lor in 1661, it may, perhaps, be assumed that the mansion
was erected about the year 1650; and as a member of the Cann family is
the first known owner of the property, no doubt the house was erected
for him. The style of architecture appears to bear out that assumption
as to date, and the frontages indicate that the three houses under
special review were erected about the same time.

While there may be a little regret when these mediaeval buildings
disappear, there will be the advantage of the street being considerably
widened by their removal. It is now only 20 feet wide from house to
house, and gives a very good idea of its appropriate appellation--Small
Street. Taking first the property which formed the middle holding, now
(1905) known as 7, Small Street, and which was not, therefore, actually
contiguous to the existing Post Office, the earliest date alluded to in
the parchments is the year 1700. In a deed of the 14th August, 1723, it
is stated that Sir Abraham Elton, merchant, under indenture of lease
dated 28th February, 1700, had bought from Sir Thomas Cann, of Stoke
Bishopp, in the county of Gloucester, Esq., "All that great messuage or
dwelling-house situate standing and being in Small Street within the
Parishes of St. Walburgh (_sic_) and St. Leonard." The indenture was
between Sir Abraham Elton, Bart., on the one part, and Christopher
Shuter, of the same city, on the other part, and was worded thus: "Now
this Indenture witnesseth that for and in consideration of the sum of
five shillings of lawful money of Great Britain to the said Sir Abraham
Elton in hand paid by the said Christopher Shuter the receipt whereof
the said Sir Abraham Elton doth hereby confess and acknowledge and for
divers good causes and considerations him the said Sir Abraham Elton
hereunto moving hath granted bargained sold assigned and set over ...
unto the said Christopher Shuter all the said messuage and tenements to
have and to hold unto the said Christopher Shuter his executors
administrators and assigns from henceforth for and during all the rest
and residue of the above recited terms of 70 years which is yet to run
and unexpired in trust for said Sir Abraham Elton."

The next record is that bearing date of the next day, thus:--"Mr. Cann's
lease for a year of a Messuage in Small Street to Sir Abraham Elton.
Date 15th August, 1723." Robert Cann "doth demise grant bargain and sell
unto the said Sir Abraham Elton all that great messuage o