Rowcroft's fine houses were built at the end of the 18th Century for the town's growing middle classes. In 1845, a railway bridge was built across the end of the street, which had to be lowered so that horse-drawn traffic could pass under it. The resulting raised pavement, which in the days of horsepower was an inconvenience, is now a welcome feature. The author, Laurie Lee, once worked in an accountants’ office in this street.