An ’orrible place a bit beyond the yard (3)

I believe the answer is:

ell

'bit beyond the yard' is the definition.
(architectural feature)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for ell that I've seen before include "Old textile measure" , "Measure, approx. fourty-five in." , "approximately 45 inches" , "Former textile measure" , "distance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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