A pretty white house, with verandah covered with creepers, and large
garden. The house stood back in its own grounds, and was enclosed by a
brick wall and a beautiful row of chesnut and lime trees that were very
much admired, as were also the sweet voices of the birds who made their
nests there.
This house has been pulled down and shops have been built on the spot. A
good many years ago there was a very sad accident. A drove of bullocks
was being driven past; one got loose, pinned Mr. Glover, the coach
builder, who lived opposite, to the wall, and gored him to death.
Before we had the railway in The Hale many droves of cattle were
continually driven along the High-road to the London markets.
Where Commerce-terrace now stands there were several houses, one called
the “Ivy House,” as it was covered with ivy, occupied by Mr. Henry Hayes.
It was enclosed in iron railings with very beautiful iron gates, and had
a large garden, which extended all the way down to the end of Reform-row.