Medieval undercroft at 72/74 High Street

Summary

Medieval undercroft at 72/74 High Street, Guildford.

Reasons for Designation

A domestic undercroft of the medieval period might comprise three, four or more vaulted bays depending upon the wealth of the owner. They were constructed of stone, fireproof and used for the storage of provisions or items of special value. Placed beneath a house they could thus be kept under close supervision. Although undercrofts are sometimes referred to as cellars, they were not necessarily built entirely below ground level, but, where they are sunken into the ground this can aid their preservation when the house either falls into disuse or is replaced by a later structure. All domestic undercrofts of the medieval period with significant surviving archaeological remains are considered worthy of protection.

The undercroft at 72/74 High Street, Guildford survives in very good condition with original masonry features and without any significant later alteration. It is a good example of an urban medieval domestic building with fine interior stonework and provides significant testament to the early history of the town. There is another medieval undercroft in Reigate, located between West Street and Slipshoe Street, dated to the late 14th century or 15th century, which is also a scheduled monument. The undercroft at 72/74 High Street is accessible to the public and as such forms an important educational and recreational resource.

History

See Details.

Details

This record was the subject of a minor enhancement on 11 December 2014. The record has been generated from an "old county number" (OCN) scheduling record. These are monuments that were not reviewed under the Monuments Protection Programme and are some of our oldest designation records.

The monument includes a 13th century undercroft situated below 72/74 High Street. The undercroft measures approximately 10m by 6m and is 3m high. It is three bays deep with a groined rib vaulting rising from two round piers. The columns have capitals decorated with grotesque heads. The remains of the north stairs, used to access the undercroft from the former street level, survive as evidence of its original use probably as a shop. From the end of the 14th century the undercroft is believed to have been used for storage. Above it is a three-storey red brick building dating to 1803. The undercroft included an internal access in the south wall, which was blocked and replaced in the 19th century.

The undercroft is listed Grade II*.

This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 6 September 2022 to correct a typo in the summary and reason for designation

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

SU 166

Legacy System:

RSM - OCN

Sources

Other
Surrey HER 2725. NMR SU94NE75. PastScape 250424

End of official list entry

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