Francis Yard
Location/Address
Francis Yard
High Street, Chesham
Type
Landmark, art work or way finder
Assets whose form and function are readily visible, but which are not Buildings. This category includes signage and works of art such as murals and statues.
Description
The historic core of Chesham was characterised by the many 'yards' and alleyways which gave access from the street to loading areas and light industrial sites behind shop fronts.
Francis Yard is a charming historic yard which remains a vibrant public space in the modern era. Enclosed on the south side by three listed buildings the yard remains a thoroughfare between High Street and East Street and a popular outdoor music venue. Together with Lum's Yard and Lacey's Yard, these surviving alleyways provide a link to the past, and a distinctive characteristic to the high street.
These traditional cobbled lanes were often associated with public houses or light industry, offering a secure place away from the High Street to carry out manual work and to take delivery of goods. Most yards incorporated small workers’ cottages, many of which had been declared unfit for habitation by the early 20th century. Chesham lost several of these backwaters to the slum clearances; for example Townfield Yard and Duck Alley. Their potential for conversion to desirable residences and characterful shops was hidden from those who lacked the necessary vision or foresight to save them. The yards that remain represent an important historical feature of today’s town.
Statement of Significance
Asset type
Although bounded by listed and non-listed buildings, The yard itself is of heritage interest, as one of few remaining examples in the town.Age
The yard appears in the earliest OS map of Chesham c1880, although it was likely enclosed at a much earlier date as the surrounding buildings are even older. Despite several renovations the yard remains paved in cobblestone with traditional drainage gulleys.Rarity
Chesham once had more than a dozen such yards along its high street, most of which have been lost today (Stratford's Yard, Duck Alley) and those which survive (Tap Yard, Lewin's Yard, Townfield Yard) have lost their primary purpose as a thoroughfare or amenity space. Lum's, Francis and Lacey's are remaining examples of yards which continue to contribute to the character of the high street.Architectural and Artistic Interest
Francis Yard is the only one of Chesham's remaining yards which is paved in a mixture of original Denner cobblestone and flint/rubble stone, with original gullies and drainage used by the various cottage industries located there.Historic Interest
General historic interest as being linked to Chesham's cottage industries which took place within the yards, such as handmade boots and shoes, brushes and woodenware, plus beer brewing.Landmark Status
Francis Yard is a popular meeting point and community space for outdoor eating and music hosted by The Drawingroom, one of the listed buildings on the south of the yard.Images and Documents
Date Listed
10 Jan 2023
Last Updated
19 Feb 2022
Find Out More
Find out more about this Asset in Buckinghamshire's Local Heritage List:
https://local-heritage-list.org.uk/buckinghamshire/asset/5761
https://local-heritage-list.org.uk/buckinghamshire/asset/5761