Nos 45, 47 and 49 together comprise the Dodderidge Academy, an 18C institute of non-conformist learning attended for 3 years by Joseph Priestley, the renowned scientist who first identified the element oxygen.
No 49 was used as a hotel until 1987 and had suffered from lack of maintenance, fire damage and vandalism. The structure lent itself to conversion into 6 flats accessed from a central staircase to the rear.
Extensive repairs were carried out as recommended by the local authority and English Heritage. Existing floors were strengthened by discreetly inserting steel beams before adding sound and fire insulation. The South wall to the rear was beyond repair and was rebuilt in coursed natural stone.