Bridge End Cottage, Clifton Hampden

Oxford Archaeology South (OAS) were commissioned by Johnson Cave Associates to
carry out the recording of a small internal stair at Bridge End Cottage, Clifton
Hampden prior to its replacement during construction works.
The cocottage is 17th/18th century grade II listed building, although it has been
suggested there may be 16th century fabric within the cottage. It is a one and a half
storey building with thatched roof and later extensions. The cottage sits on the north
side of the River Thames close to the 1867 bridge designed by George Gilbert Scott.
Examination of historical records suggested that the cottage was probably occupied
by a family who were originally employed in the local agricultural industry. The
cottage may have belonged to one of four local farms based in Clifton Hampden.
The stair was clearly a 19th century replacement of an earlier stair that was most
probably in the same location as the current stair. It is a simple straight flight with
winder design and shows signs of use and ongoing repairs. The doorway on the
ground floor is a simple plank door also dating to the 19th/early 20th century. No
evidence of earlier stairs were found during the survey.
The stair was drawn in plan and section with additional notes and recorded
photographically. Photographs of the exterior of the cottage including the late 19th
century brick extension also to be replaced were also taken as well as some general
interior photographs for the archaeological record.