Horseshoe Lane

Numbers 2 & 4

The photo above was taken in 1969 showing the two cottages on the left-hand side of the road at the bottom end of Horseshoe Lane.  The white cottage on the left became number 4 when numbering was introduced about 1953; the one in the middle became number 2.  This house was better known as Myrtle Cottage.  The building on the right of Myrtle Cottage was a workshop.

Both cottages were already built by the time of the 1840 Tithe Survey.  This shows that they were both owned by Sarah Trayherne.  She lived in number 2 (plot 225) and number 4 (plot 225) was occupied by George Hoare.  The workshop adjoining number 2 is not shown on either the 1840 or 1881 plan.  It does appear on a 1903 map.

Sarah Trayherne (Trayhurn) died on 19th October 1866 and her estate was left to Laura Collins, her niece, wife of William Collins of Morton.  From the Will we know that Laura Collins owned the two house, numbers 2 and 4 Horseshoe Lane, but there is no record that she lived in either of them.

The 1876 Rate Book shows that the two houses were owned by William Collings Junior.  The image of the right shows a notice of sale of both houses was published in the Bristol Mercury dated 3rd May 1879.  The 1880 Rate Book shows that George Henry Exell became the owner of number 2 and Sarah Winstone became the owner of 4.  This situation carried on and is reflected in the 1905 Rate Book.  George Henry died in 1908 and his property was transferred to his son, Thomas Exell.  Sarah died in 1909 and the 1910 Rate Book shows that number 4 had also been acquired by Thomas.

In June 1949 number 4 was put up for sale at auction.  It was described as 'a semi-detached stone-built and tiled cottage and garden situate in Horseshoe Lane until recently in the occupation of the late H. Hook.  The accommodation comprises; Front Sitting Room with good cupboards, Back Living Room, Lean-to Back Kitchen with sink, Front Bedroom with fireplace and cupboard, Back Bedroom, Coal-house and W.C.  All Main Services.  There is a capital walled-in garden with side entrance and ample room for a garage'.

Both houses were demolished in the early 1970's as part of the town's re-development.

Click here to read about the occupants of number 2

Click here to read about the occupants of number 4

This page was last updated: 07/03/2010