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It might be possible to use a five block and set the mech to work on the bottom four sprockets.
Four speed blocks are pretty rare since fives came along quickly. You 'd be lucky to find a four with the sprockets you want, whereas a 14-22 five is probably the commonest size, the problem would be getting your mech to reach the 22, but it does seem possible.
Hmm, 48 x 22 with 27" wheels comes to 58.9". Not great for the Chilterns, but that looks like it's as low as you'll get with the 48 ring.
clubman
3/32 chain and 4 speed block, Benelux was advertised as 13-23t, but most would be probably up to 20 in real life.
Indeed riders back then were built like brick-houses, none of this weight weenie stuff of today :)