Descriptive Buildings Record (Level 2) at The White Horse PH, High Cross, Ware, Hertfordshire

Historic building recording comprised technical analysis during planned works to produce descriptions of the building and to record any new historic fabric uncovered. Photographic survey was conducted. This was supported by documentary and cartographic research. The project broadly confirms the list description and late 17th century date. The 2023 campaign of works saw the removal of 19th century rear ranges (Ranges 7-9), the stripping of 20th century fabric, public house paraphernalia and joinery and soft stripping of lath and plasterwork in areas within the building. The building has experienced much change since construction, but the historic core of a lobby-entry building survives in outline with a large central chimney stack and a central doorway opening to a lobby with rooms on either side. The original timber-frame comprises fairly robust primary-braced studwork, all pegged and the braces cranked in the early manner, which contrasts markedly with the slender primary-braced studwork that characterises later phases. A contemporary or early cross-wing (Range 2) was raised to two storeys in the 18th century. Of the earliest phases, it is the joinery that represents the features of significance. Of note is the survival of late 17th century / early 18th century doors complete with door furniture as well as the remains of a ventilation aperture, the grille originally with wavy ventilation shafts (only surviving to the jambs) akin to examples seen in the kitchens at Kew Palace, London. The rear outshuts are an accretive sequence of different periods, although the rear door is of interest as it preserves a wide shelf for serving ale. At least part of Range 3 may early although at some point the roof of the main range was heightened and the whole arrangement added to with a new cellar (Range 4). The underlying fabric of the later phases suggests a 19th century date and comprises primary-braced studwork characterised by softwood timber of slender scantling and an absence of pegging. Monitoring during the planned works also revealed the northern bay of the main range to be part of the 19th century phase.