Construction began in 1807, during a period of extensive redevelopment in the town, driven by the Market House Society and the Member of Parliament Sir Benjamin Hammet.

It was built to the north of Upper High Street, in what was known at the time as Paul's Field.

[6] Although Hammet died in 1800, the foundation stone was placed in 1807 by William Kinglake,[5] as part of a ceremony that was attended by "an immense number of persons.

[8] When the street was built, each end featured a cottage with high iron gates which limited traffic to residents and their visitors.

[9][10] The Catholic congregation moved out to a larger church in 1878 and the chapel was bought by the Freemasons, who converted it into a Masonic Lodge.

[12] Early plans for further buildings at the site did not come to fruition, but County Hall was extended in the 1960s to cover most of the open land in front of The Crescent.

[13] Despite the work done by Hammet, the area between The Crescent and the High Street was still considered a slum until it was redeveloped around the Second World War.

A variety of six- and eight-panel doors are reached by climbing a small flight of steps, and the entire terrace is fronted with railings.

[18] Number 23 forms the back of 42 Upper High Street, and is a two-storey red brick building.

It is a three-storey, built out of red and buff-coloured bricks forming an English bond, with Portland stone dressings.