(24) 25 Bedford Street Undercroft
Updated 03/04/2020
NUMBER 25 BEDFORD STREET
The building above dates from the late 16th century and was heightened in the 18th century.
It was badly damaged by fire in 1978 which necessitated extensive rebuilding work. Saxon pottery and a contemporary kiln were uncovered during excavations that took place before the rebuilding work.
It was for many years Hovells basket shop but has recently opened as an art gallery.
Beneath the front of the building are the remains of two brick-built pointed barrel-vault chambers at cellar level. In the east wall there is one side chamber with a barrel-vaulted profile and a chamber with a pointed barrel-vault profile in the west wall which extends beneath Bridewell Alley and which has been partly rebuilt.
There is a modern wall at the end of this chamber. The vaults in both the front and rear walls are associated with a cellar with a flat joisted ceiling. Access is from within the building via 2 sets of 20th century steps and through a door set in the end wall of the eastern chamber.
It is not open to the public.
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