Bailey Hall

The site of Bayley Hall has been occupied since at least the early 17th century. A record from 1621 describes a "manor house" existing on this location. In 1721, the property was recorded as the residence of Edward Blackmore, who had served as the Mayor of Hertford in 1713. In 1900, the hall was acquired by the Hertford Grammar School (now the Richard Hale School). It initially served as the official residence for the Headmaster, but as the school expanded, the building was utilised for classrooms and administrative space. One of the school's most famous alumni, W. E. Johns (creator of the Biggles series), attended the school during this period. To accommodate the school's needs, a narrow…

Bayley Hall is constructed of red brick laid in Flemish bond, featuring grey brick quoins and pilasters. The building consists of three storeys with an additional basement and attic level. The principal south elevation is five bays wide, subdivided in a 1:3:1 ratio by "colossal" red brick Tuscan pilasters with moulded Portland stone bases. The windows are largely 18-pane and 12-pane sashes with rubbed brick arches. The central doorway features a segmental pediment supported by fluted Corinthian pilasters. The roof is largely concealed from the street by a tall parapet with recessed panels and stone copings. The interior is noted for its high level of preservation of 18th-century features.…