(38) 20 Princes Street (Trattoria Rustica) Undercroft
Updated 04/04/2020
NUMBER 20 PRINCES STREET
The building above the undercroft dates from the 16th century and is now an Italian restaurant.
Beneath are two brick undercrofts; the one at the front dates from the 16th century (after 1507) and the one to the rear dates from the 15th century. It was probably built between 1400 and 1450. It consists of two bays, each with double-order diagonal ribs and side chambers and a double lighting niche with low profile.
There is a staircase in one of the side chambers which is no longer used.
Beneath the street range there are the remains of an early 16th century barrel-vault which is parallel to the street line.
It contains two moulded brick arches on the east wall (not actually visible in the undercroft but visible from the stairs that lead down to it) and twin lighting niches with cusped heads in the west wall.
Two similar niches are said to exist behind the 20th century bar fittings against the south wall. The height of the wall arches and niches in relation to the ground floor level suggests that the front undercroft had a jointed ceiling and was connected to the adjoining undercroft to the rear.
Access to the undercroft is via a staircase at the front of the building. It has been tastefully restored and is used for private functions. The owner kindly allowed me to visit the undercrofts, which are usually only open for private functions.
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