Hello readers, as The Stratford Artist my favourite subjects are the historic buildings of Stratford-upon-Avon. A few years ago, I started a project to draw and paint all the town's structures that are on Historic England's "listed buildings" schedule. There are over 350 in the town centre alone of which I have dealt with 60 or so.

To add unique interest to my work I do a little research into the history of each building looking for a quirky story, be it fact or fable, which I then illustrate with my little characters.

This is number nine in a series of articles featuring a picture and story from my historic buildings collection. I hope you like it.

Number 2 Sheep Street

This is a Grade II listed building described as a late 15^th/early 16^th century town house, now offices. I owe my knowledge of the last 250 years to the assistance of the current occupants, although any errors are entirely my responsibility.

We say it’s a small world and Stratford is certainly a small town when looking for historic connections. My first article in this series featured 1 Sheep Street, Borough Police Station from 1836 to 1889. I have featured the neighbouring Town Hall, a court until 1878 and I have written about 21 Chapel Street, home in the 18^th century to Hunt’s Bank.

Charles Henry Hunt, founder of Hunt’s Bank, was part of a local dynasty of solicitors who served as Town Clerk for 132 years from 1762. The firm had practice premises in Scholars Lane. In 1894 Thomas Hunt relinquished the title and Robert Lunn, Senior, by then a Partner, succeeded him as Town Clerk. The practice and Town Clerk’s office moved to 1 Sheep Street. In 1927 they moved to Number 2. I hope you’re keeping up!

Robert Lunn, Senior died in 1910. His son, Robert Lunn, Junior was appointed Town Clerk until his retirement in 1942. In 1938 Lunn, Junior had established a practice at No 2 in partnership with solicitor Thomas Ellis Lowth. Mr Lowth became Town Clerk in 1942 and held the post until 1960.

Number 2 Sheep Street has therefore long been associated with the legal profession and town administration. There are still Victorian police cells in the basement!

All this suggests that it would be quite likely to spot barrister Horace Rumpole visiting. My picture imagines him dropping an important brief as he bustles away! Perhaps he was defending the bank robber illustrated in my earlier article?

Thank you RLL Legal…and Mr John Mortimer!

Originals or prints from my historic buildings collection are often available and I welcome commissions for portraits of your home or other favourite building. Email me at ken.morgan96@yahoo.com for details.

© Ken Morgan

Ken Morgan, aka The Stratford Artist, is a professional artist working from his studio close to the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon. His favourite subjects are the historic buildings and structures in and around his hometown. He works in ink and watercolour. Architectural accuracy is important, but his style brings life to the pictures, often helped by the addition of humorous or quirky characters.

Another thing...can you find the little blackbird which appears in all Ken's pictures?

See more of Ken Morgan's work on Instagram @thestratfordartist.