Walters Yard – Heritage

Until the end of the 18th century the east side of the High Street from The Bell Inn northwards, including part of the side of the college, comprised land called Grete House. This was a large private estate now covered by Walters Yard. During the Napoleonic Wars part of the area became known as ‘Prison Yard’. A temporary building on the site was used to hold French prisoners being marched through the country in the periods between 1797 and 1815. The yard is said to be named after John Walter, who ran a smithy which enjoyed a high reputation locally.