We find braces in the Jasmin Cottage wall

The window is supported, with a section of new framing, and the top of the masonry fixed, with lime mortar and stone. It is now safe to investigate the cracks in the cement mortar, that continue up the side of the window. This cautious removal of render, rather than a wholesale approach proves it's worth; it may have been all that was keeping the structure together.

We find a brace. Phew! Some historic roof leak has dripped down and rotted the front of it. The front was removed to a depth of 1" and a new piece fixed in.

The stud on the left has bad damage above the brace, but is ok below, which is to be expected. So the stud is sistered above and below the brace and secured. This will hold it all together until the rest of the wall receives attention.

Jasmin Cottage is down an alleyway that leads through the left hand door on Totnes High Street.

This building, apparently, still has the footprint of the original Anglo-Saxon hall which stood on the site. That original building and the alleyway were being used over 1000 years ago.