23 - 27 Holywell Hill

Image: © Ian Capper Taken: 13 Nov 2020

Group of buildings on Holywell Hill. Nos 23 - 25 make up the White Hart Hotel, the only survivor of the many coaching inns that used to line Holywell Hill, given St Albans' position on the main coaching route from London to the northwest. The oldest part of the building dates from around 1500, when it was a brewhouse called the Hartshorn. The section to the north of the carriageway dates from the late 16th century with other parts from the 17th century. The frontage was changed in the 18th century with new windows and a plastered façade - the plaster was removed in the early twentieth century to give the building its current looks. The building is grade II* listed - see www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1347142. One famous "guest" was Simon Fraser, the 11th Lord Lovat, who stayed here in 1746 on his way to the Tower of London following the Jacobite uprising the previous year. His beheading on Tower Hill in 1747 was the last such execution to take place in Britain. Beyond is no 27, the former head office of Ryder Seeds, built 1910-1 designed by Percival Blow. For full description see Image Grade II listed - see www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1251301.

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