Avenue House Key

This key has been very kindly donated to Witham Town Council by Sandra, the current owner of Avenue House at 4 Newland Street. This key still fits the lock on the door on the property but no longer turns.

Avenue House, a grade II listed property, is thought to have been built in the 16th century as a medieval timber framed house. It was largely rebuilt in the late 16th century-early 17th century, but was given a new frontage in 1757 to turn it into the building that we recognise today.

The new frontage was ordered by owners William and Mary Wright, who marked the renovation by adding a decorative drainpipe that can still be seen on the side of the house. The drainpipe, pictured below, is marked with William and Mary's initials and the year, 1757.

As well as the information about the drainpipe, Sandra also tells us that there is a witches mark, similar to the one pictured below, on an upstairs door in the Coach House.