Building MPM38 - 63 High Street

House with 16th century origins. The building has been much altered during the course of its history and most of the original structure no longer survives. Renovation work in 1981 revealed the gable end of a 16th century timber framed building at first floor level. 17th century oak timbers and 18th/19th century brickwork was also recorded. The building has an early-19th century façade and late-20th century alterations.

A survey carried out during renovation work in 1981 revealed the gable end of a timber framed building at first floor level, the construction of which was 16th century in style. The oak framework and wattle and daub infill were remarkably well preserved, and were stabilsed during the work. The current building corresponds with the plot of a dwelling house shown on 16th century plans, and also has the same width of street frontage. It was concluded by the Portsmouth Museum Service Archaeologist in 1981 that although most of the original building had been destroyed by subsequent alterations over the centuries, the surviving gable end must rank as the oldest preserved domestic structure in Portsmouth. [2]

17th century Oak timbers were also noted, as were 18/19th brickwork. [1]

House. C16 origins, early C19 front, late C20 alterations. Stuccoed. Plain tile hipped roof, rendered stack to right. 3 storeys and attic, 4 bays. On right C20 door with two C20 garage doors on left. First and second floor sashes, each 12 panes, set under cambered arches. Band over first and second floor window head. Coped parapet. C20 dormer. INTERIOR: C16 timber frame truss with wattle and daub infill exposed left wall on first floor. [3]

<1> Portsmouth City Council, n/a, Portsmouth City SMR Cards, SZ69NW37 (Index). SPM1.

<2> Fox, R, 1982, Archaeology in Hampshire Annual Report 1981 (Bibliographic reference). SPM187.

<3> Historic England, The National Heritage List for England (Index). SPM35.