow central courtyard. The earliest part of the 4 Church Street cottage is mid 18th century date with 19th century modifications, whereas the thatched cottage at 6 Church Street is earlier, and retains much of its original materials and may date from the 17th century (with a 19th century shopfront).

The Grade II property at 6 Church Street is a small single-storey detached property. There was no evidence of its original function; the historic fabric is limited to a single room on the ground floor and a thatched roof above with a dormer access in the north side. Architectural detail is limited to the shopfront, which is typically early 19th century, but this appears to be a façade applied to the underlying fabric.

The bakehouse complex is an interesting group of buildings, largely purpose built for a bakery. The bakehouse had many rebuilt and charred elements top it, testament to the dangers inherent in the occupation. A cart shed abutted the eastern end of the bakehouse, and is built of brick with a slate roof. During an initial visit to the site in 2006, short lengths of leather harnesses with brass buckles were present, probably part of horse furniture.

AOC Project Officer: Les Capon
Client: Burley Park Developments