| Abstract: |
The record comprises a report with plans and elevations of The Laws, and associated
outbuildings, in accordance with guidance provided by Historic England (2016)
Understanding Historic Buildings: A Guide to Good Recording Practice. The
Recording will comprise an analytical record (Level 3), in accordance with Historic
England Building Recording standards. The record provides a comprehensive visual
record of the building, setting it within its local, regional and historical context.
Drawn record
The drawn record includes annotated plans as existing, indicating the form and
location of any structural features and/or detail of historic significance including any
evidence for fixtures of significance, including former fixtures and fittings. The drawn
record also includes annotated measured elevational sections, showing any form of
architectural decoration and to aid the understanding of the building’s design,
development or function; and a site plan at 1:500 or 1:1250 relating the building to
other structures, topographical and landscape features.
Photographic Record:
The photographic record includes general views of the building, shots of its external
appearance and the overall appearance of principal spaces and functional areas.
Specific architectural details that relate to date, alteration, or function are subject to
more detailed photographic recording. All record photographs have been taken using
a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) Camera with a sensor of a minimum of 20
megapixels. Lenses were chosen to reflect the requirements of the particular
feature/features being recorded.
Images have been saved in RAW and JPEG format. JPEG files have been used in
the report, but original RAW versions will be maintained in the project archive.
Appropriate levels of Metadata will be maintained and included in the digital archive
following the approach set out in the Historic England guidance. Appropriate scales
are located in most archive photographs. However, where appropriate (i.e. where
scaling can be seen from items within the view, or shots that may be used in
publications) photographs without scales have also been taken.
Written Record:
The written account is analytical in its composition and includes the location of the
buildings; any designations; the date and circumstances of the record and name of
recorder; an account of the structures’ form, function, date, and development
sequence; and the names of architects, builders, patrons and owners, where known.
Detail of the building’s history, development and use has been informed by secondary
sources consulted at the Bedfordshire Archives and Records Service (BARS) and the
Bedford Borough Historic Environment Record (HER) as well as accessible published
online sources. Any sources of information provided by the current owners of the
property have also been utilised, including first hand oral accounts. The report
includes a map regression to illustrate the development of the building.
The building was surveyed by Richard Hardy IHBC, Historic Buildings Consultant on
12 July 2022 in clear and dry weather. The building was surveyed with a particular
focus upon those elements considered to date to the original construction phase and
include analysis of external or internal details which are relevant to the building’s
design, development or use.
Limitations of the assessment:
This assessment is principally based upon a historic building survey, undertaken on
12 July 2022, which has been supplemented by secondary information derived from
a variety of sources, only some of which have been directly examined for the purpose
of this assessment. The assumption is made that this data, as well as that derived
from other secondary sources is reasonably accurate. Access to the building was
possible within all areas. |
