• Reference
    GK304/Introduction
  • Title
    Myrtle Cottage, Henlow was built soon after 1885 on the site of old and derelict cottages (GK304/16). In 1927 the valuer under the 1925 Rating Valuation Act described the premises as owned by Simpson and Co, occupied by L Brown, as being brick with slate roof and detached. It was L shaped with a Living Room, Kitchen, Scullery and three bedrooms. He added 'Villa' - good but also 'bad' position next Pub?' (DVI/C/230 page 66 and DV2/M/21). In one of the deeds of the site, dated 8 and 9 October 1927, (GK304/3) is included a property in Sharnbrook. The house formed part of Tinker's Alley on the west side of the High Street. It was situated at the west end of the north side of the Alley. The 1855 Rating Book and Map (P C Sharnbrook 9/10 and 11] records it under number 159 as owned by William Porter and occupied by Robert Eyeles - House, Buildings and gardens (three perches). The earlier deeds of this property are listed at WL229 AND X220/35. The first deed which we can be absolutely sure relates to this property is the will of Richard Keech Yeoman made 11 May 1721. He left a house after his wife's death to his cousin William Keech of Irchester, paying 10 to his cousin Mary Keech (WL 239). William Keech in his will proved 20 December 1764 (X220/35) left a message in Sharnbrook occupied by Joseph Neville and William Woodham to his nephew Timothy Keech of Stevington on 30 October 1788, Timothy Keech of Stevington, labourer sold a cottage in Sharnbrook, late occupied by William Nevill now by Anne Woodham, widow, to Anne Woodham for 70 (X220 (36-37). On 30 August 1799 Anne granted the messuage to her brother John Sumpter of Irtherlingborough, Victualler and Mason (X220/38). On 14 November 1800 John Sumpter sold the messuage with a yard and garden in Sharnbrook, now occupied by William Felts to William Bettle of Bedford, grocer for 130 (X220/39). Bettles sold it to Thomas Thorpe of Haynes on 24 and 25 March 1811.
  • Production date
    From: 1764 To: 1927
  • Level of description
    item