Monument record MDO4666 - Burgage plot known as the Five Bells, High Street, Shaftesbury

A burgage plot on the south side of the High Street, Shaftesbury. It is likely to have originated as part of a pre- or post-conquest planned urban development of this part of the town and is first shown on a 1615 map. It was known as the Five Bells from the eighteenth century and the Five Bells Inn occupied the site in the late eighteenth century. The site was cleared of buildings in the early nineteenth century and was built up in the second half of the nineteenth century.

A burgage plot fronting on to the market place, south of the High Street, Shaftesbury. The burgage is shown on a map dating to 1615, but no record of earlier deeds have been found. It is likely to have originated as part of a pre- or post-conquest planned urban development of this part of the town.

Since the eighteenth century the tenement has been known as the Five Bells, first recorded in a deed of 1711. It was subdivided lengthwise in two and was divided beteen several parties. The 1711 deed identifies Edward Mountague, apothecary as tenant of the eastern part. The Five Bells is named in Land Tax assessments from 1781, when it is assessed in two portions. It was being run as an alehouse by 1794, but appeared to have ceased trading as an inn by 1825/6, at which time the whole burgage plot appears to have been cleared of buildings. The Tithe map of 1845 depicts the plot devoid of all buildings and is described as 'late Five Bells Inn and premises'. The 1848 map of the town also marks a void where the Five Bells had been.

The current buildings on the street frontage were built some time between 1848 and c. 1885. (1)

<1> Cottrell T, Cox P W and Chandler J, 1995, The Proposed Development of The Mitre Inn, Clunes, High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset (ST 8631 2295): Archaeological Assessment (Unpublished document). SDO11518.

Record last edited

Nov 1 2013 12:39PM