Champion’s Brassworks & Gardens
Warmley, South Gloucestershire
Conservation Management Plan
JOB NUMBER: 5044568 DOCUMENT REF: SECOND_DRAFT CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN.doc
5 FINAL RW 02/03/07
4 CONSULTATION DRAFT RW JAM 23/12/06
3 FIRST DRAFT RW AC 23/10/06
2 STAGE 1 DRAFT RW JAM 21/07/06 REVISION
1 STAGE 1 DRAFT RW JAM 07/07/06
Originated Checked Reviewed Authorised Date
Revision Purpose Description Champion’s Brass Works & Gardens Conservation Management Plan
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
1. HISTORY 13
2. SITE APPRAISAL 35
3. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 67
4. KEY ISSUES 71
5. POLICIES 78
6. CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 89
7. NEXT STEPS 110
FIGURES 112
BIBILOGRAPHY 113
APPENDIX A – SITE GAZETTEER 115
APPENDIX B – CONDITION SURVEY 153
APPENDIX C – ECOLOGY ASSESSMENT 166
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1. INTRODUCTION
Champion’s Brassworks & Gardens
‘Mr Champion’s copper-works, about three miles from Bristol, are very well worth seeing. They display the whole process from the melting of ore to making it into pins, pans, etc. The liquid ore pouring out of the furnace into the clay moulds, I fancy resembles the eruption of Mount Vesuvius’.
Arthur Young, 1768
1) Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens (Warmley, South Gloucestershire) is a remarkable and unusual survivor from the early years of Britain’s Industrial Revolution. It was here between 1746 and 1769 that the industrialist, metallurgist and entrepreneur William Champion (1709-89) built around his home Britain’s first incorporated industrial works, which saw the production of brass and copper goods from raw material to finished product. As the inventor of a new means of producing zinc - an essential element of brass – Champion transformed the British brass and metal working industry. Always innovative and never wasteful, Champion laid out a series of gardens around his house that integrated industrial function with landscape design, incorporating leats, culverts and copper clinker within buildings and walls, adding a Gothick touch to the playfulness of a pleasure ground. Much of Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens have been lost to later development and encroachment, but what does survive offers an insight into the mind of a remarkable yet secretive man - Champion’s spirit of invention still pervades the site.
2) The purpose of the Conservation Management Plan (hereafter ‘the Plan’) is to provide South Gloucestershire Council, English Heritage, the Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust and other key stakeholders involved in the management of Champion’s brassworks, gardens and Museum with guidance on its future management, conservation, enhancement and interpretation. It was commissioned in May 2006 by South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) with financial support from English Heritage (EH), and has been prepared by Atkins Heritage in accordance with the brief issued by the Council and English Heritage. The commissioning of the Plan reflects the desire of the Council and its partners to secure a sustainable and positive future for the Warmley site that reflects its iconic status as well as conserving its rich and complex cultural and natural heritage.
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Scope and status of the Plan 3) The geographical scope of the Plan encompasses the entire historic estate as set out and occupied by William Champion in the 1740s. This includes areas in private ownership as well as the ownership of South Gloucestershire Council.
4) The term ‘site’ has been used to describe the entire historic estate as laid out by Champion. Where appropriate, the term ‘garden’ has been used to refer to the publicly accessible areas in the ownership of South Gloucestershire Council, whilst ‘museum’ refers to the Kingswood Heritage Museum and the former Dalton Young buildings. Private ownership is indicated as appropriate.
5) The Conservation Management Plan is a non-statutory document. It has been prepared to supply guidance and direction for future decision making in relation to Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens, Warmley. Reference should be made to the relevant statutory and local planning guidance as appropriate (see below).
Aims and Objectives 6) The aim of the Conservation Management Plan is to set out an achievable and sustainable vision for the management, conservation and interpretation of Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens, including the Kingswood Heritage Museum. Its objectives are to:
• Set out a clear history of the development of the site;
• To describe the character of the known archaeological remains, buildings, structures, landscape and planting;
• To identify the key issues affecting the conservation and management of the site;
• To present a set of principles and policies to guide the management and conservation that reflect the issues affecting the site now and in the future;
• To set out a vision and strategy for improving management, conservation, access, interpretation, learning and community engagement;
• To recommend a programme of actions to deliver the strategy;
Stakeholders involved in the development of the Plan 7) The Plan has been prepared in consultation with a client group chaired and managed by the Council’s Museum Service. Members of the client group included:
• Melissa Barnett (Museum Development Officer, South Gloucestershire Council)
• David Haigh (Archaeology & Conservation Officer, South Gloucestershire Council)
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• Mandy Powell (Conservation Officer, South Gloucestershire Council)
• Phil McMahon (Inspector of Ancient Monuments, English Heritage)
8) Members of the wider steering group included:
• Kingswood Heritage Museums Trust;
• Warmley Clock Tower Association;
• Avon Gardens Trust;
• Avon Industrial Buildings Trust;
• Bristol Industrial Buildings Society;
• The Warmley Project Group;
Methodology 9) The Plan has been prepared in four stages all of which have been informed by a range of technical studies and the public and stakeholder consultations:
• Stage 1: Understanding the Place – This stage developed a robust understanding of Study Area from a number of technical studies including, landscape assessment, archaeological and historical analysis, ecological survey, analysis of the Site’s setting and review of how the Site is used, informed by close stakeholder consultation.
• Stage 2: Defining Significance – Based on the understanding of the site gained through Stage 1 a Statement of Significance was prepared. This identified what was important about Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens and why.
• Stage 3: Identifying Issues - As part of the technical studies undertaken in Stage 1 and through stakeholder consultation the key issues facing Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens were identified;
• Stage 4: Developing Policies – Following the assessment of the issues, a series of Policies were developed to help address the issues and guide the future conservation and management of the Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens.
• Stage 5: Management & Conservation Strategy – The brief required the Plan to examine a range of proposals for enhancing the site and the facilities it offers the many visitors and users. This includes a vision for the overall site and how it can be developed over an agreed timescale.
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Structure of the Plan 10) The Plan has been structured in broad accordance with current guidance on conservation management plans (HLF 2004, HLF 1996 and Kerr 1996).
• Section 1 outlines the background to the plan; its scope and aims; the key stakeholders involved in the Plan; and the structure of the Plan.
• Section 2 provides a summary history of the Bristol brass making industry, Champion’s innovation in zinc and brass production and the development of the designed landscape gardens.
• Section 3 sets out a description of Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens and its general context in terms of its archaeology, history, setting, ecology and current uses.
• Section 4 presents the Statement of Significance for Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens
• Section 5 examines the key issues facing Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens.
• Section 6 presents the policies for the future management of Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens.
• Section 7 presents a Conservation and Management Strategy.
• Section 8 summaries the recommended next steps for the delivery of the Conservation and Management Strategy.
Appendices
• Appendix A - Gazetteer: this lists the sites identified within the Study Area.
• Appendix B – Condition Survey: this presents the results of the condition survey undertaken of the site.
• Appendix C – Ecological Data: provides additional data to support the understanding of the site’s ecology as presented in Section 3.
Project Team 11) In addition to the key stakeholders identified above, the following team members from Atkins were responsible for the production of the Plan: Janet Miller (Project Director), Rob Woodside (Project Manager), Ken Sabel (Senior Heritage Consultant), Dominic Lockett (Principal Conservation Architect), Alison Lumby (Landscape Architect), Georgina Reynolds (Ecologist) and Debbie Harris (Creative Designer).
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Location 12) Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens are located in Warmley, which historically formed part of the Kingswood area of southern Gloucestershire (now South Gloucestershire Council) – Ordnance Survey Grid Reference ST668728. Nestling in the south east corner of Siston Parish, its western and southern boundaries follow the line of the Siston Brook. It was this water source at the margins of the parish, together with the close proximity of the Kingswood coal fields and access to the River Avon at Keynsham, which attracted Champion to this site in the 1740s. Before World War II, the area remained mostly rural, as it had been in Champion’s time, but since then housing has spread to infill all areas, and as such Warmley has become an outer suburb of Bristol.
Current Use and Management 13) The overall historic estate is today divided up into multiple ownerships, but its core is still owned and in the care of South Gloucestershire Council, including:
• The Dalton Young Buildings (incorporating the Kingswood Heritage Museum and Windmill Tower).
• The Clock Tower (including access and car parking space to the front of the building)
• The Gardens (including the Entrance Drive, Car Park, Grotto, Walled Gardens, Echo Pond, Neptune Statue, Nursery and Elm Walk)
14) The Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust occupies the former Dalton Young Building, which houses the Kingswood Heritage Museum. The Trust helped in playing an important role in saving the buildings and windmill from neglect and has worked with South Gloucestershire Council to ensure their improvement and maintenance. The museum is run entirely by volunteers and is open on two days a week and Bank Holidays. Visitor figures average around 3000 a year. The Trust also leads guided tours around the Gardens and holds the keys to the Grotto.
15) The Clock Tower is occupied by the Warmley Clock Tower Association, who co- ordinate a number of community groups, including those for young mothers and craft workers. A number of offices in the building are sublet to other organisations. The Clock Tower Association is grant aided by South Gloucestershire Council, which is also currently responsible for maintenance and repair.
16) The rest of the historic site is divided up into the following management units:
• Warmley House and the immediate surrounding area are now in the ownership of Warmley Residential Care;
• The Lake is now divided between three owners. The southern end is in the ownership of Kingsway Residential Caravan Park, whose ownership includes the green in front of the statue of Neptune. Ownership of the northern area of the lake
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Champions Brassworks and Gardens, Warmley
Champions Brassworks and Gardens
10 50 100 0 150 Figure 1 N
Champions Brassworks and Gardens
10 50 100 Figure 2 0 150 Extent of Historic Estate Industrial Use N Nursing Home Private Housing South Gloustershire Council Kingswood Residential Caravan Park
Champions Brassworks and Gardens
10 50 100 Figure 3 0 150 Current Ownership Champion’s Brass Works & Gardens Conservation Management Plan
is divided between South Gloucestershire Council (the Nursery) and private ownership (the Summerhouse and grounds);
• The Summerhouse and surrounding grounds is now in private ownership; • The area to the north east of Warmley House (known as the ‘Homeground’) is now in multiple private ownership, and includes a disused market garden, residential dwellings and gardens;
• The area to the south of the Clock Tower and the south side of Tower Road is now is private ownership and is in light industrial use. The site of the former Lindman’s Factory and Office Buildings, along with the car park on the site of The Rank (18th century workers’ housing demolished in 1968) has been recently been sold and is to be split into smaller business units;
• The area north of the Kingswood Heritage Museum Buildings is in Private Ownership and is occupied by two car breaking businesses. The area includes and provides the only access to the Ice House.
17) Supporting the management of the site is the Warmley Project Group, which was founded to act as a forum for the different groups involved in or concerned about the management and conservation of Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens. Members of the group include South Gloucestershire Council officers and representatives of the Kingswood Heritage Museums Trust, the Warmley Clock Tower Association, Avon Gardens Trust, Avon Industrial Buildings Trust and the Bristol Industrial Buildings Society.
Designations 18) Conservation Area - The entire site falls within the Warmley Conservation Area. The Conservation Area was designated on 31st July 1995 in recognition of its important historical and architectural connections with Champion. The core of the Conservation Area lies to the east of Siston Brook and is centred on Warmley House, covering the area of the historic Champion estate, but also incorporating the neighbouring Grange School playing fields so as to protect the views to and from Warmley House as well as the remains of Grimsbury Coal Pit.
19) Scheduled Monument - Almost the entire historic core of the site has been designated a Scheduled Monument (Ancient Monuments Act 1979). The designation covers all archaeology below ground level. By extension, this includes the Echo Pond and the Grotto as they are partially below ground level.
20) The designation includes all ground below the route of the Elm Walk as far as the turn to Neptune, the Echo Pond, the Grotto, Entrance Gate and Walls, Chequered Wall, Mound, Clock Tower, the Kingswood Heritage Museum and Windmill, the immediate grounds of Warmley House, the Ice House, Breakers Yard, the site of the Rank and the area of the former Lindman’s factory.
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21) Listed Buildings - The following buildings and structures have been listed under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990: Warmley House (Grade II*), Summerhouse (Grade II), Statue of Neptune (Grade II), Grotto & Chequered Wall (Grade II), Chequered Wall (Grade II), the Icehouse (Grade II), the former Dalton Young Building (Kingswood Heritage Museum) (Grade II), the Clock Tower (Grade II) and the Gates, Piers & Walls at Warmley House entrance (Grade II).
22) Registered Park and Garden - The surviving elements of the historic garden, including the Lake, has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II Registered Park and Garden.
23) Tree Protection Order - Mature trees within the site are covered by a Tree Protection Order (TPO) in recognition of their historic and amenity value. Conservation Area status also provides protection for trees.
Element of Site Owner Designation
Summerhouse Private Grade II Listed Building Grade II Registered Park & Garden Conservation Area
Canal South Scheduled Monument (part) Gloucestershire Grade II Registered Park & Garden Council (most) Conservation Area
Elm Walk South Scheduled Monument (part) Gloucestershire Grade II Registered Park & Garden Council Conservation Area
Lake Private (part) Scheduled Monument (part) South Grade II Registered Park & Garden Gloucestershire Conservation Area Council (part)
Neptune South Grade II Listed Building Gloucestershire Grade II Registered Park & Garden Council Conservation Area
Echo Pond South Scheduled Monument Gloucestershire Grade II Registered Park & Garden Council Conservation Area
Boat House South Scheduled Monument
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Element of Site Owner Designation
Gloucestershire Grade II Registered Park & Garden Council Conservation Area
Grotto South Scheduled Monument Gloucestershire Grade II Listed Building Council Grade II Registered Park & Garden Conservation Area
Chequered Wall South Scheduled Monument Gloucestershire Grade II Listed Building Council Grade II Registered Park & Garden Conservation Area
Warmley House & Private Grade II* Listed Building associated grounds Grade II Registered Park & Garden Scheduled Monument Conservation Area
Walls, Gate & Piers, South Grade II Listed Building Warmley House Gloucestershire Grade II Registered Park & Garden entrance Council (part) Conservation Area Private (part)
Mount South Scheduled Monument Gloucestershire Grade II Registered Park & Garden Council Conservation Area
Clock Tower South Scheduled Monument Gloucestershire Grade II Listed Building Council Conservation Area
Kingswood Heritage South Scheduled Monument Museum & Windmill Gloucestershire Grade II Listed Building Council Conservation Area
Site of ‘The Rank’ Private Scheduled Monument (car park) Ownership Conservation Area
Ice House Private Scheduled Monument Ownership Grade II Listed Building
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Champions Brassworks and Gardens
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Summer House
Neptune
Echo Pond
Warmley House
Grotto
Chequred Wall Ice House Clock Tower
Dalton Young Building
Champions Brassworks and Gardens
10 50 100 Figure 5 0 150 Listed Buildings N
Champions Brassworks and Gardens
10 50 100 Figure 6 0 150 EH Registered Park and Garden Champion’s Brass Works & Gardens Conservation Management Plan
Element of Site Owner Designation
Grade II Registered Park & Garden Conservation Area
Lindman’s Factory & Private Scheduled Monument Office area Ownership Grade II Registered Park & Garden (part) Conservation Area
Breakers Yard Private Scheduled Monument Ownership Grade II Registered Park & Garden Conservation Area
24) The issue of multiple designation and policies for fulfilling the requirements for the differing designations is set out below in Sections 6 and 7 respectively.
Previous research and development proposals 25) The Warmley site has been subject to a number of research programmes, management planning and development proposals. The principle studies and plans are listed below:
1985 Lesley Howes (freelance garden archaeologist) leads a Manpower Commission Services (MSC) scheme to record and investigate the garden features 1993 Lesley Howes develops the first Warmley Management Plan 1993 Architectron architects undertake an assessment and condition survey of the former Dalton Young buildings 1994 Avon Archaeological Unit undertake excavations at Tower Road North to assess the survival of buried archaeological remains 1995 Avon Archaeological Unit undertake supplementary evaluation at Tower Road North 1995 The City of Hereford Archaeological Unit undertake a survey of the brassworks and gardens to develop an initial management plan for the site 1996 Martin Watts (freelance mill historian and archaeologist) undertakes a survey and assessment of the Windmill Tower 1996 Nicholas Pearson Associates develop a management plan for the historic gardens 1996 Fergson Mann Architects develop an architectural proposal and strategy for the Dalton Young Buildings. 1996 South Gloucestershire Council and English Heritage apply for a successful bid to the Conservation Area Partnership Scheme for structural and roof repairs to the Dalton Young buildings.
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1997 Nicholas Pearson Associates develop a Conservation Plan for the historic gardens 1997 South Gloucestershire Council publishes Warmley Conservation Area Supplementary Planning Document (with accompanying set of management and design guidance notes for specific elements of the site). 1997 South Gloucestershire Council and Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust submit an unsuccessful bid to the HLF to refurbish the Dalton Young buildings and the Gardens. 1999 Philip Cope prepares ‘A New Vision for the Kingswood Heritage Museum’. 2006 English Heritage Archaeological Projects undertake recording of exposed sections to the rear of the former Lindman’s factory following unauthorised development.
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2. HISTORY
Introduction 26) ‘Understanding’ is crucial to the Conservation Management Plan process. The purpose of this section is to provide an overview of the history of the site and its surviving components. Understanding how the site developed and the ways in which it was used is vital to ascribing significance or value to both the site a as a whole and the individual components within it. This is particularly important for Warmley given the complexity of the industrial processes undertaken here and its role within the early years of the Industrial Revolution. Unravelling the history and evolution of the landscape gardens also requires careful analysis.
27) In order to ‘understand’ the site, a number of surveys and assessments were undertaken in May 2006. Studies included:
• A review of all available published and unpublished literary sources; • A survey and analysis of the historic industrial buildings and garden structures; • A landscape character assessment; • An outline ecological assessment; • A detailed condition survey of the historic structures.
Documentary and historic sources 28) There is very little documentary evidence dating from Champion’s time at Warmley. Champion himself was extremely secretive and made no record of his activities – essential in an age of industrial espionage – and indeed no image of him is ever known to have been made, in keeping with his Quaker values. There are however a number of contemporary traveller’s accounts of visits to Warmley. Although these give an impression of the importance of the works at the time, they provide very little technical detail. However, perhaps the most useful documents are Champion’s inventory of 1761 and the Sale Notice of 1769, which list the buildings and structures on site, as well as the type of goods produced.
29) The earliest cartographic evidence is the 1841 Tithe Map, which provides much of the information about the earliest buildings. The 25 inch Ordnance Survey map of c.1880 shows the development of some of the areas of the site and the contraction of others, as the later ceramic production tended to concentrate on one area. A redrawn and updated plan accompanying a title of 1889 (Warmley Rural District Council) shows the growth of the ceramic works, the Dalton Young complex and improvements to the workers housing. The plan shows some of the watercourses and provides an
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indication of the likely location of the Newcomen engine. The 1902 Ordnance Survey map shows little change since 1889, whilst the map accompanying the sales particulars of 1918 illustrate how the estate was broken up into lots. The 1953 Ordnance Survey map is useful as it shows the full extent of the ceramic works and external kilns.
30) The only certain graphical evidence from Champion’s time are the drawings of Reinhold Angerstein, the Swedish industrial spy, who sketched a copper smelting furnace and a zinc smelting furnace in addition to the Newcomen engine in 1754. The ‘View of the Brassworks near Bristol’ by Grimm (1788) may well be Champion’s works, although this has not been verified (see Figure 7 below). After that there are no other images until Warmley House, Grotto, Tower, Summerhouse and Statue of Neptune were drawn by Samuel Loxton at some time before 1900. One of the most useful images is an aerial photograph taken at some point before 1957, which gives a good indication of the extent of the site just before the demolishers and road builders moved in. A set of photographs was taken before the loss of the buildings in the 1960s, showing many of Champion’s buildings still standing. Another series of photographs taken in the 1960s show the views across the northern end of the lake towards Neptune and the Summerhouse, illustrating how the site must have looked before the Nursery was established and then left to overgrow.
Figure 7: View of brass works near Bristol, 1788, S.H. Grimm, reproduced by kind permission of the British Library.
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Brass making in Bristol & beyond 31) Brass is made by combining Copper and Zinc at high temperature. Since Elizabethan times there had been various attempts to produce brass in Britain, all of which failed because they were unable to produce it in commercial quantities. Brassware was therefore imported from the Netherlands. Merchants based in London had a Royal Monopoly on importing and re-exporting of all this 'Dutch' brassware and were active in attempts to block the establishment of commercial brass manufacture in Britain. During the 17th Century, and especially after the Civil War, there was a shift in national policy where Merchants became less influential over state policy making. A new breed of Capitalist Entrepreneur was gaining more influence and Parliament became increasingly an instrument for the promotion of capitalist profit and of the exploitation of human and natural resources on a world scale.
32) In 1698 English copper makers (including those in Bristol and South Wales) petitioned Parliament, protesting against the import of Swedish copper. The Mines Royal Act of 1689 saw an end to the Royal Monopoly of brass making. At this time there was an awareness in Britain that combining zinc and copper produced brass, but there was no scientific understanding of the processes involved. As the process used impure Calamine ore and not pure zinc, there were great difficulties in getting the correct proportions of zinc to copper to produce different types of brass.
33) On July 25th, 1700, a partnership of fellow Quakers petitioned the Privy Council praying for a Charter of Incorporation and declaring their interest to produce brass - a request which was denied. The works were eventually established at Baptist Mills on the site of an old grist mill, some two miles east of Bristol, and were in use as early as 1702. The original partners who put in the necessary capital were Edward Lloyd (Cidermaker), Benjamin Coole (Merchant), Arthur Thomas (Pewterer) and John Andrews (Merchant & Vintner, whose sister was married to Edward Lloyd). They were joined by John and Thomas Coster, copper manufacturers who were familiar with Dutch brass foundry techniques, Nehemiah Champion III, a Merchant from Stapleton, and Abraham Darby, who later established the iron foundry at Coalbrookdale. The site of Baptist Mills – close to the Port of Bristol - offered water power from the River Frome and access to both local coal and charcoal, and was ideally located to make the most of Calamine available from the Clifton Downs and the Mendip Hills. The Baptist Mills works were to be the company’s most important site for Brass and Copper manufacture for the next 25 years until it declined in favour of new ventures around Keynsham.
34) Following the departure of Darby, formally the ‘active man’ or manager of the Baptist Mill works, in 1709, the Bristol Brass and Wire Company came under the control of Nehemiah Champion III. Champion was a Quaker merchant whose family was already involved in different aspects of the metal trade: his brother Richard was a financial backer of Darby’s Coalbrookdale venture, whilst his father Nehemiah retained trade with Darby. The 'Bristol Brass & Wire Company' began to expand and took up leases of copper mines in Cornwall, which was the main source of copper for the Works, although considerable amounts of copper was imported from the Schuyler
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mine in New Jersey, America. The combination of Quaker capitalists was making the Company and Bristol the biggest manufacturer and maker of brass battery in England, using around 250 tons of coal a year (44 horse-loads a week) around this period.
35) In 1709, the Company merged with the Brass Wire Works in Esher, Surrey, and jointly the two companies were valued at £16,000. Brass production concentrated in Bristol where the emphasis was on the production of 'battery ware' - i.e. pots, pans and kettles (large pots) made by beating flat sheets of cold brass with powerful water- powered hammers. The men who did this work sat in shallow trenches in the floor, manipulating the sheet brass under the hammers by hand. They wore leather aprons faced with brass, their ears plugged with rags against the noise of the hammering. In 1711 the 'Bristol Brass & Wire Company', with other brass producers, petitioned Parliament against the importation of foreign brass and brass ware from Holland, which was protected by laws established when no brass was produced in Britain. They claimed that they were providers of employment of the poor in England and users of British copper and calamine to produce brass. They also claimed that they were being denied equal access to the growing export opportunities which the Africa Trade and colonies in the West Indies were providing. This petition was denied by Parliament.
36) Nonetheless, the Company continued to thrive and by 1712 it was reported that there were 25 furnaces at Baptist Mills consuming 2000 cartloads of coal a week and 200 tons of copper a year to produce some 250-260 tons of brass a year. Amongst the many markets for the brass and copper industry was the Bristol Africa Trade. Goods, including cotton from Manchester, glass beads from Italy, guns and gunpowder from Birmingham, as well as copper bars and brass pots (known as ‘Guinea Pots’), were bought by the Bristol slave traders in exchange for slaves in the West African ports. Slaves were taken onto the West Indies in return for tobacco, sugar, indigo, rice, rum and cotton for sale back in Britain. Copper – the ‘red gold of Africa’ - was highly prized by West Africans, as was brass. They would buy it from the Bristol traders in blocks, which could be melted down to make decorative items. The brassmakers also made ‘manillas’, which was brass moulded into a bracelet shape and which became a form of money in West Africa. African traders would also buy items made from brass for everyday use, such as pots, kettles and pans.
37) The Baptist Mills Works was renowned as a place of innovation and experimentation in metallurgy. It was here that Abraham Darby, fuelled by a spying mission to Stolberg in the Reinland (Netherlands) and support from fellow Quaker John Thomas, was finally able to cast iron using sand moulds. However, the sand moulds were expensive and unstable and eventually the partners refused to finance Darby’s experiments in casting iron. In 1723 Nehemiah Champion III, as manager of the works, patented a new method of making brass (Patent No 454) whereby copper was granulated rather than broken, thereby more easily permeated by the zinc vapour rising from the calamine. The process reduced the ratio of copper to zinc from 72:28% to 66:33%, creating a more economical grade of brass capable of being used
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in the Company’s products. It was into this spirit of experimentation which William Champion was born.
Champion at Warmley – industry & invention 38) William Champion (1709 – 1789) was the youngest son of Neremiah Champion III. Like his father, he and his eldest brother John shared a passion for metallurgy and invention. According to his own account, Champion travelled the manufacturing areas of Europe to improve his knowledge as a very young man. He was only 20 years old when he returned to Bristol in 1730 and immediately set to work on a series of experiments with the aim of producing metallic zinc from ores found in Britain. Previously, zinc had been imported from overseas in very small quantities in the name of tutenag or spelter. Sold in small amounts at very high prices, it was used to make solders and a grade of brass today known as gilding metals. Champion spent six years of ‘great expense, study and application’ attempting to produce zinc before overcoming the principal difficulties. At the end of this time he was ready for his process to be patented. His specification, No 564, was entitled, ‘A method for Invention for the Reducing of Sulphurous British Mineralls into a Body of Metallick Sulphur’ and was granted patent rights in July 1738, for the unusual term of 14 years. Champion left no record of the process, the only account being by a Dr Watson in 1766, who had seen the furnaces in operations some 20 years earlier:
Figure 8: Section of a zinc furnace, possibly based on Champion’s patent
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‘In a circular kind of oven, like a glass-house furnace, there were placed six pots about four feet each in height, much resembling oil jars in shape; into the bottom of each pot was inserted an iron tube, which passed through the floor of the furnace into a vessel of water. The pots were filled with a mixture of calamine and charcoal, and the mouth of each was then close stopped with clay. The fire being properly applied, the metallic vapour of the calamine issued through an iron tube, there being no other place through which it could escape, and the air being excluded, it did not take fire, but was contained in small particles in the water, and being remelted, was formed into ingots, and sent to Birmingham under the name of zinc or spelter.’ (Watson, 1766).
39) This, then, was William Champion’s pioneering method of processing calamine to produce metallic zinc. He has solved the problems inherent in the physical properties of the metal by a process of distillation – ‘distillation per descendum’, as it was to become known. This referred to the condensation of the zinc vapour as it descended into the iron tube through the floor of the furnace to a vessel of water in the chamber below.
40) As soon as the patent rights had been acquired, Champion erected new buildings at Baber’s Tower, in Back Lane, now Jacob Street, just off Old Market, with the aim of satisfying the total demand for zinc in the country. In September 1742, just four years after production had begun, Champion received complaints from the city fathers when the Baber’s Towers works were reported to the council for causing a common nuisance. The complaint – unspecified, but thought to be pollutant – led to the closure of the works. Champion received a further blow when zinc importers radically dropped their prices in the face of home-made produce. With prices dropped by £48 per ton, Champion found it impossible to sell his own stock at a price which would bring him any profit. Furthermore, Champion found himself dismissed from the company with a certain amount of bad feeling, which was only to increase over the years.
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Figure 9: 1841 Siston Parish Tithe Map – Champion’s estate included the ‘Pond’, ‘Home Ground’ and the structures show
41) In response, Champion planned a new venture for large new works to be built at Warmley, 5 miles from the centre of Bristol. From the outset, the premises were to be organised as a complete unit where all processes would be carried out on one site in a neighbourhood were there was plenty of coal available. Warmley was thus planned as the first integrated production plant of its kind for nonferrous metal goods. Copper was to be brought from Cornwall and New Jersey, smelted and brass made, wares were to be manufactured from both metals, workers housed on site, all in addition to the new process of producing zinc. The new company of William Champion & Co was established in 1746, a partnership drawn from some of the old Bristol company.
42) One of the few contemporary accounts of Champion’s works at Warmley was by Reinhold Angerstein, a Swedish industrial spy. In 1754 he visited the site, recording a list of its installations, including: ‘15 copper furnaces, 12 brass furnaces, 4 spelter or zinc furnaces, a bater [battery] mill, or small mill for kettles, rolling mills for making plates, and cutting mills for wire, and a wire mill both of thick and fine drawn kinds’. At the heart of the site lay a 13 acre lake, water being the main source of power, formed by damming the Warmley Brook at the rear of the works. Water flow in the brook, however, was not sufficient to maintain the levels and by 1749 Champion installed a 48 inch diameter Newcomen steam engine – one of the earliest in the West Country -
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at a capital cost of £2,000 and the cost of coal at £300 per year, capable of lifting 3,000 hogsheads (c. 900,000 litres) of water an hour. A second steam engine with a 74 inch diameter cylinder was added in 1761, which could lift 17 hogsheads of water a minute back into the lake by means of four 30 inch pumps, described by Sir Joseph Banks as ‘two of the largest Fire engines in England, or perhaps anywhere else’. A third engine was added in 1765. Rotative power was principally provided by water mills, although a windmill was constructed to power a stamping mill for crushing calamine ore. A second windmill is thought to have been employed to pump tailrace water back into the lake. A horse mill was also employed to ensure a constant supply of power.
Figure 10:Sketch of the steam engine at Warmley by Reinhold Angerstein in 1754 (by kind permission of the University of Liverpool).
43) Copper was smelted in reverberatory furnaces which were rectangular and approximately 2.6m by 1.2m (external dimensions). The reverberatory furnace had two chambers separated by a low wall: the fuel (coal) was burnt in the smaller chamber while the ore was placed in the other chamber. The hot gases from the burning coal melted the copper ore and allowed the extraction of the metal it contained. This process was helped by a chimney at the far end of the ore chamber and the low ceiling of the ore chamber which reflected heat down onto the ore. Most of the copper ores used were copper- or copper-iron-sulphide ores and so were
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charged with silica (eg sand). The silica would react with the iron to form a slag which would be tapped from the furnace as a runny liquid. Slag was also cast into architectural blocks, which was used extensively throughout the gardens. As the fuel and ore were kept separate, the vitrified ash of the coal would not be absorbed by the smelting slag and would form a separate residue: clinker. The initial product of the smelting process would be matte, copper sulphide, which would be further roasted and smelted to remove the sulphur and other impurities (arsenic, antimony, etc).
44) The brass furnaces were used to produce brass from metallic copper and zinc ore by cementation. The extreme volatility of zinc made smelting of the metal by conventional means impossible and so most brass was manufactured by the cementation process. Zinc ore, copper and charcoal (Angerstein notes the use of small amounts of coal at the bottom of the crucible) were charged in crucibles. The crucibles were sealed and heated in a circular furnace similar to a glass furnace. The charcoal reduced the zinc ore to zinc (actually a vapour); because the crucible was sealed the zinc could not escape and was absorbed by the copper to form brass. The absorption of zinc by copper was limited by a number of factors, such as the purity of the copper and its surface area. The best copper was of a very high purity and granulated. The absorption of zinc was also limited by the melting temperatures of the different components: the process could not take place below the boiling point of zinc (906ºC) but a brass containing ~33wt% zinc would melt at this temperature. Once the brass melted the reduction in surface area would severely reduce the rate of diffusion of zinc into the brass. Up to the mid 18th century the maximum zinc content of brass was ~33wt%.
45) Angerstein (1754) describes brass cementation crucibles in Birmingham as being 0.36m high and 0.23 in diameter at the mouth whilst Percy (1861) describes them as 0.37m high and 0.26m diameter, with walls 25mm thick at the rim and 50mm thick at the base. Champion’s crucibles (more correctly retorts) on the other hand were 1.22m high with a diameter 0.9m and wall thickness from 40 to 65mm. The retorts had an opening at the base in which was fitted one end of an iron pipe, the other end of which was placed above a vessel filled with water. The retorts were filled with zinc ore and a reducing agent, and then heated for three days in a coal-fired furnace similar to a glass furnace. The zinc condensed in the iron pipes and dripped into the water-filled vessels below. Percy records that 20cwt of calcined zinc ore would give 6 to 8cwt of zinc which suggests that approximately half of the charge would remain in the retort as ‘residuum’ which would then be scrapped out. The zinc produced was extremely expensive due to the large quantities of coal consumed in the process and was used only for the manufacture of specialist high-zinc brasses.
46) By 1761 the works had grown considerably. The company’s inventory of that year records:
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25 Houses or tenements;
One large Spelter work with 5 furnaces, arches, warehouse;
2 Horse Mills, Loft for do; Caves &c;
22 Copper furnaces with Warehouses &c for them;
15 Brass furnaces with Mills Lofts Warehouses for them;
One large Wire Mill with 9 benches & 5 blocks capable of 100 rings of wire weekly;
3 Large wheels or Rowling Mills with Rowles from 2 foot to 4 foot
5 Water Battery Mills with 12 Hammers that will make 60 ton of Brass Battery yearly;
One fire engine of 48 inches cylinder;
One windmill with Stamps &c with the Smith Shops, buildings & houses;
Warehouses, Yards, Thorows [mill races], Lofts, Ponds, Walls, Tools, Materials, Implements &c on ye premises.
47) With works of such comprehensive character, a large labour force must have been employed, so it is hardly surprising that twenty five houses and tenements were included in the inventory. This number would have included ‘The Rank’, a terrace of 13 three storey cottages built to the south of the lake, demolished in 1968. These purpose-built workers houses predate those at Cromford and Belper in the Black Country by several years, and so are amongst some of the earliest known (although Champion may have been influenced by the development of workers houses at Coalbrookdale). Local legend has it that Champion brought skilled metal workers over from Holland and indeed the Siston Parish Record reports the deaths of Peter Crymmer, Dutchman, in 1761 and John Craft, also Dutch, in 1762. According to the local historian Ellacombe, ‘the variety of languages which they spoke gave rise to the place being called Babel’s Tower’. This, however, may have been a corruption of the original ‘Baber’s Tower’ in Bristol where Champion built his first works.
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Figure 11: The Rank, demolished 1968
48) Not mentioned in the inventory, however, is the ice house; at 12m in diameter, it was probably the largest ice house in Britain at that time, far larger than those found on landed estates for domestic purposes. Given its size, it has been suggested that it had an industrial or commercial use, but evidence for this has never been established. A sketch by Loxton prior to 1900 shows it in association with an ice elevator, a rotating pulley system intended to lift ice from the lake to the top of the
icehouse, although this may be later than Champion.
Figure 12: The Icehouse lift with the Windmill Tower behind, sketched by Loxton in c.1900
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49) By 1761, Champion was seeking new partners in order to attract additional capital to support his expanding enterprises. He declared that the equipment at Warmley was not employed to full capacity and proposed that eighty new furnaces should be built in Kingswood nearby. To supply these with fuel, he planned to interest three local landowners, the ‘Lords of the Collieries’, to take on partnerships, for then they could be persuaded to sell ‘Good Coal, 20% cheaper than [to] other works of like nature’. Under the name of the Warmley Company, Champion approached Charles Whittuck of Hanham Hall, Charles Bragge of Cleve Hill (later Lord Bathurst) and Norbonne Berkley, Member of Parliament for Gloucestershire and later Lord Botetourt, none of whom had much time for the rival Bristol Company. In June 1761, at a meeting with the Bristol Company, they demanded much higher prices for coal delivered to Crew’s Hole and Baptist Mills. These prices caused consternation to the members of the older company and they were eventually refused. The way was open for trade with Warmley and Champion expanded his works into Kingswood and alongside the River Avon at Kelston.
50) One of Champion’s final innovations was the construction of a brass pin factory. Bristol had long been a centre for pin making on a small scale; the Bristol Brass and Wire Company produced the wire for others to make into pins, but Champion’s works at Warmley was the first place where the whole process from smelting the ores to packaging up the final product was undertaken on a single site. A contemporary observer described the process he saw in operation in a large ‘manufactory’ on the site, probably the Clock Tower if the bell that once hung in the tower dated 1764 is taken as evidence of the date of construction. The description is as follows:
‘After the ore is several times melted, it is poured into a flat mould of stone, by which means it is formed into thin plates about four feet long, and three broad. These plates are cut lengthways into seventeen stripes, and these again, by particular machines into which many more narrow ones, and drawn out into the length of seventeen feet, which are again drawn into wires, and done up in bundles of forty shillings value each. About an hundred of these bundles of wire are made here each week, and each of these bundles makes an hundred thousand pins. The wires are cut into proper lengths, and the whole process completed here, employing a great number of girls, who, with little machines worked by their feet, point and head the pins with such expedition that each of them will do a pound and a half in a day. The heads are spun by a woman, with a wheel resembling a common spinning wheel; and then separated from one another by a man, with another little machine like a pair of shears’.
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Figure 13: The Clock Tower, built c.1764
51) At its height in 1767, Champion compiled a ‘State of Warmley Co’s Stock, Debts & Effects’. The buildings, mills, fire engines, working houses, windmill, water works, warehouses, and dwelling houses ‘for the Mechanics Families &c’, were valued at £105,000. Sales stock on hand included copper ore; copper; manufactured copper such as Guinea manilas and Guinea rods; brass and brass manufactured into kettles, pans, Guinea kettles, Guinea neptunes (pans), lattin, wire; ingots; furnaces, stills, brewing utensils and pins; together with spelter; the total amounting to £94,000. The Guinea supplies confirm references in other sources that Champion was supplying wares for African barter in the outward journey of Bristol’s slave trade. The company’s stocks of coal, charcoal, calamine, iron, lead, steel, timber, etc, amounted to £8,000 and the capital employed was estimated at £300,000, with debts outstanding for goods supplied for about £93,000. Members of the Warmley Company had advanced £100,000, and £200,000 had been borrowed or taken up with interest.
52) With such high liabilities and further plans for even greater expansion, it is not perhaps surprising that Champion’s ambitions eventually led to his downfall. Working in secrecy, Champion and his partners sought a Charter of Incorporation so as to invest a further £400,000 by raising a stock of transferable shares. Once word was out, Champion’s rivals petitioned against the charter, arguing it would lead to a monopoly and deny them of their trade. By March 1768, the opposition had won and no further proceedings could be taken to obtain a charter. The following month, Champion was dismissed from the company by his partners who discovered he had tried to withdraw part of his capital without permission, knowing that collapse was inevitable. Champion became bankrupt. Despite attempts by the partners to save their investment, in March 1769 the Warmley Company was put up for auction and bought by Champion’s old rivals, the Bristol Brass and Wire Company.
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House & gardens – A utilitarian arcadia 53) Whilst at heart Champion may have been a metallurgist and entrepreneur, he also left at Warmley a fine house and elegant garden. The development and evolution of the garden is less well understood than that of the industrial works, but it is clear that they were always intended to be closely integrated. The gardens at Warmley have been described as an ‘art industrial’ landscape, where the design and construction of the features in the garden echo the fiery ingenuity of the Works to the south. The use of copper slag and blocks in the Grotto, Walled Garden and statue of Neptune, as well as the use of culverts to carry water back to the Grotto from the stamping mills and furnaces. Even the lake, utterly functional in its purpose to power the mills, became integrated within the designed landscape, topped off with the giant copper slag and plaster statue of Neptune standing on an island in its midst. But despite the unusual design, the house and gardens were entirely contemporary to their age, in particular the references to classical mythology, which was a central theme of early to mid 18th century landscape design. Certainly, the gardens reflect Champion’s own personality – larger than life and workaholic – with little wasted or could not have an alternative use.
Figure 14: Warmley House, c.1754
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54) Although the gardens must have evolved over Champion’s twenty years of occupancy, only the Grotto (below) demonstrates a long sequence of development and change over time. There are no contemporary plans or images showing the gardens, although the close integration between the works and gardens suggests that Champion had design in mind almost from the start. Water was crucial to the operation of the works, so the damming of the Siston Brook must have been one of the earliest tasks undertaken following Champion’s arrival in 1746. Whether or not Champion erected the Neptune statue before the lake was filled is unknown, but the use of copper-slag – the by-product of the foundry – suggests it was later. Nonetheless, the house was deliberately aligned to present the best aspect across the lake, altering the alignment of an earlier building that stood on its site. The house itself is a simple, restrained Palladian block, approached from the east along a driveway lined by later installed gas lamps. A small number of trees, including an Atlas Cedar, a Copper Beech and the large Holm Oak to the west of the bay window, appear to be original to Champion’s design. However, the House is barely visible from the gardens, as was common in many similar landscape gardens of the time, including Painswick, Stourhead and Claremont.
55) How much of the design Champion was directly responsible for is unknown. Mowl (2002) suggests that Thomas Wright may have had some influence over Champion’s design. Wright was one of the leading Rococo designers of his day, author of a book on grottos (1755) and was particularly active in Gloucestershire, setting out designs for the Duke of Beaufort at Badminton and importantly Champion’s partner Norborne Berkley at nearby Stoke Park. Wright had a fondness for aggressive textures such as stone and knarled wood, such as the bark clad Hermit’s Cell at Badminton, home to a uniquely female hermit called Urganda. Although it may be speculative to suggest, he could well have been attracted to Warmley, in particular to the iron-hard, gleaming black slag that was a by-product of the brass foundry. Indeed at Stoke Park, Wright constructed a 9m (30ft) long tunnel (now recently restored), clad very much like a grotto, leading to a subterranean water feature. However, there is no direct evidence of Wright being actively involved in Warmley, but Champion could have been influenced by what he may have seen at Stoke Park and elsewhere, setting out for
himself a gentleman’s garden according to the latest trends and fashions.
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Figure 15: The Statue of Neptune
56) A more likely influence over Champion’s designs seems to have been Thomas Goldney III, another wealthy Quaker related to Champion by marriage, and whom he called ‘uncle’. Goldney’s grandfather had been a prosperous grocer, whilst his father, although an investor in Darby’s pioneering iron works at Coalbrookdale, lost the respect from his fellow Quakers when he sponsored a privateering voyage designed to capitalise on the war with Spain. He had also spent some time in prison for suspected fraud. When Goldney became head of the family in 1731 at the age of 35, he was financially secure, but had a good deal of ground to make up socially. As his father had already rebuilt the family home, he set about enlarging the estate and laying out his gardens, complete with the most aristocratic of extravagancies – a folly. If Goldney wanted to establish himself as a real gentleman, there was no better way to do it. Goldney’s folly was a grotto, entered through a purely Gothick façade, beyond which one enters a pagan world of statues and tumbling water, its walls encrusted with shells, conches, crystals, fossils and corals. Goldney spent a lifetime embellishing his grotto, perhaps sharing ideas and thoughts with Champion on its design and meaning.
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Figure 16: Thomas Goldney III (1696-1768)
57) Champion’s grotto could not be more different, but it remains the hidden treasure of the whole site. Stepping through an incongruous, low and narrow doorway below the steps to the House, one moves slowly along a dark passage before turning right down a raking slope, which in the gloom feels as if one is moving far further below ground than one actually is. At the end of the passage one enters a large cavern, the roof now gone, but the effect remains of entering another world. Grottos were influenced by the Aeniad, Virgil’s account of the Trojan War hero’s passage into the Underworld in search for his deceased wife. Educated people of the time would have recognised and understood the allegories and symbolism of the flowing waters and pools, pausing to gaze at the gaping hell’s mouth leading to further caverns (now lost) beyond or to flit past a murmuring hermit. Evidence of niches in the walls suggest that the Grotto, like Goldney’s in Clifton, would have been elaborated with statues, although none survive today. Champion, practical as ever, built his grotto from clinker and copper slag, but there is no evidence to suggest that it was constructed from an earlier furnace or that it was used as a secret metallurgic laboratory. He did, however, put his industrial works to use, carrying hot water along a culvert to cascade down the rear wall of the southern cavern into a deep, square pool. A copper slag block culvert can be seen to the side, which may have brought steam from the Newcomen engine into the Grotto to remarkable effect. The effect must have been very similar to the hot Roman springs which had recently been exposed in nearby fashionable Bath, which Champion may have frequented in the 1750s. One leaves the Grotto to the west, entering the first of two walled gardens, whose dividing wall once carried window openings, later blocked with stone, brick and slag block to create a red and white chequered effect.
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Figure 17: The Grotto
58) One of the key features within the garden is the Echo Pond, which was fed by a leat (which might be more aptly described as a ‘canal’ as it was purposely ornamental as well as functional), running alongside the Elm Walk. Timothy Mowl (2002) describes it as ‘the type of sophisticated notion that the French kings toyed with in the royal gardens of seventeenth century Paris’. Sir Joseph Banks was similarly impressed on a visit to Warmley in 1767:
‘There is in the garden at a small distance from Mr Champion’s house a very surprising Echo. Standing about ten or twelve yards from the Person who speaks, their voice seems to be repeated out of the Clouds in the softest tone imaginable, they themselves not hearing the Repetitions; but what is more remarkable is that tho’ it is confined to a small Gravel walk, not more than twenty yards in Leng[t]h, it is not always in the same place, being sometimes at one part and sometimes in the other. The walk is close by the side of a
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semi-circular piece of water, walld in with a small parapet, but I was told by the people there that the Echo was there before the wall was built or the water made’
Figure 18: The Echo Pond
59) To the north of the Lake, Champion built a summerhouse that straddles both the Warmley and Siston Brooks. It looks as it if it should have acted as a feeder control to the lake, but rather it stood as an eye-catcher to be seen from the House and Gardens. The flow of water to the Elm Walk canal was controlled by a sluice on the Siston Brook.
60) The Summerhouse was built using black copper slag block quoins and Gothick crenellated walls, which echoed the Gothick feel of the gardens. The use of slag blocks became increasingly popular around Bristol, but their adoration was not shared by all. When William Reeve (another Quaker) used them in 1764 to create the striking black and white stables and administrative block at Arno’s Vale, it was immediately christened ‘the devil’s cathedral’ by Horace Wimpole.
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Figure 29: The Summerhouse
61) To the south of the gardens is a feature that neatly encapsulates what the whole enterprise was about – the interrelationship between productivity and pleasure. The Mound is similar to the viewing mounds found in 16th and 17th century formal gardens, but a number are known in 18th century gardens as well, notably Kew, although by the that time they were being seen as increasingly archaistic. The shape of the existing earthwork suggests that it there was once a spiralling path leading around the outside to the top (technically, a ‘snail mound’), which is now crowned by a grove of small oaks. To the north, one would have looked out over the walled gardens to the lake with Neptune and the Summerhouse beyond, perhaps glimpsing the coal mines in the distance, whilst to the south Champion’s industrious works belched smoke and fire to a continuous cacophony of batteries and steam engines. Nowhere else on the site is the juxtaposition between works and garden so pronounced. One gets the sense that Champion must have been proud to stand here and show off both of his creations.
62) The gardens at Warmley are as typically enterprising as Champion’s industrial works, combining utilitarian function with elaborate fancy. Perhaps indulgence in grottos and ancient gods allowed the business minded Quaker to relax a bit and indulge in fantasy for a while. Perhaps the gardens at Warmley were intended to impress men such as Norborne Berkley and Charles Bragge, potential investors and partners, persuading them that Champion was ‘one of them’ – educated, literary and cultured. Either way, Champion’s vision and personality holds strong throughout.
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Warmley after Champion 63) In 1768 and 1769 the Warmley works were put up for auction. The sales notice included ‘a large house for the manager’, but there is no mention of the gardens or pleasure grounds. The works were eventually sold to Champion’s arch rivals the Bristol Brass Company. Brassworking continued at Warmley following Champion’s departure in 1768, but it was gradually run down as production was concentrated within Bristol and Keynsham. Warmley, however, remained the primary location for the manufacturing of pins under the ownership of George Madgwich Davidson until at least 1835. Map evidence suggests that there was were no major changes of design within the Gardens since Champion’s time, although the area alongside and south of the Mound became productive gardens for the house with the construction of greenhouses and what has been suggested might have been a ‘heath house’, a heated glasshouse for the cultivation of Erica, popular at the time.
64) On the death of his father in 1851, Alfred Davidson sold the business to Joseph Haskins in 1881, who founded the Haskins Ceramic Works. The ceramic works utilised many of Champion’s original buildings but also included four open air beehive kilns with other kilns enclosed within two large rectangular buildings. Two large stacks joined the Tower Windmill to crown the Warmley skyline. An aerial view of c.1920 shows the Haskins works at the height of production. One of the four beehive kilns can be seen in the left foreground: the tall stack was known as ‘Titanic’.
Figure 20: Haskins Ceramics Works c.1920
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65) Sales documents show that the property consisted of a dwelling house, coach house, yard, lawn, gardens, pleasure grounds and ponds. Haskins produced domestic pottery and sanitary ware in the works, but the family did not move into the house until 1890, although they then stayed there until 1918. Haskins is not known to have made many alterations to the grounds, with the possible exception of a tennis court in the area of the present car park north of the house. At around the turn of the 20th Century, Samuel Loxton sketched a number of scenes at Warmley, including the house, the Summer House, which he called the water gate, Neptune, the Windmill Tower and the Ice Elevator. It was at Warmley in 1906 that Minnie Haskins wrote the poem ‘God Knows’, which was later used by George VI during the first Christmas broadcast at the outbreak of the Second World War, the inspiration of which came as she looked out onto the illuminated driveway. The poem was also recited at the Queen Mother’s funeral in April 2002.
66) In 1940, Warmley House became the council offices of the Warmley Rural District Council (subsequently Kingswood District Council), but was sold on with the opening of the Civic Centre in Kingswood in the mid 1980s and was subsequently converted to a nursing home in 1983. The Council retained ownership of the gardens and the Clock Tower but the southern end of the lake, homeground and the works were gradually disposed of over time. It was only the generosity of Imperial Smelting of Avonmouth (Rio Tinto Zinc) and pressure from their managing director S.W.K. Morgan, that enabled Neptune and the land to the north to remain in public hands. The pottery at Warmley remained in production until 1966, after which most of the surviving works buildings and Tower Rank were demolished in 1968. The Warmley Brook was canalised following a flood in 1968.
67) The former Dalton Young building was acquired by Avon County Council in the early 1990s as part of the Avon ring road scheme which saw the creation of Tower Lane. The buildings came to South Gloucestershire Council following local government reorganisation in 1996.
Figure 21: Workers at the Haskins Ceramics Works, c.1920
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3. SITE APPRAISAL
68) The following section provides an overview of the current state of the surviving site, including the surviving buildings and structures, archaeological remains, landscape character and ecology. Full details of each feature are provided in the Gazetteer (Appendix 1)
SURVIVING BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES 69) The site today may seem fragmentary, but enough survives in situ to tell the story of its development and history. The key surviving buildings and structures are:
• The former Dalton Young Building, incorporating the Kingswood Heritage Museum, Tower Windmill and Icehouse • The Clock Tower • Warmley House • The Grotto • The Echo Pond • The Walled Gardens • The Mount • The Summerhouse • The Statue of Neptune • The Laurel Walk • The Elm Walk & ‘canal’ • Main entrance drive & gates
Kingswood Heritage Museum / former Dalton Young Complex 70) The former Dalton Young complex developed organically from the mid 18th century until the present day. Its various elements retain evidence of frequent reorganisation and improvement to adapt to the changing needs of the works and the continual rearrangement of machinery to take account of various sources of power. The City of Hereford Archaeology Unit study (June 1995) allots letters to each of the elements of the Dalton Young complex. These are used in the Gazetteer (Appendix A) and in this report.
71) The two earliest elements within the Dalton Young Complex are A (the windmill) and C, (a building that may have housed a horse mill). Both mills are known to have been built by 1761 (see above) and the identification of Building C with one of the two horse mills is based on evidence in the flooring before the current concrete flooring
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was laid (City of Hereford Archaeology Unit, 1995 citing Joan Day pers comm.). It is not certain which building was built first. The horse mill may have been earlier as the windmill would have been capable of producing enough power to drive several machines simultaneously and the four openings in the windmill’s ground floor meant that these machines could have been located anywhere around the building. The history, development and interrelationship of each key element is described below:
Figure 22: Kingswood Heritage Museum / former Dalton Young buildings
Building A - The Windmill 72) A circular pennant sandstone building tapering towards the top, with four ground floor openings and four upper level openings. The openings have brick arches (semi- elliptical to the ground floor and segmental above, all with Bath stone keystones). The wall and openings of the windmill are original to the structure. The exterior of the building has many putlog holes. Internal mortices and rebates suggest seven internal levels, although there would probably have been fewer complete floors. The cap and sails are missing. The versatility of the structure means that it could have powered an assortment of machines, including a stamping mill. The 1761 inventory mentions stamps associated with the windmill, or alternatively may have lifted water that powered the watermills back into the lake, augmenting the work of the Newcomen engine. The north-west ground floor opening was blocked when the brick chimney was inserted in the late 19th or early 20th century.
Page 36 of 186 N
H G
F
A
E J D
B
C I
Champions Brassworks and Gardens
10 50 100 Figure 23 0 150 The Dalton Young Building Complex Champion’s Brass Works & Gardens Conservation Management Plan
Figure 24: Conjectural section through the Tower Windmill, suggesting a possible layout of wind-powered machinery to drive stamps in one of the outbuildings (after Watts, M 1996). Scale as shown.
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73) The building represents a rare survival of a relatively substantial windmill. As a windmill it is of regional significance and in its context in Warmley Brass works it is of national historic significance. It is the key building of the Dalton Young complex and is vital to the significance of the Warmley site.
Building B 74) A two storey building, initially built during the 18th century (although not original to the works). Only parts of the ground floor date to the 18th century. It appears that this building element was added onto both Building element C and the windmill A. The building would have functioned as a workshop and/or storage warehouse, relating to the use of the windmill. Machinery within it would probably have been driven by windmill.
Building C - Horse mill 75) A single storey rectangular pennant sandstone building with a roof that is fully hipped on its north west side and half hipped to the south east, with a pan tile cover. The roof is supported on an irregular system of two king post roof trusses with raking struts, which show signs of having been historically reconfigured. The 1761 inventory states that there were ‘lofts’ above the horse mills. An associated loft would have had to have occupied the roofspace within this building and the roof truss configuration would have restricted movement and useable space.
Figure 25: The Horsemill
76) The 1841 tithe map and the extant masonry show that elements of the building extended to the south east. Part of the roof reconfiguration may have followed the removal of the south eastern part of the building. Several drive shaft and bearing openings in the north west and north east walls indicate that the windmill powered machinery adjacent Buildings B and D. The horse mill would have been critical to
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drive machinery if the wind was not blowing. The Ice House (element H) and the later Building G both predate Building F.
Building D 77) Building element D and the ground floor of Building I may be contemporary with each other. They probably predate Building E but the fact that this building may have been substantially altered means that this is not certain. It is also not certain whether the possibly early parts of Building E are earlier or later than Building F. The upper storeys of Building I are of 19th Century date, whilst Building J dates to the 1950s. Building element D and the ground floor of Building I appear originally to have been a long single storey pennant sandstone shed, built alongside Building C (which is earlier). The building dates to the between the mid 18th century and the early 19th century. It appears on both the 1841 tithe map and the 1881 Ordnance Survey.
78) Building D’s relationship with E is uncertain. The walls are pennant sandstone. There are two blocked narrow openings in the wall between C and D and two narrow openings (a low level opening and full height opening) in the wall between D and E. These would have houses bearings for drive shafts. The power to drive these is likely to have come from the windmill with Building D acting largely as a gearing hub transferring power to machinery in the surrounding buildings. There would have been a continuous working space that extended from Building I to Building B. The two king post roof trusses in D date to the late 19th or 20th century. The king posts have sloping joggles without raking braces. The building has been re-roofed in the 20th century.
Building E 79) Building E is a single storey building with pennant sandstone side walls. Its date is uncertain but its side walls are likely to date to the 18th century. The openings to Building E have been described above. The map evidence indicates that Building F was built between 1881 and 1902 and the north west wall of E would have been an exterior wall until then. The blocked openings in this wall are likely to have been windows rather than drive shaft openings. There is a central blocked window in this wall, and the good quality dressed stone surrounds to the blocked opening to the north east of this confirm further suggest an opening on a exterior wall. The north east wall appears to have been largely rebuilt to accommodate the late 19th to 20th century segmental arched headed doorway and the two 20th century flat roofed toilet blocks. The openings have machine made brick surrounds, with a machine made brick gable. There is some earlier pennant sandstone masonry to the sides of the door on the north east wall. The late 20th century south west wall is of brick, beyond which the roof continues into Building J. Historic maps show that the building formerly extended approximately to the south western limit of Building J (1881 Ordnance Survey). The 1761 inventory links the windmill, stamps and smithies. It is likely that Buildings B and D contained stamping machines, being nearest to the windmill and thus to the source of power. Building E is likely to have housed more peripheral activities, such as processing and storage relating to the stamping process and or a smith’s workshop.
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Building F 80) Building F was built between 1881 and 1889 in pennant sandstone and is larger than the earlier single storey buildings. The structure was re-roofed in the late 20th century, with elegant modern roof trusses. Although built after Champion’s period, the building’s construction harmonises with that of the earlier buildings and contributes positively to the significance and variety of the group. A culvert, approximately 7m long, runs in parallel to the north wall of this building.
Building G – The Ice House Link Building 81) A building with two side walls built onto the Ice House. Its front south east wall dates to the 20th century. The building’s south west wall predates the gable wall of Building F, which is built on top of the wall. Building G’s sloping roof was rebuilt at its current height at the same time as, or after the gable wall of Building F was added.
Building H – The Ice House 82) The Ice house is a substantial building that dates to the mid 18th century. It is built in pennant sandstone as a sunken circular structure, the side walls of which extend above ground level and there is a drain in the west wall and in the centre of the sunken floor. The roof is of domed pennant sandstone with a central oculus and a north east circular top entrance. The outward thrust of the dome is restrained by two wrought iron hoops. The size of the structure suggests the use of ice on an industrial scale, possibly to cool the brass or copper. It has been suggested that the ice house was intended as a zinc smelting furnace, but his cannot be proven. As an ice house this building is of unusually large dimensions and is thus unique.
Figure 26: The Ice House
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Building I 83) The three front windows to the ground floor of Building I were added in the mid to late 20th century and have concrete lintels. To their north east are two blocked openings, one between Buildings I and C and the other a former doorway. Building I has two upper suspended floors (one concrete and the other timber), one occupying the roof space, added late 1940s or early 1950s. The first floor is partly supported on a central line of reinforced concrete posts and on internal brick pilasters. The 20th century roof is supported on five king post trusses, one of which is on the north east gable. As in Buildings D and E, the king posts have sloping joggles without raking struts. These roofs are likely to have been added during the same period.
Building J 84) Building J was built in the mid to late 20th century. It has a reinforced concrete frame, two storeys and its roof is supported on clear span steel trusses. The building is significant in that it reflects the continuing industrial use of the complex from Champion to the late 20th century. As such, it represents the last phase of a long history of industrial use.
The Clock Tower 85) This building was built as the pin factory before 1764. It is built in pennant sandstone with copper slag block quoins (the lower parts of which have mouldings) and has six bays and three storeys. The clock tower at its south east corner is original to the first phase of building and appears to bebuilt of higher quality mason than the rest of the building, which was partially rebuilt in the mid 19th century. The building has a rear extension roofed as an outshot. The roof is hipped, with butt purlins. The top floor ceiling is above the level of the truss collars. The structure above the collars is not known as the roofs space was not accessible. The roof has a pan tile cover. The southern bay is separated from the rest of the building internally by a stone wall. The building has four main phases of development.
Figure 27: The Clock Tower - casement window
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86) The earliest phase consists of two elements. The main three storey mill is original and there is evidence of a small outbuilding or extension with copper slag block quoins at the rear of the 5th bay from the north, within the later outshot. Only evidence of its ground floor survives and it may have been a single storey structure. The main part of the factory had large segmental headed openings at the front (east) and small segmental headed openings at the back. There is no evidence to suggest that the front openings have been enlarged. There is evidence of blocked openings on the front elevation on the sixth bay from the north, partly concealed by the later clock tower. The fact that these openings are set between the levels of the extant fenestration, suggests that they lit a former staircase that would have been accessed from the extant doorway to the north of the clock tower. The central ground floor doorway is a later addition. The Clock Tower was probably built by 1764, as the bell that hung in the tower was dated 1764. The fact that the tower conceals the former probable staircase windows indicates that these were probably blocked early in the building’s development.
87) The 1841 tithe map shows the building as L shaped indicating that the rear extension may be that described above. If the depiction on this map is accurate (tithe maps cannot generally be relied upon to show building plans accurately) it would suggest that the building was extended slightly to the south after 1841. This would account for the fact that the ground floor of the south elevation is constructed with large areas of slag blocks, a different form of construction to the rest of the building’s masonry and the fact that the roof shows signs of alteration at its ends. However, it is also possible that the extension on the tithe map is a further extension to the south and south west of the extant extension that has been removed. This last interpretation is more probable as the 1881 Ordnance Survey map shows a rear extension at the south end of the building, with the clock tower at the front.
88) Most of the rear extension is later. Except for the 18th century west wall on its southern bay, the rest of the structure appears to date to the end of the 19th century or the 20th century. It has pennant sandstone walls with 19th century steel casement windows, with some with cast iron frames. The first floor is supported on encased steel beams. Other than the west exterior walling on its southern bay (discussed above) the only evidence that the extension is earlier than the end of the 19th century is that its northern windows are similar to those on the front of the building. It is, however possible that the front windows frames were replaced in the late 19th century when the rear extension was added. A brick chimney on the front elevation is a late 19th to early 20th century addition and is one of two shown on the front elevation on a photograph of Haskin’s pottery taken in the late 1920s. The fire escape staircase and the extension’s south west corner brickwork date to the late 20th century.
89) Within the main part of the building the current front (north west) door, staircase and landing partitions date to the 20th century. The separation of the south end of the building from its main northern part is also probably a 20th century development. The upper parts of the front wall were rebuilt in the 20th century, with the roof trusses
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being reset in steel shoes at their east ends. Adjacent to the building is a large granite slab which formed half of a set of copper sheet moulds.
The Grotto 90) The Grotto is probably the most remarkable of all the surviving features on the property. It survives as a series of chambers and tunnels extending down the hill to the west of Warmley House. Its earlier parts have arches that are largely barrel vaulted and therefore classical, whilst later additions (ie. the areas to the east and south east) have a more Gothick, pointed profile. The structure is mostly constructed with by products of the brass manufacturing process (clinker and slag blocks) and with stone (mostly pennant sandstone with some mudstone). This assessment is based on a review of the City of Hereford Archaeology Unit report (1995) and a survey undertaken by Atkins Heritage in May 2006. The latter study attempts to present the development of the Grotto, which seems to have been undertaken in four key phases.
Figure 28: The Grotto - Chequered Lawn entrance
91) Phase 1: The earliest phase that could be seen on inspection was the L shaped corridor to the north of the main entrance chamber. This has masonry walls, with some use of copper slag blocks, and clinker vaulting. There is a blocked door to a backfilled room to its east (marked 7 in the City of Hereford Archaeological Unit’s report), that may be earlier (although the lack of access precluded verification). This early grotto would have been accessed from the walled garden to the east.
92) Phase 2: The second phase appears to survive in the current main entrance chamber and the room to the south containing the largest pool. This is characterised by areas of masonry (mostly at low level) with clinker walling above. This form of construction only appears in some areas and it is probable that there has been
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considerable rebuilding, especially when the grotto was extended into the hill side to the east. The pool area’s west wall would have been largely open at its west end and three arches with formerly open tympana were set into the south wall. The water was most recently fed into this pool from the east, although it may originally have come through one of the high level arches in the south wall. There was continued work to alter the amount and quality of light in this part of grotto. There is a possible door (or niche) to the south of the current west doorway and the western arched opening to the south west room with a large pool shows signs of three phases of blocking. The southern arches in this room may also have been progressively blocked.
93) Phase 3: The third phase consisted of a chamber at the north end of the Grotto. This was not accessible during the site inspection for safety reasons. The City of Hereford Archaeological Unit’s report suggests that this was the second phase of the Grotto’s development, however the fact that this report indicates that it post-dated the south western pool means that in this revised interpretation it would be the third phase.
94) Phase 4: The fourth phase represents the extension of the grotto into the hillside, with the construction of the western access corridor and two additional chambers with pools. This phase of development is characterised by its tunnels and chambers being lined almost entirely with clinker, with occasional mudstone fragments. The most recent system of watercourses supplying the various pools would have been constructed with this phase.
95) The rapid expansion of the grotto over a short period is indicative of Champion’s need to compete with other grotto builders – notably Thomas Goldney - whom he would have known socially. The fact that the Warmley works was much visited would also have provided a spur to enhancing his pleasure gardens. Small, relatively informal houses were fashionable in the 1750s and the informality of the gardens and its features would have been appropriate to the house which was a fairly modest five bay villa.
The Echo Pond 96) The Echo Pond is mostly constructed with pennant sandstone with copper slag block decoration. It is roughly semi-circular in plan with its curved north west side extending into the area of the former lake. The walling steps out internally above the current water level. There is an earth walkway around the north west side of the pond and the remains of another curved stone and slag block wall that acted as a retaining wall on the lake side of the bank. The structure appears to have been built in a single operation with internal concrete repairs dating to the 20th century. The concrete appears to have been added as a lining to retain the water within the pond. In the 18th century the water in the lake may have supplied the pond. There are brick culverts extending south east from the south east side of the pond and extending north east from the east corner of the pond.
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The Boathouse 97) The Boathouse is built with pennant sandstone with copper slag block quoins, is square in plan and survives as a ruin. There has been some suggestion that this may have originally been another engine house, but there is no evidence to support this idea and it would seem that it had always been intended as use as a boathouse, although later altered to create a two storey building. There are low level arches on the north west side (lake side) and on the south east side (landward side). The arch facing the lake would have allowed a small boat to be launched onto the lake. The structure originally had openings on the north east, south east and south west sides which would have provided access to the boat. There is evidence of an upper floor in the form of windows and an angled chimney with fireplace on the east corner.
Figure 29: The Boathouse
98) The upper storey of the Boathouse appears to be a later addition. This is indicated by the fact that the tall openings that once existed on all sides of the structure were blocked to insert new window openings. The bricks used for this appear to be machine made - a mid 19th century development.
99) The fact that taller openings (that formerly existed on all sides of the structure) were blocked to insert the windows and that the brick in the upper level features is quite late (some bricks appear to be machine made, a mid 19th century technological development), suggests that the upper floor was inserted later in the building’s development. This is also indicated by the fact that the external doorways would have been set at a level that the upper floor would have been accessed by a few steps, but that access down to the water, below the upper level would have been extremely difficult due to the low level of the upper floor and the high level of the door steps. The building had a hipped roof until 1967 (City of Hereford Archaeological Unit).
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Statue of Neptune 100) The statue of Neptune is built in concrete with clinker detailing and is originally thought to have held a copper trident. Located towards the northern end of the former lake, it stands at almost 8 metres tall and is surrounded by vegetation, some of which may be damaging the structure and is currently inaccessible. The structure is visible from the Echo Pond and from various points within the garden and is a major landmark within the site.
The Garden Walls 101) There are a number of garden walls around the area of the grotto, around the Echo Pond and on the gates of Warmley House. Their age and significance varies. They all contribute to the character and interest of the site as a whole as their materials harmonise with those of many of the historic features. The walling mainly incorporates pennant sandstone and in some cases had copper slag block and clinker decoration.
Figure 30: The Chequered Lawn Wall
102) The gates leading into the site from Tower Road North are original to Warmley House, although they have been repaired more than once since the mid 18th century. Their outer wall piers are built in course grain sandstone blocks and are protected by granite guard stones. The wing walls are of pennant sandstone and curve inwards to the gate piers on which hang the wrought iron gates. The sandstone piers have been repaired using a cement render. The gate piers and related walls contribute to the importance of the site in that they retain evidence of the status of the house and gardens and that it was seen as much more than an industrial site.
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LOST & DEMOLISHED BUILDINGS & FEATURES 103) Most of the industrial buildings relating to Champion’s tenure and the later ceramic works have been demolished or encroached upon, including:
• The Newcomen Engine(s) • The Battery Mills • The Copper and Brass Furnaces • The casting areas • The zinc smelting area • The annealing area • Tower Rank (Workers’ Houses) • The Lake
104) However, cartographic, photographic and documentary evidence – in particular the Syston Parish Tithe Map of 1841 - does provide enough information to provide an overview of each of these features. The locations of these buildings as shown on the Tithe Map have been superimposed onto a modern Ordnance Survey map (Fig 8). Where it has been possible to identify the structure, it has been annotated with an identifying letter (eg Site A).
The Newcomen Engine(s) - A 105) Champion was an early proponent of the Newcomen engine in the West of England. Angerstein’s 1754 sketch of the engine, although lacking some accuracy, should not be discounted. He was an industrial spy and recording of features, rather than artistic impressions, would have been part of his expertise. Although he may not have understood fully the workings of a Newcomen engine (he was probably not able to obtain access to the engine house), nevertheless he clearly illustrates the lift via the arch-head with the water discharging over a sill or weir. The angle of the building on the right suggests the area as being the shape of a triangular pond area to the east side.
‘What is special about this mill is that it is driven by water, which is brought up from 3 fathoms [5.5m] by a Fire Engine and then runs into a wide reservoir: from this onto the wheels and finally to the Fire Engine to be pumped up anew.’ 106) Angerstein’s observations of a 5.5m lift are borne out by the fact that the triangular pond must have been considerably lower than the lake. The overflow from the triangular pond would have returned to the Siston brook via the remains of the leat that still survives near the roundabout. The chances of remnants of this engine house, including the culverts that served it, surviving at a considerable depth, must be good. The most likely site for the Newcomen engine is Site A, next to the triangular pond B (Fig 8). This was a tall gable-ended building still present in 1960. The pond (Site B) B probably acted as a sump for ‘used’ water from the water wheels and from the culverts associated with Echo Pond. From this pond the water would have been
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H
K I
Q M -C P A D, E, F B J L
O G
N
A - Newcomon Engine B - Triangular Pond D,E,F - Battery Mills H - Brass Furnace I - Works K - Casting Area L - Zinc Shelting Area M, J - Warehouses N - Annealing Area O - Tower Row
Champions Brassworks and Gardens
10 50 100 Figure 31 0 150 Location of Lost Industrial Buildings Champion’s Brass Works & Gardens Conservation Management Plan
pumped to a higher level by the Newcomen engine. The site of the building and pond is underneath the eastern part of the modern factory.
The Battery Mills – D, E & F 107) The area adjoining the eastern terminal of the lake is the most likely position for the battery mills, slitting mills and wire drawing plant (Sites D, E & F), because they depended on the water power to drive the water wheels. Photographs taken before the 1960s demolition show three hip-roofed cottages with considerable alterations, and a three-storey building (D) which has the appearance of an engine house. The conversion to cottages took place before 1841. By 1889, the building on the lake side had been demolished and a photograph shows the cleared ground behind the three- storey building. Champion does not list slitting mills in his 1761 inventory but, as he is known to have been using them at that time, it can be assumed that slitting was incorporated with rolling in this area (Day 1995).
108) The five battery mills and 12 hammers listed in 1761, probably indicate the use of five waterwheels operating 12 separate hammers. Three of these waterwheels may have powered 9 fast trip hammers shaping hollow-ware vessels, the other two wheels powering heavier hammers for flattening metal (Day 1995) or possibly one working the wire mill which needed less power. All would have been supplied by culverts running from the lake and ending in the sump (Triangular Pond, Site B).
The Copper and Brass Furnaces – G & H 109) A group of buildings immediately to the south of the triangular pond is shown on the Tithe plan. Most had been demolished by 1881 but a remnant (G), to the south-east of this complex, survived until at least 1902. This may have been an annealing furnace.
110) The area now underneath the modern nursing wing of Warmley House included the remains of a line of three brass furnaces (H) (Day 1988). The inventory of 1761 refers to 15 furnaces and the remaining twelve are likely to have been in the vicinity of the remains discovered. They were probably associated with the 1841 line of buildings running directly north from the Clock Tower. An associated rank of buildings (I) ran at right-angles from the north end of the Clock Tower. By 1881 most of these buildings had been cleared, the area to the north being marked by a boundary.
111) The placing of other furnace operation is more speculative and has been based on the fact that the smelting of copper sulphide ores would have resulted in the emission of offensive sulphur dioxide fumes. Such furnaces are, therefore, more likely to have been positioned down-wind from housing. Other coal-fired furnace operations, although less troublesome, are also likely to have been placed down-wind and away from low-lying land where flooding might occur. Areas used by the later ceramic works may have followed the site production of crucibles and bricks for Champion works.
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112) The tithe map shows a range of buildings extending from what is now the front garden of 136 Tower Road North through to the rear gardens of 148 & 150 (J). The southern part (M), which was still extant in the 1880s, may lie under the weigh house. A separate range (J) on the same orientation, lies to the south of M in open ground east of the triangular pond. The Haskins ceramics kilns 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8 which were built over much of this latter area and the 1880s tramway which cut through it will have caused substantial damage to earlier levels.
The Casting Areas - K 113) In the triangle formed by the range running north from the Clock Warehouse and the diagonal range, there is a rectangular range made up of five main buildings all shown in 1841 (Site K). This range lay in what are now the rear gardens of Nos. 136 to 144 Tower Road North. There is likelihood that brass casting went on in this area, close to the brass furnaces. The heavy granite slab by the Clock Warehouse which would have been used for the casting of brass, is unlikely to have been moved very far. Another slab is incorporated `as a threshold in No. 140 and large fragments of granite can be found in some of the garden walls to the villas.
The Zinc Smelting area - L 114) The remains of a building (Site L), including vaulting, zinc silicate and crucible fragments were uncovered in advance of the construction of the modern wall running parallel to Tower Road North, and assigned to the period of Champion’s works (Parry 1994). The remains may represent the substantial building shown in 1841 and still in use around 1880, although a weighing machine had been added on the north side by then.
115) The main building survived into the 1880s but the cutting for the tramway must have come very close to it. In 1761 there were four furnaces for ‘spelter’ (increased to five by 1767) (Day 1995). As zinc smelting went on until 1850 under the Davidsons, it is possible that building L and M were used for this purpose. When zinc production ceased they became redundant and the tramway cutting completed their demise.
Zinc Furnance - N 116) A large rectangular building (Site N) is shown on the tithe map south of the suggested battery mills. This building is of industrial proportions and may have been the location of the zinc furnaces or an annealing area, which would have needed to be close to the battery mills. Part of the outline of this building is shown in 1881 but by 1889 there were only two small buildings which were still extant in 1953.
Tower Rank (Workers’ Houses) - O 117) The 13 houses of Tower Rank (Site O) ran east from near the Dalton Young Complex to near the dam belonging to the eastern arm of the lake (Plate 12). The houses were demolished in 1968 but surveyed beforehand by Bristol Industrial Archaeology Society. The three-storey tenements, incorporated the use of copper slag quoins, a characteristic of mid-18th century buildings of the site. The Tower Rank houses were
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built to a similar design to those surviving at Kelston Mills, another Champion site (Day 1995). This area is now grass extending into the car park bordering Tower Lane. The sheds or privies now lie under Tower Lane and the gardens to the south side of it. Although these houses date from Champion’s time (Day 1995) and were excellent examples of early dwellings provided by the employer for his workmen, their foundation would probably tell us little. With the eight additional cottages identified from the tithe apportionment, the 13 in the Rank would add towards Champion’s total of twenty-five.
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ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTERVENTION 118) As so much of the site has been lost in recent years to demolition and redevelopment, archaeological techniques are crucial to understanding the extent and survival of below ground remains. A considerable amount of archaeological work was carried out under an MSC (Manpower Commission Services) scheme directed by Lesley Howes in the late 1980s. The most recent archaeological recording was undertaken by English Heritage Archaeological Projects to the rear of the former Lindman’s factory following unauthorised development in 2006.
119) In 1986 foundations trenches were driven through a set of three structures to the west of the back lane beyond Nos 138 and 140 Tower North Road. These structures are thought to have been calamine brass furnaces, orientated east-west and contained within a 10m area. The remaining cylindrical brick structures were confirmed as cementation furnaces. Unfortunately, only outline recording was possible before the trenches were rapidly filled with concrete.
120) Remains of what are presumed to be part of Champion’s works were discovered by the Avon Archaeological Unit in 1993 during the excavation of a trench in a narrow strip of land bordering Tower Road North. Further excavation in a parallel trench and in two test pits slightly to the east of the first trench revealed parts of a structure and metallurgical waste that may be associated with zinc or brass making (Parry 1994).
121) During the 1993 excavations, a substantial external wall with a combined thickness of nearly 2m running north-west / south east was found. The east side of the area revealed part of another substantial wall with a return. A similarly constructed structure lay 1m to the south. To the south, three walls were uncovered within an area of approximately 3m. The southernmost of these contained a duct about 1m from the surface level. The area between the north, east and south walls was interpreted as being composed of a number of free-standing pillars, originally surmounted with vaulting. The complex would therefore have formed a grid-like layout of passageways and ducts, much of which was probably subject to high temperatures as indicated by the presence of refactory bricks. It was concluded that the structure was either terraced or below ground at the time of its use. To the north a slightly irregular linear feature consisting of concrete fused with ceramic pipe fragments was revealed.
122) The remains were apparently not related to any building known from documentary or cartographic sources, but by careful comparisons it has been suggested that the northern foundation represented an external wall of a substantial building possibly used for zinc smelting (Site L – see above). The eastern wall also appears to have been in part revealed with a possible doorway of about 1m width. The southern wall of this building lies approximately 20m south of the northern external wall. This would mean that the two other walls mentioned above are likely to form a free-standing building. The existence of a duct and localised metallurgical waste indicates that this may have been a furnace. This building does not appear on the Tithe Map and because of its depth may have gone out of use soon after Champion’s departure.
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123) In 1995 Avon Archaeological Unit undertook further excavations close to the modern Tower Road North bridge on the site of the bridge shown on the 1841 Tithe Map, consisting of an 8m trench parallel to the Siston Brook. The natural sand was overlain by topsoil, heavily contaminated with industrial ash and clinker, probably deliberately dumped in at least two episodes. After the construction of the present retaining wall (considered modern, although containing re-used copper slag blocks), the ground was made up with rubble to form footings for an office. There were no significant finds associated with the Champion period.
124) In 2006 English Heritage Archaeological Projects undertook a programme of emergency recording following unauthorised development works within the area of the Scheduled Monument to the rear of the former Lindman’s factory. The works had revealed a culvert with cast slag block capping, layers of slag and clinker, demolition material, mortar laid floor deposits and a mauve coloured deposit rich in zinc and zinc compound.
125) The most significant find was a fragment of unstratified refractory material, identified as deriving from either a brass cementation crucible or a zinc retort. This was approximately 48mm thick (not including the vitrified layers on both surfaces), which would be more in keeping with a zinc-smelting retort than a brass cementation crucible. The vitrification of the outer surface resembled that seen on the exterior surface of crucibles used in the coal-fired glass industry and is probably due to the action of coal fumes and ash (with some zinc vapour). The vitrification on the exterior surface was heterogeneous and vesicular. The chemical composition (see appendix) and microstructure, eg presence of zinc-aluminium spinels, of the ceramic core are similar to those reported by Freestone (1988). The absence of copper indicates that this is a fragment of a zinc smelting retort rather than a brass cementation crucible. The vitrification on the interior surface contains a variety of phases and may be the ‘residuum’ left after zinc smelting.
Figure 32: Unstratified fragment of refractory material
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LANDSCAPE CHARACTER APPRAISAL 126) The purpose of this section is to identify and describe the key features of the grounds which comprise the remains of Champion’s Brassworks & Gardens in their current condition. Though there are several unifying features characteristics of the site in its entirety, the grounds consist of several distinct areas, distinguishable for their individual landscape character. Therefore the grounds have been divided into 14 landscape character areas and will be individually discussed herein.
Character Area 1 - Entrance Drive 127) The original entrance drive to the grounds, from Tower Road North leading to the main house, remains the main entry to the public grounds and Brasswork gardens, shared with the Warmley House residential nursing home. The drive is a concealed entrance, the concave, semi-circular stone walls and wrought iron gates are set back from the footpath. They are heavily shaded by a mature Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) to the rear of the wall; a possible vestige of the planting shown on the 1881 Ordnance Survey. There is no signage on the street to the Gardens (because they have been repeatedly stolen); two small print signs are provided to the Residential home now occupying the main house.
128) A single vehicle width tarmac drive follows the same gently curving alignment as the original drive, as shown on the 1841 Siston tithe map. Following the outer edge of the drive to the north is an unmanaged Holly hedge, in places overgrown with elder and sycamore scrub, which provides partial screening to the adjacent private property.
129) To the south of the drive is a grassed lawn, heavily shaded by a number of ornamental trees. Though a few of these trees are mature, the majority were replanted on the site of lost trees by the Kingswood Heritage Museums Trust between 1988 and 1990 and are considered historically correct in relation to Champion’s original scheme. A retaining wall of varying heights with visible signs of alternations and repairs defines the southern boundary of the lawn and is suggested on the 1841 tithe plan. This wall incorporates the black slag copings that are characteristic throughout the site. Heritage style lamps are located along the southern verge of the drive, however no segregated footpath is provided for pedestrian access. The lack of public signage and designated public footpath result in a ‘private property’ feel to the drive which may discourage casual users from exploring the grounds.
Character Area 2 - Warmley House 130) Warmley House, served by the public entrance drive, is located on the highest point on the site and was occupied by William Champion while the Brassworks were in production. The house would have provided views out over the entire estate, with the majority of the industrial works to south, or rear of the house, and the gardens to the north.
131) The house and a small area of the grounds to the west of the house are now in the private ownership of the Warmley House Nursing and Residential Care home. The
Page 53 of 186 1 Entrance Drive N 2 Warmley House 3 Public Car Park 4 Echo Lawn and Pond 5 Laurel Walk 6 Chequred Wall Garden and Mount 7 Grotto and Nuttery 8 Elm Walk and Leat 9 Summer House 9 18 10 Lake and Statue of Neptune 11 Caravan Park 12 Windmill and Ice House 13 Industrial Unit 14 Clock Tower 15 Industrial Units 10 16 19th Century Housing 17 Mid 20th Century Housing 17 18 Late 20th Century Housing
8 11
4 3 1
7 2 16 6 5 14
12 13 2
15
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10 50 100 Figure 33 0 150 Landscape Character Areas Champion’s Brass Works & Gardens Conservation Management Plan
views to and from the house are limited by individual mature ornamental trees to the north and west, characteristic of the grounds, including a Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria araucana). A line of large mixed deciduous and coniferous trees mark the top of the retaining wall screening views to the car park below. There are views from the front of the property out over the Echo Lawn and pond, and views back to the property from the north-west, including from The Grange playing fields opposite the Siston Brook.
Figure 34: Warmley House coach house
132) To the west of the house is a small, partially overgrown area of lawn, to the south of the Echo Lawn, within the residential home’s property. These grounds are at a higher level to the Echo Lawn, separated by stone retaining walls made from a mix of local limestone and industrial by-products. The grounds are accessible from the Echo Lawn by two sets of steps.
133) This area is heavily shaded by several mature trees, including Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippoocastanum), Robinia (Robinia x holdtii) and Willow (Salix sp.). Dense scrub growth runs along the northern edge to the retaining wall, as well as above the underground Grotto. To the south of the grounds and to the rear of the house is a strip of dense woodland growth, screening the private industrial works now occupying what was once part of the industrial works. Much of this area was removed in 2006.
134) The house grounds are also accessible from the Warmley gardens via a flight of stone steps to the rear of the Grotto and along an informal footpath leading from the Mound.
Character Area 3 - Public Car Park
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135) The Warmley Gardens car park is located on a lower terrace to the north of the House which may have formerly been used as a tennis court. The car park is accessed via a steep ramp off the entrance drive; the surface is loose chippings accommodating parking for up to approximately twenty vehicles.
136) The car park is enclosed on three sides by walls: a retaining wall to the south separating it from the house, a free standing stone wall to the gardens to the west, and by a low parapet wall to a private property to the east. This property has established an unauthorised access route leading from the car park access ramp. The northern edge is an open chestnut pale fence with alder trees and Lawson’s cypress with limited views through to the neighbouring field.
137) The car park is heavily shaded by the mature trees along the top of the retaining wall to the house. The age of these trees suggests they may have been planted as part of the original landscaping to the house; however they are not evident on the 1881 Ordnance Survey. The stone walls are overgrown with vines and weeds, which encroach into the car park itself.
138) Access to the gardens is gained through a single opening in the western wall leading onto the Echo Pond Lawn. This opening is too narrow to permit vehicle access into the grounds.
Character Area 4 - Echo Lawn and Pond 139) The Echo Lawn is an open lawn forming a sloping loosely conical amphitheatre converging on the semi-circular Echo Pond, a layout which can be seen on the 1841 tithe plan. The lawn slopes down towards the north, offering views out over what was formerly the Lake, now partly occupied by the Kingsway Residential Caravan Park. The oversized statue of Neptune is still visible from the lawn to the north of the caravan park, rising at mid-waist from above the tree and scrub woodland in what was the northern half of the lake.
140) The lawn is at a lower level than the main house, separated by a retaining wall, or ha- ha, that wraps around the southern edge of the lawn. A flight of steps leads up to the house from the south-east corner of the lawn, another leads up to the overgrown house grounds from the south-west corner. Adjacent to these steps is a former entrance to the Grotto, now kept gated and locked. Along the south and west edge of the lawn are several isolated ornamental trees.
141) The water level in the pond has dropped significantly since the leat which fed it was stopped up. It remains a sunken, overgrown marshy area with small areas of open standing water. The pond edge is open to the south, with a stone re-enforced drop; a semi-circular stone wall encloses the pond to the north to create the echo effect. Trees, scrub growth and time have damaged the pond’s structure and caused leaking; the stumps of previously felled trees still cling to the stone wall. A narrow grass path wraps around to the rear of the pond with another low stone wall dividing the grounds from the adjacent Caravan Park.
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142) East of the pond is the Elm Walk, running north adjacent to the dry canal which once fed the Echo Pond. The elms were lost in the 1970s during the Dutch Elm Disease blight. West of the pond is the Boat-house, built of stone and slag and present on the 1841 tithe plan. The structure was badly damaged by a fire in 1968 and survives only as a shell, now in poor condition.
Character Area 5 - Laurel Walk 143) The Laurel Walk is likely the remnants of a longer lakeside path which linked the Mound and walled gardens with the Echo Pond and through to the Elm Walk and Summer House. It was not evidently known as The Laurel Walk until referred to as such within a land transfer document of 1918.
144) The path surface is a mix of chippings and rammed earth, laid down in the 1980s, and aligned on the Windmill. A laurel hedge defines the boundary between the grounds and Caravan Park; it is poorly maintained and provides only partial screening of views. Opposite, the walk is lined by a series of mature deciduous trees and stumps, predominantly Horsechestnut. There is no evidence of these trees on the 1881 Ordnance Survey map.
145) The walk leads alongside the walled gardens, which can be glimpsed into on occasion. The walls are of varying heights and construction; in keeping with the overall style of the grounds they were built incorporating slag blocks and clinker. The walls are heavily overgrown with climbing shrubs and vines.
Character Area 6 - Chequered Wall Garden and Mound 146) The garden is set into the western slope of the hill on which Warmley House stands, with the Nuttery to the north, and the Mount at its entrance to the south. It is thought the garden utilised a pre-existing stone quarry of an earlier industrial complex. The garden is fully enclosed, with retaining walls to the south and east, free standing stone walls bounding the Laurel Walk to the West and Nuttery to the north. It is the wall dividing the garden from the Nuttery that has become known as the Chequered Wall.
147) The Chequered Wall is so known due to the distinctive chequer-board pattern infill of slag blocks and red bricks to several arched forms, possibly former window openings, within the wall. Traces of limewash suggest this was the location of a greenhouse, with an associated boiler house on the opposite, Nuttery side of the wall.
148) The basic layout of the garden was revealed during archaeological excavations of a well and perimeter paths. This former layout is reflected in a simple lawn and loose gravel paths. Planting is minimal with clipped formal Box edging to the Chequered Wall; all of the original planting appears to have been lost.
149) The Mound was a still a fashionable garden feature at the time Champion was setting out his grounds, although in the last years of its popularity. Linked to the mythology of Mount Olympus, the Mound would have been an ideal viewing platform out over
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the extent of the Warmley works and grounds. Remnants of the typical ‘snail trail’ path to allow ladies access to the top is evident to the west face. The grouping of Oaks on the top is also typical of the Mound design, again referring to the Mount Olympus myths.
Figure 353: The Mound
150) Mountain bike tracks are evident in the rutted grass and mud leading up the shorter face from the north above the walled gardens. The views from the top of the mount are limited by the shrub and tree canopy to the west, out over the Caravan Park. The Mount and the garden walls are discernible from the backdrop of mature trees from views from the high ground to the west.
151) To the south of the Mound is a large area of unmanaged scrub growth. It was previously occupied by South Gloucestershire Council productive gardens.
Character Area 7 - Grotto and Nuttery 152) The underground Grotto, which links the main house with the walled gardens via an entrance from the Echo Lawn, is indicative of mid-eighteenth century construction with Gothic pointed arches and utilises the industrial by products of slag and clinker.
153) Though several chambers within the Grotto have collapsed, much of the complex has survived intact. Partial collapse of one roof light, above the first larger chamber allows a greater quantity of light into the Grotto, encouraging water plants in the pool below. This also reveals a ‘skeletal face’ carved into the far wall of the chamber.
154) Protective grates have been laid to the remaining roof light to prevent unauthorised access due to structural damaged caused by vandalism. The Grotto is gated and kept locked except for accompanied parties. The second surviving access to the Grotto, and the only one currently in use, opens onto a small, partially walled unmaintained
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lawn area abutting the north face of the Chequered Wall. This area is commonly referred to as The Nuttery; anecdotal evidence records nut trees here and the 1881 Ordnance Survey records orchard trees, which may possibly have included nut trees.
Character Area 8 - Elm Walk and Canal 155) The Elm Walk was a continuation of the lakeside path north from the Echo Lawn to the Summer House. Access to the walk is from the north corner of the lawn, via wrought iron gates set into the low stone wall that continues to the rear of the Echo pond.
156) The Canal, which is believed to have been the original feed to the Echo Pond from the Syston Brook, exists today as a heavily overgrown dry ditch. Though the line of the Canal is still evident in places, significant sections have been infilled and there has been extensive boundary encroachment from the private residences along Tower Road North. The northern end of the Canal has been completely infilled and is indiscernible. A small channel that used to connect the Canal to the Lake is crossed by a timber footbridge, replaced in 2004 due to vandalism. Slightly further on is an unauthorised stepped pedestrian access to the Caravan Park.
157) The Elms of Elm Walk have not survived, likely victims of Dutch elm disease. Canon Ellacombe wrote the only known account of the Elm Walk in 1881, describing a row of Elms which had grown to ‘gigantic’ proportions. The Ordnance Survey map of the same year shows gaps in the line of the mature trees suggesting they had already been in decline at this time, although there is no guarantee this is correct as trees were not always mapped accurately.
158) The walk is predominantly sycamore and elder scrub, with some replanted Limes and mature deciduous trees including Black Poplar (Populus nigra), both of which are now dead. The vegetation and canopy is extremely dense, reducing the amount of light reaching the walk and ensuring it remains dark and damp. Dipped areas of the footpath become obstacles of puddles and deep mud.
159) The Walk ends at the Summer House, now in private ownership. A chain-link fence encloses the Summer House Lawn and a narrow grass surfaced public path continues north along the eastern boundary. The Walk itself turns into the adjacent residential estate and out to Tower Road North.
Character Area 9 - Summer House 160) The Summer House was sold off in the mid twentieth century and remains in private ownership. Included in the sale was a portion of the former lake, now levelled and laid to lawn. Modern extensions have been added to the house, and the property is enclosed by a chain-link fence. The overgrown former tree nursery to the south screens the Summer House from view to the rest of the Warmley grounds.
161) Adjacent to the Summer House to the west is the Grange Community School and Sports College, with the Warmley Park School and Rocking Horse Day Nursery to the
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north; secure compounds protected with metal palisade fencing. To the east is an area of modern housing development which backs onto the Siston Brook.
Character Area 10 - Lake and Statue of Neptune 162) The Lake is a roughly 13 acre area believed to have been part of the original Warmley layout, formed by damming the Syston Brook in the mid-eighteenth century. Today the lake is dry and divided into two separate areas; the southern end is in the private ownership of the Kingsway Residential Caravan Park, the northern third is an abandoned tree nursery still in the ownership of South Gloucestershire Council.
163) It is not known when the lake dried out permanently, however the 1881 Ordnance Survey map indicates parts of the lake as marshland. There are later records from the early part of the twentieth century of boating and skating parties suggesting the lake may have been subsequently cleared out. The Siston Brook was canalised and lowered in 1974 following a flood in 1968; it is currently approximately one and a half to two metres below the lake ground level. A public footpath runs along the opposite bank; linking from The Grange School to Tower Lane, part of a more extensive footpath network following the brook.
164) At the northern edge of the Caravan Park is the 8 metre tall Statue of Neptune, just within the boundary of the former tree nursery. The statue is believed to have originally stood upon a small island, however now rises from the dry lakebed, inaccessible due to the dense scrub growth surrounding it.
165) The former tree nursery is now dense scrub woodland. It is largely inaccessible with no defined footpaths.
Character Area 11 - Caravan Park 166) The Kingsway Residential Caravan Park occupies the larger southern section of the dry lakebed, accessed adjacent to the Windmill from Tower Lane. The park is solely single story mobile homes laid out around a circular drive, predominantly white or yellow, with white or terracotta coloured roofs.
167) The lakebed location, at the base of the shallow valley in which the site is situated makes the Caravan Park highly visible from within the Gardens. It is overlooked by Warmley House, the Echo Lawn and Pond, as well as by neighbouring sites, including The Grange playing fields and school and adjacent housing development.
168) To the south of the site off Tower Lane in the bend of the former lake is the caravan park private car park. The car park is screened from the Warmley grounds by the dense scrub south of the Mound, and a wall of mixed construction utilising slag, stone and brick. A dense screen of deciduous and evergreen tree mix screens and separates this car park from Tower Lane.
Character Area 12 – Museum / former Dalton Young complex
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169) The Windmill is today one of the most visually prominent features of the Warmley Brassworks complex. The former Dalton Young complex, now occupied by the Kingswood Heritage Museum, is located on Tower Lane adjacent to the east of Syston Brook. The brightly painted museum stands out against the surrounding industrial and residential properties; the Windmill tower is visible at a distance from offsite to the south, east and west, though screened by topography and mature trees to the north and north-east. Garden elements such as the Laurel Walk were designed to feature the Windmill, aligned on the Windmill Tower as the central landmark feature.
170) The former lake, now Caravan Park, separates the Windmill from the Warmley grounds. Attached at the rear of the Windmill is the Ice House, inaccessible to the public and completely concealed from view by the Windmill itself, as well as the dense woodland scrub along the Siston Brook.
171) To the rear of the Windmill is a car scrap yard with temporary offices. The yard is completely screened by planting and the Windmill, though may be visible from the Siston Brook in the winter.
172) The lawn area to the south of the Windmill is maintained by the Kingswood Heritage Museum volunteers, who have set out several beds with ornamental planting in a modern residential scale and style. Accessed onto Tower Lane to the front of the building is a badly degraded concrete car park.
Character Area 13 - Industrial Units 173) Located adjacent to the east of the Windmill on Tower Lane is a large modern industrial building clad in yellow brick and aluminium siding (former Lindman’s factory site). This structure, though in keeping with the smaller brown brick industrial units on the south side of Tower Lane, is visually incongruous with the Warmley Grounds and surrounding residential developments.
174) The building is surrounded to the south and east by an expansive tarmac yard and car park, scattered with rusting skips and associated working yard items. To the north and west of the site is a dense screen of scrub and tree growth. Due to fall of the land to the south, Tower Lane is at a lower level than the building and yard. A stone retaining wall with ‘cow and calf’ coping runs around the southern edge to the road along Tower Lane onto Tower Road North. To the north of the unit the rear of Warmley House can be seen on the rise above. To the west, the Windmill Tower is visible.
175) The presence of the industrial units along Tower Lane diminishes the perceived probability of a safe and inviting public space such as Warmley Brassworks in the locality. They instead suggest an industrial area off-putting to visitors. When travelling towards the site from the direction of the Bristol Ring Road, the A4174 along Tower Lane, the large white expanse of aluminium siding of the industrial unit is visually dominant.
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Character Area 14 - Clock Tower 176) The Clock Tower building is physically separated from the Warmley Brasswork grounds, located adjacent to the north of the industrial unit on Tower Road North. Down slope to the south from Warmley House, the Clock Tower built in 1764 comprised part of the pin factory, archaeological remains of which are likely buried around the structure to this day.
177) The Clock Tower is set back from Tower Road North by a concrete and gravel yard used as a car park. A telegraph pole is located in the centre of the space. The boundary with the industrial unit is marked by a chain link concrete post fence. At the site entrance, low stone walls with black slag copings suggest a former drive. There is no access from the Clock Tower to the rest of the Gardens except along the public highway.
178) To the north on Tower Road North is a row of private residences of stone construction. These properties are set much closer to the road and due to rising topography are separated from the Clock Tower by a high stone retaining wall of mixed stone and slag construction. A private lane off Tower Road North accesses the residence drives and garages running along the eastern edge of the Warmley Residential home, and overlooks the Clock Tower.
179) To the south, north and west (rear) of the Clock Tower is dense tree and scrub growth. A small concrete yard with a single planting bed is located to the rear of the building accessed from the south. To the north the land climbs steeply to the private lane, the access to which has been blocked off.
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ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT 180) A Phase 1 Ecological Assessment was undertaken in May 2006 to provide an initial overview of the ecological interest and value of the site (Appendix C).
Records of protected and noteworthy species 181) Notable species records within 1km of the site include badger (Protection of Badgers Act 1992, Avon Biodiversity Action Plan), hedgehog (Avon and South Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action Plan), slow worm (Schedule 5 WCA (s9.1 only), Avon and South Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action Plan) and viviparous lizard (Schedule 5 WCA (s9.1 only), Avon Biodiversity Action Plan). There are also historic records of great crested newts (Schedule 5 WCA, Annex II Habitats Directive, UK and Avon Biodiversity Action Plan) from 1987 but no recent records in the vicinity of the site.
182) Notable bird records within 1km of the site include redstart (Avon Biodiversity Action Plan, BoCC amber listed), linnet (UK and Avon Biodiversity Action Plan, BoCC red listed), yellowhammer (Avon Biodiversity Action Plan, BoCC red listed), bullfinch (UK, Avon, and South Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action Plan, BoCC red listed) and kingfisher (Schedule 1 WCA, Avon Biodiversity Action Plan, BoCC amber listed).
183) Bat records within an extended search area of 5km include records of 10 bat species (Schedule 5 WCA, Annex II Habitats Directive, UK, Avon, and Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action Plan), including one record of a pipistrelle bat at Warmley Tower (1998) and a brown long-eared bat on Tower Road South, Warmley (1993). It is unclear whether these are records of flying bats or bat roosts.
184) Confidential records within 1km of the site include records of two badger setts (Protection of Badgers Act 1992) and 13 bat roosts.
HABITATS & FLORA
Amenity grassland 185) Warmley Gardens are composed primarily of closely mown amenity grassland with planted borders and/or scattered planted trees (TN 16). The privately owned land surrounding the Summer House to the north of the site (TN 23) and private land to the east of the site (TN 1) is also closely mown amenity grassland. These areas are largely used for recreation.
Semi-improved grassland 186) Only a small area of the South Gloucestershire Council owned land supports semi- improved grassland (TN 11 and 22). However, within the site boundary there are a number of additional areas of semi-improved grassland on privately owned land.
187) Within the South Gloucestershire Council owned land, the small area of semi- improved grassland to the south of the site (TN 11) is managed as a meadow and appears to have relatively good species diversity. There is also a narrow band of semi-improved grassland along the footpath going north-south in the centre of the site
Page 62 of 186 Amenity Grassland N Broadleaved Woodland Semi-Improved Grassland Scrub Hard Standing Scattered Trees/Parkland Coniferous Tree Swamp (Reed/Sedge Bed) Stone Wall Flowing Water
Champions Brassworks and Gardens
10 50 100 Figure 36 0 150 Phase 1: Habitat Map Champion’s Brass Works & Gardens Conservation Management Plan
(TN 22). This grassland is largely dominated by ruderals (plants which colonise disturbed ground) and includes the dried out vegetated canal which is connected via a culvert to the Echo pond.
188) There is a large area of semi-improved grassland to the east of the site (TN 24) on privately owned land. This grassland appears to be relatively species rich although diversity could not be determined due to restricted access to this area.
189) The semi improved grassland to the north of the Kingsway Residential Caravan Park (TN 19) and to the west of the residential home (TN 13) is regularly mown making assessment of its diversity difficult.
Broadleaved woodland 190) In the north-west of the site is an area of semi-natural broadleaved woodland (TN 21). Dominant species include ash, sycamore, elder, and hazel with occasional willow, hawthorn, lime and elm. The understorey vegetation is dominated by ivy, and common nettle with occasional wild garlic, hedge woundwort, and lords and ladies. There are large open areas within the woodland, dominated by common nettle.
Scrub 191) Areas of dense scrub are found to the south of the woodland (TN 20) and to the south and south-east of Warmley Gardens (TN 8). A small area of scrub is also growing over the top of the grotto (TN 14). These areas of scrub were largely inaccessible.
Reed and sedge bed (swamp) 192) Echo pond is located within Warmley Gardens (TN 18) and is largely overgrown with greater pond-sedge, common reed, and bramble with frequent willowherb, hemlock water dropwort, and yellow flag iris. There is a small area of standing open water to the north-west of the pond. The pond is bordered by vertical stone walls and is linked to the dried out canal via an overgrown culvert to the north of the pond.
Brook and Ponds 193) Warmley Brook flows north to south along the western boundary of the site. The brook has been canalised along the length adjacent to the site and has little riparian bankside vegetation.
194) Within the Grotto (TN 14) are two small ponds. One of these ponds is within the roofed area of the grotto, is heavily shaded, and has no vegetation. The other pond is within an old chamber with a collapsed roof. This pond is partially shaded and has some overhanging vegetation and duck weed. Both ponds have vertical stone sides and paved bases.
Mature trees 195) The site supports a number of mature trees, both within South Gloucestershire Council owned and private land. There are a number of planted mature trees within
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the area of parkland to the east of the site (TN 3) including beech, lime, willow, sycamore, and horse chestnut. To the north of the residential house there are two mature conifers and a mature ornamental beech tree (TN 4). Within the amenity grassland of Warmley Gardens is a large grass mound with a number of mature oak trees (TN 9).
FAUNA
Badgers 196) A large badger sett was found to the south west of the residential home within and on the edge of a large area of scrub. The badger sett has 13 well-used holes and is considered to be a main sett. Tracks were observed leading to the east and west of the sett through the area of scrub.
197) Signs of badger activity were also found within the woodland to the northwest of the site but no additional setts were found on site.
Water voles and otters 198) Warmley Brook is not considered suitable for water voles. The artificial banks limit opportunities for burrowing and there is a lack of bankside vegetation for food and cover. No signs of water voles were observed during the survey.
199) No sign of water vole activity was found on Echo pond during the survey. The pond is not connected to other water bodies limiting the opportunities for water voles to colonise the pond from areas outside of Warmley Gardens
200) Warmley Brook is not considered suitable for otters due to the lack of bankside cover and its position within a wider suburban setting.
Bats 201) There are numerous opportunities for roosting bats within the mature trees on site. A mature horse chestnut tree to the east of the parkland and a mature beech tree to the west of the parkland (TN 3) have features of value to roosting bats such as rot holes, loose bark and dense ivy.
202) To the north of the residential house are two mature conifers and a mature ornamental beech tree (TN 4). These trees have features of value to roosting bats including a number of woodpecker holes.
203) The Mound (TN 9) supports a number of oaks, some of which have cracks and crevices that may be of value to roosting bats.
204) The museum building has limited potential to support roosting bats. The building was re-roofed around 1995 and there is no roof void. There are no obvious entrance/exit points into the building and the interior is light and is in regular use. Gaps under roof tiles on the extension to the main building (to the north east) have the potential to
Page 64 of 186 Location of Badger Setts N Badger Tracks
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10 50 100 Figure 37 0 150 Badger Activity Champion’s Brass Works & Gardens Conservation Management Plan
support a small number of roosting bats. The chimney in Windmill tower has the potential to support roosting bats, although no evidence of bats was found at the time of the survey.
205) The interior of the Clock Tower is light and well used and is unsuitable for roosting bats. There is only a small roof space above the majority of the main building which was not accessible at the time of survey. There is a larger roof space behind the clock tower, which was accessed during the survey. The roof space was dark and warm but there were no obvious entrance/exit points and no evidence of past or present use by bats. The clock tower is light and drafty and is not considered suitable for roosting bats. Gaps under roof tiles have the potential to support a small number of roosting bats.
206) A small number of bats may roost in gaps in the brickwork of the derelict boathouse.
207) The Icehouse is considered to have high potential for roosting bats, although no evidence of past or present use by bats was found during an internal inspection. Icehouses are known to be of value to bats, particularly as hibernation roosts because they maintain a constant cool temperature. The Icehouse is cool and dark, despite the large opening in the roof. Inside the Icehouse there are a number of gaps in the brickwork and a partially blocked tunnel leading to the brook that could be used by roosting bats. It is largely undisturbed due to restricted access.
208) The Grotto is considered to have high potential for roosting bats, although no evidence of past or present use by bats was found during the survey. There are anecdotal records of bats using the Grotto in the 1980’s from volunteers working at the site. Inside the grotto is very dark and there are a number of potential access and exit points through small barred windows and open archways. A bat pipe (a stretch of pipe installed as an access/exit point for bats) has also been installed in one of the external walls leading into the grotto.
209) Suitable foraging habitat on site for bats includes the Echo Pond, mature trees, and woodland edge. Bats may also use the stone walls as dispersal routes and for foraging.
Birds 210) All trees and shrubs, the buildings, and the grotto have the potential to support nesting birds.
211) The Warmley Brook has limited potential for nesting kingfishers due to the artificial banks and lack of bankside vegetation.
212) Kestrels have been found to be nesting in the putlog holes in Warmley tower. In urban areas kestrels feed over parks and gardens, so Warmley gardens are likely to be an important foraging ground for the kestrels nesting in the tower.
Reptiles
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213) The site has the potential to support common species of reptile including grass snake, adder, slow worm, and common lizards. Areas of semi-improved grassland, woodland, scrub, and stonewalls have the potential to support foraging and sheltering reptiles.
Amphibians 214) The site has the potential to support amphibians, including great crested newts. Areas of semi-improved grassland, woodland, scrub, and stonewalls have the potential to support foraging and sheltering amphibians. The Echo pond and the less sheltered pond within the grotto have the potential to support breeding amphibians, including breeding great crested newts.
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4. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Approach 215) The following Statement of Significance identifies what is significant about Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens, why those aspects are significant and importantly who for. Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens is a significant place for many different reasons; archaeologically and historically it represents one of the principle founding elements of Britain’s industrial revolution and increasing domination of global trade. It also represents a rare survivor of a mid 18th century designed landscape garden, encroached upon but largely unaltered since 1769. Its significance is further acknowledged by its many designations; Scheduled Monument, Listed Building, Registered Park and Garden and Conservation Area. The ecological and amenity value of the gardens, as well as the educational and community value of the museum, also add to its overall significance.
216) The following are the key themes under which the significances of Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens are explored:
• Industrial heritage • Garden design and landscape character • Ecology • Amenity & community value
Overall Significance 217) Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens (Warmley, South Gloucestershire) is a remarkable and unusual survivor from the early years of Britain’s Industrial Revolution. It was here between 1746 and 1769 that the industrialist, metallurgist and entrepreneur William Champion (1709-89) built around his home one of Britain’s earliest integrated industrial works, which saw the production of brass and copper goods from raw material to finished product. As the inventor of a new means of producing zinc - an essential element of brass – Champion transformed the British brass and metal working industry. He was also the earliest industrialists to build purpose built housing for his workers and was an early proponent of Newcomen’s ‘fire’ (steam) engines. Always innovative and never wasteful, Champion laid out a series of gardens around his house that integrated industrial function with landscape design, incorporating leats, culverts, copper slag and clinker within buildings and walls. Much of Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens have been lost to later development and encroachment, but what does survive offers an insight into the mind of a remarkable yet secretive man - Champion’s spirit of invention still pervades the site.
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Champion at Warmley - Industry & Invention 218) Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens is probably the most important industrial heritage site most people have never heard of. It was a place of extraordinary innovation and discovery, enterprise and imagination, but is today almost entirely lost beneath the burden of 20th century development and urban growth. Whilst its flame burnt only briefly at the beginning of Britain’s Industrial Revolution, it’s influence on industry was felt throughout the 18th century. Champion’s works were forged in the flames of Bristol industry and trade, which was largely driven by a tight fellowship of Quaker Friends, mostly bankers, traders and industrialists. If Ironbridge were to be later called the birth place of the Industrial Revolution, then it was Bristol where it was conceived. It was here that Abraham Darby learnt his trade before founding the first ironworks at Coalbrookdale (Ironbridge, Shropshire) and where Champion undertook his first experiments in the extraction of zinc, years before the establishment of the Birmingham brass industries.
219) Between 1746 and 1769, Champion’s works at Warmley were the largest of their kind in the country, and was the first to integrate the production of copper, brass and zinc. It was also the first works in Britain to produce zinc on a commercial scale, containing the only recorded remains of a cementation furnace in the brass industry in Europe and the first place where all the processes of the brass industry were carried out on one site. The Warmley site was also innovative in that it employed one of the earliest uses of the Newcomen engine for manufacturing purposes in the West of England. Champion also employed a windmill to drive the stamping mills, one of only five known industrial windmills in the country, and built here the largest 18th century icehouse in Britain. Champion also constructed some of the earliest purpose built workers houses in the country as well as the first pin making factory, which saw through production from raw material to finished product.
220) Champion’s works are also significant because they embody the global reach of industry, even in the earlier half of the 18th Century. Champion had travelled to the Netherlands as a young man to learn the secrets of zinc extraction. He bought in copper from Cornwall, Wales and North America, as well as Dutch workers to operate his cementation works. He produced goods for Bristol’s Africa Trade as well as trade with Portugal and America, and distributed finished products to support an ever increasing and demanding domestic population. Champion’s investments and innovations mark the transformation of non-ferrous metal production from cottage industry to whole scale factory production.
221) His ambition, however, was only tempered by his desire for secrecy to protect his inventions from industrial espionage (which he allegedly participated in himself in his youth). He made no record of his inventions and processes, and by the 19th century his name had faded from view. No image or painting of Champion has ever been identified, so it is not even known what he looked like. Yet the measure of the man is evident in the scale of his works and the boldness – some would say rashness – of his enterprises, which still makes him an intriguing and beguiling figure even today.
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The House and Gardens - A Utilitarian Arcadia 222) Whilst at heart Champion may have been a metallurgist and entrepreneur, he also left at Warmley a fine house and elegant Rococo garden. The development and evolution of the garden is less well understood than that of the industrial works, but it is clear that they were always intended to be closely integrated. The gardens at Warmley have been described as an Art Industrial landscape, where the design and construction of the features in the garden echo the fiery ingenuity of the works to the south. The use of clinker and copper slag blocks in the Grotto, Summerhouse, Walled Garden and statue of Neptune, as well as the use of culverts to carry water back to the Grotto from the stamping mills and furnaces, were all part of the works. Even the lake, utterly functional in its purpose to power the mills, was integral to the designed landscape, topped off with the giant copper slag and concrete statue of Neptune standing on an island in its midst. But despite the unusual design, the house and gardens were entirely contemporary to their age, in particular the references to classical mythology, which was a central theme of early to mid 18th century landscape design. Certainly, the gardens reflect Champion’s own personality – larger than life and workaholic – with nothing wasted or could not have an alternative use.
223) The Gardens at Warmley are a rare survivor of a mostly intact and unrestored early to mid 18th century landscape garden. Although smaller, the gardens are comparable of those belonging to men of far greater wealth and stature, including those at Stourhead (Wiltshire), Prior Park (Bath), Studley Royal (North Yorkshire), Badminton (Gloucestershire) and Stoke Park (Bristol). Whilst the Lake has been lost, the core elements of the design still remain. The Grotto is one of the largest and most complex in Britain; the symbolism of Aeneas’ decent into the Underworld would have been vibrantly apparent to Champion’s guests. Now bare of any ornamentation, its dark chambers retain an element of foreboding and intrigue, yet also a sense of peace and astonishment that anything so sublime could survive the modern age. Champion’s other fancy, the Echo Pond, although in poor condition, also reflects his fascination with the marriage of ingenuity and amusement. Presiding over it all is the Statue of Neptune, who once stood on an island on the Lake, but now high and dry, but the only clinker built statue surviving in the country, and the earliest to have been rebuilt in concrete. Champion’s use of copper slag, cast into great blocks and set within the walls of the boundary wall and Summerhouse, also influenced his fellow Quaker industrialists, and slag blocks can be seen throughout Bristol, notably the Richard Reeves’s Black Castle at Arnos Vale, reflecting the city’s legacy of industry, trade and ingenuity.
224) The gardens at Warmley are as typically enterprising as Champion’s industrial works, combining utilitarian function with elaborate fancy. Perhaps indulgence in grottos and ancient gods allowed the business minded Quaker to relax and indulge in fantasy for a while. Perhaps the gardens at Warmley were intended to impress men such as Norborne Berkley of Stoke Park and Charles Bragge of Badminton, potential investors and partners, persuading them that Champion was ‘one of them’ – educated, literary and cultured. Either way, Champion’s vision and personality still holds strong throughout.
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Warmley today 225) Warmley today serves a new purpose. Although all industrial works ended on the site in the 1960s, the area retains an industrial feel, lying in the shadow of Warmley Tower, the oldest surviving 18th century industrial windmill in Britain. The area has been heavily developed since the end of the Second World War and ever expanding housing development has meant that Warmley has effectively become a suburb of Bristol. The Kingswood Heritage Museum, housed in the former Dalton Young works, which includes the windmill, serves an important function in the community, raising awareness of the extraordinary history of Champion and his works, as well as the wider social and industrial heritage of the area. The museum is run and managed entirely by volunteers, all of whom are passionate about the history and heritage of the area. The museum provides an important social function, offering opportunities for local people to get involved in the conservation and interpretation of their heritage, enjoy social contact and the chance to learn new skills. The museum is also increasing its outreach to nearby schools, offering local children the chance the learn more about the remarkable history on their doorstep. The Gardens also offer rare access to open green space in an increasingly urban area. Hidden from the road, it provides a safe environment for quiet enjoyment and the potential for ecological enhancement. But the overall potential of Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens for learning, regeneration and public engagement remains untapped – now is the time for its significance to be fully recognised, nurtured, celebrated and conserved for current and future generations.
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5. KEY ISSUES
Introduction 226) To enable a clear development of policies for the management of Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens, an understanding is required of the issues that have affected its significance in the past, affect it now or may do so in the future.
227) The identified issues explained below are considered in relation to the significance and values of the site set out in the preceding chapters. They also take into account the results of discussions with the key stakeholders held during the preparation of the Conservation Management Plan. Through this process the following have been identified as key issues:
• Awareness & value • Loss & Encroachment • Intrusive damage & inappropriate development • Vandalism & anti-social behaviour • Condition • Access & Parking • Management arrangements • Museum display & interpretation
228) The issues all relate to elements of the site’s significances as identified in Section 4 of the Plan. Policies and approaches to addressing these issues are outlined in Sections 6 and 7.
Awareness & Value 229) Despite its significance and list of industrial ‘firsts’, the Warmley site is little known both locally and further a field. It lacks the profile of other nationally and regionally significant industrial attractions, such as Ironbridge, Quarry Bank Mill, Cornish Mining, etc, not least because so much of the site has been lost over the years, predominately before the importance of industrial heritage was fully recognised. Although the gardens are valued locally for their amenity in an increasingly urban area, their historic development and design is not widely appreciated.
230) Local awareness of the site in Warmley and the Bristol area remains low. Nonetheless, the Museum attracts a large number of volunteers, many of whom take an active part in the running, conservation and presentation of the site and collection.
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Their continuing interest and dedication is a reflection of local interest and awareness in the site and the role it plays in offering active participation in its care.
Loss & Encroachment 231) Since Champion’s departure from Warmley in 1769, the brassworks and associated technologies were gradually downgraded and altered until in 1881 the site was converted for the production of ceramic goods. Land along Tower Road North was gradually sold off for housing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The 1881 Ordnance Survey map shows the lake as largely dry, particularly at the north end. However, the greatest change to the site came following the end of the Second World War, after which the estate was gradually broken up. By the end of the 1960s most of the industrial works, many of which survived from Champion’s day, had been demolished. The development of the Lindman’s factory and extension to the Warmley House Nursing Home saw further loss of archaeological remains. As such, all that visibly survives of the industrial features are the Dalton Young Works complex (including the windmill and icehouse) and the Clock Tower, although some archaeological remains may survive below ground.
232) Although the gardens survive to a greater extent, the loss of the industrial features has robbed the site of arguably its most significant assets. For all its significance in terms of invention and industrialisation, there is little for the visitor to see and as such comprehend how the industrial processes worked and looked like. This does not detract from its overall significance, but does make it harder to interpret to different audiences. This places more emphasis on the need for the Museum to fully reflect the history of the works to aid greater understanding of the importance and vulnerability of the site.
233) The encroachment on the Champion estate began in the late 19th century with the building of houses adjacent to Warmley House and continued in the early 20th Century with the construction of housing in the area once known as the Home Ground. The establishment of the Caravan Park also encroached on the Lake and the boundary of the gardens. New housing development to the north has further eaten up elements of the historic estate.
234) Today, the site continues to be encroached upon by the piecemeal extension of private gardens on the culvert along the Elm Walk. Owners have pushed back the line of their garden fences to almost the middle of the line of the culvert. As such, this compromises both the physical fabric and interpretation of the culvert as an integral element of the gardens and industrial complex. Although this has been observed for many years, no action has been undertaken to restore the line of the property boundary. The abandonment of the South Gloucestershire Council tree nursery to the north of the Statue of Neptune has also encroached on views within the site (predominately from the House to the Summerhouse) and beyond.
235) The threat of further housing development, notably in the area of the former nursery north of Warmley House, highlights the potential for further encroachment. Similarly,
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the installation of more static caravans in the car park of the Kingswood Residential Caravan Park and at the small area of green at the foot of Neptune could further swamp and erode the character of the surrounding area.
Intrusive damage & inappropriate development 236) In September 2006, damage occurred to the Scheduled Monument when 900m2 bank to the rear of the former Lindman’s factory site was removed to create additional car parking space. The works were undertaken without Scheduled Monument Consent in breach of the Ancient Monuments & Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The action is currently subject to investigation by Avon & Somerset Constabulary.
237) At a similar time, albeit on a smaller scale, a length of the bank within the Kingsway Residential Caravan Park was removed to create additional space for caravan plots. Again, this was undertaken without Scheduled Monument Consent in breach of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.
Vandalism & anti-social behaviour 238) The gardens are subject to frequent anti-social behaviour, principally loitering youths and spates of vandalism. The Grotto is particularly vulnerable, despite the installation of security gates and fences to prevent access through the open roof. Considerable damage was caused in the summer of 2006, when vandals ripped up the fence around the central plunge pool and kicked up the floor, disturbing archaeological remains.
239) The gardens are a ‘hook-up’ for local young people. Although they may not be actively engaged in anti-social behaviour, their presence can be off-putting for older visitors or those with young children.
Condition 240) A Condition Survey was undertaken by Atkins Heritage in May 2006 (see Appendix B). In terms of overall structural stability, the buildings were found to be in generally fair to good condition with no immediate public health and safety concerns. However, if left unchecked the condition of a number of structures could rapidly deteriorate. Of greatest concern in this regard is the Echo Pond where work has in fact already started in terms of tree management and removal. Structural repairs will also be required to the Boathouse in the not too distant future.
241) The Echo Pond is in a derelict state and choked with vegetation. The wall has collapsed in places, largely caused by tree and root damage. The water levels are lower than intended, exposing more of the walls to weathering. The echo, reported by Joseph Banks in 1767, still works, however, albeit muffled somewhat by vegetation growth. An archaeological assessment was undertaken in the 1980s, but attempts to dredge and repair have been curtailed by the lack of an official archaeological report (now being completed, 2006). No hydrological survey has been undertaken to date and it is not known whether it would be feasible to refill and maintain water levels.
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242) The Boathouse is in poor condition. There appear to be areas of loose masonry at high level and a bulge is apparent in the centre of the west elevation. Vegetation appears to have been cut back in recent years, although ivy is starting to re-grow at the base. If left unchecked, the building faces the risk of structural failure and collapse.
243) The Grotto appears to be structurally sound, although there is evidence of some mortar deterioration and loss of clinker in places. It would be useful to determine why the other chambers collapsed to see if similar problems or conditions may be occurring elsewhere. A contributory factor is likely to be the vegetation cover above; invasive root systems may destabilise the underlying structures. It is recommended that the planting be managed and maintained. Vandalism is a continuing problem in the Grotto (see above).
244) The Clock Tower is in good structural condition and is clearly well maintained. Cracks visible on the exterior appear to be long-standing and are not considered of concern. The internal heating system is, however, failing and should be replaced in time with a more cost-effective system. The external boundary wall adjacent to the Nursing Home is being structurally weakened by vegetation, which may also have implications for buried archaeology.
245) The Dalton Young Complex is largely in good condition, having been maintained by South Gloucestershire Council and the Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust over the years. However, the chipped render, blocked windows, heavy double doors and roughly surfaced forecourt does not present a welcoming or appealing approach for visitors. The windmill tower was repaired in 2005 by South Gloucestershire Council, part funded with a grant from the Esme Fairbanks Foundation. The Icehouse is in generally good repair, although lime mortar is leeching from the ceiling. This in itself is not of great concern, but the vegetation growing on the exterior has the potential to cause damage and should be removed.
246) The Statue of Neptune is being encroached upon by thick vegetation, although it would appear that the statue is structurally stable with no signs of distress immediately visible. There is some fine cracking to the concrete and evidence of past patch repairs. The construction of the statue is not known but it is anticipated that there will be an embedded metal formwork and armatures. Cracking may result from corrosion of the metal work, but equally some may be due to thermal expansion. The masonry adjacent to the protruding ironwork appears to be cracking and lifting, possibly as a result of metal corrosion. The vegetation should be cleared to allow for more detailed inspection.
247) Most of the walls around the site, including the east garden wall (from the Canal to the Grotto), the Laurel Walk wall, the Chequered Wall and Parterre wall, are in generally good condition, although open joints are encouraging vegetation growth which will lead to structural damage if left unchecked. The use of cement mortar capping along the east garden wall is causing erosion of the softer stone beneath.
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248) The Summerhouse was inappropriately extended in the 1970s to create a private dwelling. However, the core of the historic structure survives, and the extensions should be reversible.
Ecology & natural regeneration 249) The ecological interest of the site is currently not high, but the potential for identification of protected species is great, bringing implications for future conservation and use of the site. The key ecological constraints are the presence of a badger sett, and the potential for roosting bats and great crested newts. Should great crested newts be found on site, this will have implications for all works carried out within 500m of breeding ponds. The site also has the potential to support nesting birds and common species of reptile and amphibians.
250) The badger sett noted in May 2006 to the rear of the Nursing Home was partially destroyed in September 2006 in breach of the Protection of Badgers Act and Countryside & Wildlife Act. A number of holes within the South Gloucestershire Council owned property remain extant.
251) Although no evidence of bats was noted on site during the field survey undertaken in May 2006, the Icehouse and Grotto present the greatest potential as roosts.
252) Kestrels have been found to be nesting in the putlog holes in the windmill tower. In urban areas kestrels feed over parks and gardens, so the Gardens are likely to be an important foraging ground for the kestrels nesting in the tower.
Access & parking 253) Public access to the Gardens is currently via two Permissive Paths, the first passing along the drive to Warmley House Nursing Home, the second along the line of the Elm Walk. South Gloucestershire Council holds a right of easement across the Kingsway Residential Caravan Park car park to allow access to the Gardens through a set of locked gates.
254) There is no signage on the gates to the Warmley House drive to indicate that it leads to the gardens or is anything other than a private entrance. Previous signage has been reportedly vandalised or stolen. At the top of the drive the route to the garden is unclear, indicated only by a small wooden engraved foot level sign. The route then passes through the South Gloucestershire Council car park and out into the gardens.
255) The access to the gardens from the north is along a Permissive Path past the Summerhouse and a modern housing development along Elm Walk. It is not signposted. The path is often muddy and encroached by heavy vegetation.
256) There is no formal access route from the Museum to the gardens. The Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust lead tours to the gardens through the gate accessed through the Kingsway Residential Caravan Park car park which enters the site by the Mound. The lack of formal access dislocates the gardens from the museum, creating both a physical and mental barrier between the two.
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257) There is no access from the Clock Tower to the rest of the site except along the roadside. Access to the Icehouse is restricted to prior arrangement with the owners of the adjacent breakers yard.
258) There is no formal visitor parking provision for the Museum, although there is a small parking area to the front of the Dalton Young Works, but which is not sufficient for all volunteers on open days. Parking for visitors has to date been in the parking bay to the east of the Museum, allowed through an informal arrangement with the previous owners of the Lindman works. There is no on-road parking on Tower Road.
259) Limited parking is provided for users of the Clock Tower to the front of the building. However, this is restricted given the extension of the former Lindman works yard partly in front of the Clock Tower.
260) There is a small car park below the main drive to Warmley House which is accessible for users of the gardens, maintained by South Gloucestershire Council. However, it is frequently used by visitors to the nursing home and the rehabilitation centre on Tower Road North, leaving little room for other visitors. There is no signage to indicate that this is a public car park.
Management arrangements 261) There is currently no formal structure for the management of the site as a whole. Currently, the Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust occupies the Dalton Young Complex under an informal agreement made with South Gloucestershire Council in 1996, whereby South Gloucestershire Council retains responsibility for maintenance and major capital works. The Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust does not hold the lease of the building. The Clock Tower is managed under a similar arrangement with South Gloucestershire Council. Again, this is an informal agreement made following the expiry of an earlier lease. Without a formal lease and management agreement, the potential remains for the South Gloucestershire Council to withdraw funding at any time.
Museum display and interpretation 262) The Kingswood Heritage Museum provides interpretation of both the Warmley site as well as the general history of the Kingswood area, including coal mining, the Douglas motorbike industry, the Klee-n-eeze factory, the medieval Kingswood Forest, wartime Warmley and a display of 19th & 20th century room interiors. The aim of the museum is to offer the community – including school groups - an insight into the local history and heritage of their area.
263) However, it is not always clear what story or message the museum is trying to tell. There is currently an imbalance between the ratio of space and interpretation given to Champion’s works and gardens and the rest of the exhibits – roughly 20:80 Champion to other exhibits. Furthermore, within the section dedicated to the works, there is a strong emphasis on the Haskins ceramics works, largely because there are more artefacts available to show visitors. Although the Champion exhibit has recently
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been refreshed with new interpretation boards, the amount of space dedicated to it is disproportionate to the significance of the site as a whole.
264) The rest of the museum reflects the history of the Kingswood area. Much of it is excellent – the story of the Kingswood miners, for example, is particularly graphic. However, generally there is no sense of historical progression or narrative, potentially leaving visitors uncertain as to what they are looking at and how it ties in with the rest of the display. The large exhibition room to the rear of the museum is a mixture of not entirely related periods and displays and could be simplified to make interpretation more legible.
265) No interpretation is offered on the history of the building (with the exception of the Windmill Tower and Icehouse). Nor is any fixed point interpretation provided within the gardens (not surprising given the potential for vandalism and theft).
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6. POLICIES
Introduction 266) This section presents a number of policies that are intended to guide the future management and enhancement of Champion’s Brassworks & Gardens and the Kingswood Heritage Museum. The policies have been structured to reflect the Statement of Significance (Section 4) and the identified issues (Section 5). The Management and Conservation Strategy set out Sections 7 reflect the policies outlined below and seek to address the issues identified in Section 5. The policies set out below are framed by three overarching principals:
Principle 1: The significance, story and sensitivities of Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens should be communicated to as wide an audience as possible 267) As one of the main issues affecting the vulnerability of the site is lack of awareness and value, the significance and vulnerability of the site should be communicated to as wide an audience as possible. The key vehicle for achieving this is of course the Kingswood Heritage Museum and the work of its Trustees and volunteers in communicating to as wide an audience as possible.
268) The overarching theme of the Kingswood Heritage Museum should therefore be the life and works of William Champion. It was Champion’s ingenuity that led to the creation of his works and gardens as well as laying the ground for the development of Warmley and Kingswood as an important area for industrial extraction and production. Supporting themes should emphasise the social and family lives of those employed by Champion and other industries in the area.
Principle 2: Future decisions relating to development, management, conservation and enhancement of Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens should respect and sustain all of its significances 269) Any proposed future development within the area of the historic Champion estate should be considered in the light of the significance and vulnerability of the surviving historic fabric and ecology.
270) All conservation and enhancement undertaken within the Gardens and surviving historic buildings should be prioritised, appropriate to the site or structure in accordance to the relevant Government guidance and planning policies.
271) Any proposed future development within the area of the historic Champion estate should also be assessed in accordance with the relevant legislation and following planning guidance:
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• Planning Policy Guidance Note 15: Planning and the Historic Environment • Planning Policy Guidance Note 16: Planning and Archaeology • South Gloucestershire Local Plan • Warmley Conservation Area Supplementary Policy Guidance (SPG)
Principle 3: The site should be managed as a whole, based on clear communication and transparent decision making 272) The entire historic site, including those areas now in private ownership, should be considered a single entity. Decisions relating to future management should therefore bear in mind the totality of the site
273) Local residents and business should be consulted in any future decisions affecting the conservation, presentation and opening of the site and museum.
274) Management and major decision making should be undertaken with close co- ordination of all relevant stakeholders.
275) Current informal lease, funding, access and parking arrangements should be replaced by formal agreements designed to maximise funding opportunties.
Supporting Policies 276) Supporting these three core principals are a number of related policy statements relating to the following areas:
• Policy 1 – Reduce impact of encroachment & development: • Policy 2 – Improve access & use • Policy 3 – Enhance presentation & interpretation • Policy 4 – Improve conservation standards • Policy 5 – Increase awareness raising & local community engagement
277) These policies should be referred and adhered to so as to inform actions proposed by either the core stakeholder group or neighbouring residents and businesses.
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POLICY 1 REDUCE IMPACT OF ENCROACHMENT & DEVELOPMENT
Policy 1.1 All development within the boundaries of the property will be subject to appropriate legislation and planning guidance 278) Given the damaging impact of developments undertaken in September 2006 (see Section 4 above), it is crucial that all actions likely to impact on the archaeological, built, natural and landscape heritage of the site – including conservation, restoration and improvements – in accordance with relevant legislation and planning guidance.
Policy 1.2 No further inappropriate development should be permitted within the boundaries of the historic estate 279) There should be a presumption against any inappropriate development within the area of the historic estate. Notable is the area of the former Market Garden to the north of Warmley House, the car park along the side of Tower Lane and the Breakers Yard to the rear of the Museum. Further development would have a considerable negative impact on views and setting of the historic landscape.
Policy 1.3 Future development of the former Lindman’s site should be of an appropriate scale and design 280) The future development of the former Lindman’s site should be appropriate to the setting of the historic estate and result in an enhancement to the local area and streetscape.
281) Rationalisation of the boundary to the north of the site where it meets the Clock Tower car park should be negotiated to increase the area available to users of the Clock Tower and to facilitate improved linkages with the Gardens. The existing unauthorised wire boundary fence should be replaced with a more appropriate material.
Policy 1.4 No further caravan plots should be permitted on the green at the foot of the Statue of Neptune 282) Development with the Kingsway Residential Caravan Park is subject to a licence set out in 1963 which allows an agreed number of plots to be set out within the grounds (68). There are now 71 plots within the Caravan Park. Part of the Kingsway Residential Caravan Park is now subject to an Article 4 Direction.
283) The area of lawn to the immediate south of the Statue of Neptune should be excluded from any further development so as to retain its setting and views to it from within the Gardens.
Policy 1.5 Encroaching fence lines along the Elm Walk should be repositioned to respect the line of the South Gloucestershire Council ownership 284) Fence-lines to private gardens along the Elm Walk should respect the line of the South Gloucestershire Council boundary. Where they impinge on the canal they should be repositioned along the line of property ownership.
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Policy 1.6 Existing views out of and into the property should be maintained and enhanced 285) Many of the views within and out of the property have already been lost or encroached upon by new housing or tree growth. Any proposed future development that may infringe on surviving views and sightlines should either not be permitted or redesigned to minimise impact.
286) Views should be enhanced with appropriate planting and boundary treatments, as well as the removal of inappropriate trees and scrubs (subject to appropriate planning guidance).
287) New planting should be encouraged to reduce the impact of surrounding modern development, subject to the selection of species, scale and location being sensitive to historic planting and landscape character.
288) All new planting should take into consideration the potential impact on buried archaeology.
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POLICY 2 IMPROVE ACCESS & USE
Policy 2.1 Access to the Gardens should remain open at all times 289) The Gardens are an important local amenity resource. Despite issues relating to vandalism and anti-social behaviour, it should remain an important principle to allow public access at all times. The principal points of access should remain along the lines of the Permissive Paths along the Elm Walk and Warmley House Drive.
290) Signage should be improved at the entry points to encourage access.
Policy 2.2 Access from Tower Lane to the Gardens should be formalised and improved 291) A formal access route between the Gardens and the Museum should be identified and agreed. If feasible, the route should lead directly from Tower Lane to avoid passing through the grounds of the Kingswood Residential Caravan Park. Consideration should be given to providing vehicular access (see Policy 2.3 below).
292) The South Gloucestershire Council Right of Access across the caravan park car park should be retained to allow access to the gardens for maintenance and conservation works.
Policy 2.3 Car parking provision should be reviewed and enhancements sought 293) Formalise car parking arrangements on Tower Road with the new owners of the former Lindman’s factory site to ensure access for visitor parking on weekends and Bank Holidays
294) Consider the potential of using the former South Gloucestershire Council greenhouse site as a potential car parking site, subject to suitable access arrangements
295) Encourage non-car visits and greater use of public transport. Consider incentives such as free or reduced cost entrance to those arriving by cycle or bus (for example, on production of a valid ticket).
296) Improve the hard and soft landscaping to the front of the Museum to enhance the setting of the building and local streetscape.
Policy 2.4 Anti-social behaviour should be discouraged by the introduction of measures to control it 297) Promote the Gardens as a safe and welcoming community amenity.
298) Develop a working relationship with the Avon & Somerset Constabulary, local Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and Schools and Youth Services to discourage anti- social behaviour.
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299) Consider establishing a volunteer led garden warden scheme to help actively maintain the gardens and to provide an official ‘presence’ to discourage vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
300) Improve fencing and security around the top of the Grotto.
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POLICY 3 ENHANCE PRESENTATION & INTERPRETATION
Policy 3.1 The Kingswood Heritage Museum should be registered as an Accredited Museum 301) The Kingswood Heritage Museum should be registered as an Accredited Museum. The Accreditation Scheme sets out agreed minimum standard for a museum’s performance in key areas of work, from developing and managing collections to providing visitor facilities and services. An Accredited Museum is one which meets these agreed standards.
302) Accreditation is crucial as it demonstrates to funding and awards bodies that a museum meets a recognised standard. It is a key factor for Museums, Libraries and Archives South West (SWMLAC) in deciding the allocation of Museum Development Funding. Only Accredited museums can receive funds from the MLA / V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the MLA Prism Fund.
303) Securing Accreditation status for the Kingswood Heritage Museum would therefore increase the potential to attract funding. It would also open up the opportunity for collections from other museums to be loaned to or deposited with the Kingswood Heritage Museum.
304) Achieving Accreditation would require fulfilling a number of requirements, many of which have already been met by the Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust. However, central to Accreditation is the improvement of the display and lay out of the museum, as well as security and environmental management.
Policy 3.2 The collection, layout and display of the Museum should be reviewed and refreshed 305) The layout, presentation and design of the Museum and other related interpretation should be guided by an Interpretation Strategy. This should be framed by an overall vision and objectives for delivering interpretation both within and beyond the Museum.
306) The feasibility of holding collections on loan from other museums should be thoroughly explored. The closure of the Bristol Industrial Museum may present opportunities for collections and objects, such as the Kingswood Pin Making Machine, to be deposited with the Kingswood Heritage Museum. This may act as a catalyst for refurbishment and the potential for a Heritage Lottery Fund bid.
Policy 3.3 Museum opening hours should be reviewed 307) The Museum has only limited opening hours (Tuesday and Sunday afternoons and Bank Holiday Mondays). There should be a policy of gradually increasing opening hours to allow more opportunity for people to visit.
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308) Improvements and repairs must be undertaken when the Museum is closed to the public. The risk to Health and Safety of visitors and volunteers, we well as the potential for litigation, is otherwise high.
Policy 3.4 Education and learning provision should be encouraged and enhanced 309) The Kingswood Heritage Museum already attracts a number of school visits. This should be encouraged and enhanced to include a tailored learning programme aimed at Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 students.
310) Other learning opportunities should also be further encouraged. The unique structures and historical importance of the site also currently attract researchers and students from local universities undertaking arts, landscape and heritage courses. The opportunity for further archaeological research should also be explored (in agreement with English Heritage if any archaeological intervention is considered).
311) Education and learning should be co-ordinated by an Education Officer.
Policy 3.5 Establish the site within the broader portfolio of Bristol museums and heritage site attractions 312) Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens form part of the wider industrial history of Bristol and should be marketed and promoted as such. Links should be built with museums in Bristol as well as South Gloucestershire to encourage cross-visitation and promotion.
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POLICY 4 IMPROVE CONSERVATION STANDARDS
Policy 4.1 All archaeological and historical remains should be conserved and maintained 313) Given the impact of previous interventions and encroachments, it is essential that all surviving archaeological and historic fabric be protected, conserved and maintained. There should be a presumption against any further loss of historic fabric.
Policy 4.2 Repairs and enhancements to historic structures should be prioritised and subject to appropriate legislation and planning guidance 314) All conservation, repair and enhancement should be prioritised and undertaken according to an agreed programme of works (see Section 7).
315) Where appropriate, all works should be subject to appropriate legislation and planning guidance.
316) All archaeological fieldwork should be undertaken according to the Institute of Field Archaeologists (IFA) Code of Conduct.
Policy 4.3 All future archaeological and documentary research should be subject to an agreed Research Agenda 317) An enormous amount of archaeology and documentary research has been undertaken into the history of Champion and his works over the years, but much of it remains uncatalogued and unpublished. A Research Agenda should be prepared in conjunction with relevant academics to develop a programme for collating and digitising previous research and identify gaps in knowledge. Any future research (included archaeological investigation) should be proposed with reference to the Research Agenda.
318) The overall aim of the Research Agenda should be to produce a new published history of Champion’s works and his legacy.
Policy 4.4 Further ecological assessment should be considered and undertaken in advance of proposals for conservation and repair 319) The Stage 1 ecological survey undertaken in May 2006 presented only a snap-shot of known ecology on the site and surrounding area. All proposed conservation and improvement works should be informed by an appropriate survey in advance to assess the likely presence of protected species (eg bats, great crested newts, badgers, birds of prey).
Policy 4.5 Important habitats should, where possible, be enhanced, but avoid conflict with other significances and priorities 320) Ecology forms an important but not overriding element of the significance of the site. Every attempt should be made to enhance ecology wherever possible. However, conflict between different significances should be avoided, in particular the impact of
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badgers on archaeological remains. Given the damaging impact to the badger sett to the rear of the former Lindman’s works in September 2006, relocation of the sett to a new purpose built sett in the area of the former South Gloucestershire Council tree nursery (or further a field) should be considered.
Policy 4.6 Negotiate ownership of the Icehouse into the care of South Gloucestershire Council 321) The Icehouse should be bought out of private ownership and into the ownership and care of South Gloucestershire Council. The structure should be regularly cleared of vegetation and the opening secured to avoid unauthorised access. An access agreement should be sought with the owners of the breaker’s yard to undertake inspection and maintenance when required.
322) A long term objective should be to take ownership of the Breaker’s Yard to allow full access for repairs and maintenance, improve the fire escape route from the Museum, enhance the condition of the grounds and surrounding trees (within Registered Park & Garden area) and allow secure parking for volunteers.
Policy 4.7 Protect and enhance all historic trees within the site 323) All trees relating to the historic design of the Gardens and landscape should be protected and enhanced wherever possible. Consideration should be given as to the most effective approach to sustaining the closely planted mature trees to the N front of Warmley House.
Policy 4.8 Ensure all new planting within the boundary of the historic site is of an appropriate species, layout and scale 324) Future planting should respect the historic planting and layout of the site, making use of appropriate species, notably Lime, Oak, Cedar, Laurel.
325) Develop a planting plan as an element of the Conservation Strategy in Phase 7.
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POLICY 5 INCREASE AWARENESS RAISING & LOCAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Policy 5.1 The significance of the site should be raised amongst local residents 326) A programme of awareness raising of the importance and vulnerability of the site should be a priority. The priority should be people living within the immediate vicinity of the site, expanding outward to cover the Warmley and Kingswood areas.
327) A prioritised Communication Plan should be developed to identify key audiences and messages.
Policy 5.2 The views of local residents should be considered in proposals for future improvements and access provision 328) Local residents should be consulted and wherever possible closely involved in future proposals for site conservation, access and events.
Policy 5.3 Maintain a community use for the Clock Tower 329) The Clock Tower should remain in community use, but be included in the interpretation of the wider site, potentially as part of a guided tour.
330) Ensure adequate funding and lease agreements are in place.
Policy 5.4 Secure a community use for the upper floors of the former Dalton Young building
331) The upper floors of the former Dalton Young offer the potential for further community use and commercial enterprise. This may provide additional income to support the management of the Museum.
332) Ensure adequate funding and lease agreements are in place.
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7. CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
Developing the Vision 333) The foundation of any strategy is the development of a Vision. The Vision should encapsulate the aspirations of those charged with ensuring its delivery. In essence, the Vision can be summarised as below:
“To protect, conserve, enhance and interpret Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens and celebrate the heritage of Warmley and Kingswood for all to enjoy.”
334) Realising the Vision means that:
• There is greater local and regional awareness and value of the history of the site and its amenity value;
• The historic buildings, monuments & landscape are appropriately conserved and well maintained;
• Polices and management agreements are in place to ensure more effective planning & development control to avoid further damage and encroachment;
• The collections, interpretation and display reflect the key significance and themes of the site;
• Visitors are made to feel welcome and are stimulated by clear display and interpretation;
• Funds are available to ensure the continuing care and enhancement of the site and Museum;
• Kingswood Heritage Museum is registered as an Accredited Museum. • There is greater community and schools use of the Gardens and Museum;
• The ecology & environment are well maintained and continue to be enhanced; • The overall site is managed with greater coherency as a single entity (albeit in multiple ownership);
• Investment in Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens is a catalyst for further regeneration and local community engagement within the Warmley area.
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335) The rational guiding this strategy is to ensure the objectives, actions and tasks set out below are achievable and sustainable within the resources of South Gloucestershire Council, the Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust and other stakeholders, with the financial support of a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Objectives 336) The future of the site is dependent on addressing the issues in Section 4 according to the policies set out in Section 5. Delivering the Vision is therefore dependent on three closely interrelated objectives:
• Objective 1: Formalise operational management, business planning and funding strategy
• Objective 2: Deliver a programme of conservation and site enhancement • Objective 3: Improve displays and raise awareness of the significance and vulnerability of the whole site
337) The objectives have been set out to be realistic and achievable within a workable timescale. Given the extent of loss and encroachment, restoration of the site to any particular historic period cannot be expected. Rather, the aim of the overall strategy is to secure and conserve what survives and celebrate its significance.
338) The Strategy is intended to be undertaken over a 10 year period, to include all necessary planning and appropriate funding applications, delivering capital tasks (including repair, restoration and enhancement) and refurbishment of the Museum. Each Objective is supported by a number of Actions and Tasks. These have been prioritised accordingly:
• Priority 1: Within 2 years • Priority 2: Within 5 years • Priority 3: Within 10 years
339) Whilst the Strategy identifies the key lead body to deliver each relevant action, it is important that all tasks are undertaken in close co-operation between South Gloucestershire Council, the Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust and other key stakeholder groups, with the continuing support of English Heritage. The delivery of the Strategy is dependent on:
• Continuing commitment and support of South Gloucestershire Council and English Heritage;
• Successful application for Museum Accreditation; • A bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for project costs; • A programme of conservation and improvements to the site, the museum and its collections and displays.
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OBJECTIVE 1 FORMALISE OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT, BUSINESS PLANNING AND FUNDING STRATEGY
Action 1.1 Agree a clear management framework (subject to regular review) 340) The adoption and implementation of a management framework should be implemented as a matter of priority to ensure that any decisions relating to its future use and management are developed with the input of all relevant statutory and non- statutory parties. This will prevent conflicts between parties, ensure that the Site’s significances are sustained and allow the Council and its partners to streamline the management process.
341) Given the significance and vulnerability of the site, overall responsibility for the site (including the Museum and Clock Tower) should be lead by a single Lead Council Department.
342) A Council employee should be nominated to act as ‘Site Manager’; this role will be critical to coordinating the long-term management of the Site. The nominated site manager would act as ‘champion’ for the site, liaising with other council departments to ensure open communication and co-ordination. The site manager would be the first point of contact for the Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust and other local stakeholders, and have responsibility for the entire site, not just the museum.
343) The existing Warmley Project Group should be retained and act as an advisory body, chaired by either a Councillor or a senior member of South Gloucestershire Council staff. Representatives of local residents and businesses should be invited to join the group.
344) A new Warmley Project Executive should be founded to lead the preparation of a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund. The executive group should include representatives of each of the organisations concerned with the conservation and management of Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens, but be purposefully small and focused so as to make key decisions.
345) A Project Officer should be appointed to support the Warmley Project Executive, manage the preparation of the Heritage Lottery Fund bid and co-ordinate the delivery of commissioned research and technical specifications.
346) Responsibilities should be set out as follows:
• Lead Council Department: This should be the sponsoring department with responsibility for the overall management and maintenance of Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens. As such it should be responsible for providing (or arguing for) the necessary resources, with support from the wider Council, for the management, maintenance and development of the site.
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• Other SGC departments: There are a number of other departments in the Council that may need to undertake works or organise activities on the Site. These departments will need to liaise with the Lead Council Department and the Nominated Site Manager to ensure that all such activities are coordinated.
• Nominated Site Manager: A member of the Lead Council Department will need to be nominated as the Site Manager to ensure that all future activities, works and events are coordinated and undertaken in line with the Conservation Management Plan’s Policies and Strategy. The Site Manager would act as ‘champion’ for the Site and be responsible ensuring that communication is maintained between the various internal departments of the Council and external stakeholders e.g. English Heritage, the Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust and others.
• Warmley Project Group: This group should include all those parties with statutory and non-statutory responsibilities for the Site, as well as representatives of local residents and businesses. The Group would ensure that the policies and strategies set out in the Conservation Management Plan are adhered and provide advisory support to any proposed restoration, development scheme or funding bid. The group should be chaired by either an appropriate Councillor or senior Council officer.
• Warmley Project Executive: This should be a smaller group made up of representatives of the key organisations with the purpose of leading the preparation of (and if successful, delivering) a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
• Project Officer: The appointment of a part-time Project Officer is recommended to support the development of a funding application.
347) Long-term management arrangements should also be considered during the process of developing a Heritage Grant bid. Discussions should be held to scope the options for potential transfer of ownership and/or formation of a new constituted group dedicated to the management of the site as a whole.
Action Task Priority 1.1.1 Nominate a Lead Council Department and ‘Site Manager’, with 1 clear duties and appropriate role profile
1.1.2 Convene the Warmley Project Executive to lead the preparation 1 of a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund
1.1.3 Appoint a Project Officer (subject to funding and agreement on 1 the delivery of the Strategy, see 1.5 below)
1.1.4 Consider the options for long-term ownership and management 2 of the site as a whole
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Action 1.2 Formalise existing lease and funding arrangements 348) Lease and funding arrangements between South Gloucestershire Council, Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust and the Clock Tower Association are currently subject to only informal agreements. A formal lease and funding agreement must be agreed between each party to ensure medium to long-term security of tenure for the Museum and Clock Tower Association.
Action Task Priority 1.2.1 Set out formal lease and funding agreement for the Dalton 1 Young complex and Clock Tower
Action 1.3 Develop a Business Plan 349) The future of the site is dependent on attracting external funding and the prudent use of both financial and human resources. A Business Plan should be prepared to set out the financial aspects of the site as a whole. It is important that Business Plan must be based on a realistic assessment of income and visitor figures.
350) The Business Plan should pay particular attention to marketing the use of the upper rooms in the Dalton Young building for meetings, events and small business use. Consider requirements for furniture, access, catering and toilets, ensuring all works and equipment are of an appropriate standard.
Action Task Priority 1.3.1 Prepare a Business Plan for the Museum and Gardens 1
Action 1.4 Develop a Fundraising Strategy 351) The successful long-term management of the Site is reliant on an appropriate level of funding and income being sourced to support the implementation of the Strategy and subsequent actions. In addition, any proposed application to the Heritage Lottery Fund may require match funding of up to 25% of the total project costs, although some of this may be acceptable in kind or in terms of volunteer hours.
352) Develop a fundraising strategy to identify appropriate funding streams, including local Council funds, English Heritage, Charitable Trusts, Private Donors, Commercial Sponsorship and Lottery Funding. Volunteer time can also be considered in lieu of financial input.
Action Task Priority 1.4.1 Develop a fundraising strategy 1
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Action 1.5 Prepare submission for Heritage Lottery Fund application 353) The objectives and actions set out in this Strategy are intended to be achievable and manageable given the capacity of South Gloucestershire Council, the Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust and other stakeholders. However, capital funding will be required to deliver the key conservation, site enhancements and improvements to the Museum. The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is likely to be the most likely source of funding (albeit with the requirement of match funding).
354) The key policy in applying for increasingly limited and competitive HLF funding is to place a cap on costs to ensure any application can be made at a Regional level, ideally less than £1.5m in total. Evidence of effective approaches to interpretation, learning, access, business planning, volunteering and community engagement would also be essential to underline a successful bid.
355) The bid should be led by the proposed Warmley Project Executive. The appointment of a dedicated Project Officer to co-ordinate the development of a HLF Heritage Grant Bid would be crucial. The post could be funded by an HLF Project Planning Grant and hosted by South Gloucestershire Council.
Action Task Priority 1.5.1 Initiate discussions with the SW Region HLF Development 1 Officer to scope potential for a bid in 2008;
1.5.2 Submit an HLF Project Planning Grant application to cover the 1 costs of:
• A part time Project Officer to develop a full HLF application; • An Audience Development Plan; • An Access Plan; • A full structural survey, specifications and costs; • Initial museum design and layout proposals;
1.5.3 Generate match funding to support up to 25% of total HLF 1 application request (in line with 1.4 above).
1.5.4 Submit application for HLF Heritage Grant 2
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OBJECTIVE 2 DELIVER A PROGRAMME OF CONSERVATION AND SITE ENHANCEMENT 356) The core of the Strategy is the delivery of a programme of conservation and site enhancement. Conservation works include structural repairs to key elements of the site, notably the Echo Pond, Boat House, Grotto, Statue of Neptune, Icehouse and Mount. The site also requires a number of improvements to planting, access, signage, boundaries, aesthetics, parking, and ecology.
357) All conservation and enhancement should be informed by appropriate planning guidance and legislation, as well as archaeological and architectural research and recording. All conservation and repair should be undertaken using the most appropriate materials (i.e. lime mortars, etc.).
Action 2.1 Develop and deliver a programme of regular maintenance 358) Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the continuing use of the buildings currently occupied on the site, notably the Dalton Young complex, which houses the Museum, and the Clock Tower, which is in active use by a number of community groups. The other structures on the site should also be regularly monitored, including after repair and restoration.
359) The removal of the render to the exterior of the Dalton Young complex – although unattractive – is not recommended as permanently exposing the masonry would have a dramatic and potentially damaging effect to the visual character of the buildings. Wholesale removal of the render could also risk damaging the underlying masonry. On balance it is considered best if the buildings remain rendered, with a programme of repairs and selective renewal. New work would be best carried out in a more sympathetic lime-based mix, more compatible with the C18th masonry.
Action Task Priority 2.1.1 Prepare a Short Term Cyclical programme of maintenance works 1 (monthly, annual, bi-annual);
2.1.2 Prepare a Long Term Cyclical programme of maintenance works 1 (2-5 years);
2.1.3 Set out maintenance requirements for historic structures before 2 and after repair / restoration.
Action 2.2 Restore Echo Pond & Canal 360) The Echo Pond is the most structurally unsound and dilapidated feature on the site. Conservation and restoration should be based on an appropriate archaeological evaluation. This should also include repairs to the existing boundary wall, gateway and Leat bridge.
Page 95 of 186 Finger Post N Create New Access
Re-align Boundary
Install New Trail
Enhance Habitat
Conserve Statue
Improve Restore Pathway Echo Pond and leat
Improve Furniture Conserve New Interperation Boathouse Restore Grotto
Improve View and Planting
Create New Access to Mount Remove Vegetation from Icehouse Enhance Habitat Agree New Access Routes Negoiate Boundary Realignment
Enhance Planting Improve Surface and Fencing and Museum Exterior
Champions Brassworks and Gardens
10 50 100 Figure 38 0 150 Conservation and Enhancement Proposals Champion’s Brass Works & Gardens Conservation Management Plan
361) Conservation should be phased in two stages:
• Phase 1 - Undertake repairs to stabilise the structure (ie remove vegetation and repoint / replace stonework where appropriate).
• Phase 2 - Restore historic water levels and supply along line of Canal. 362) All works would be subject to Scheduled Monument Consent and appropriate ecological assessments to ensure minimal impact on protected species (ie Great Crested Newts).
Action Task Priority 2.2.1 Develop proposal for repair and restoration (dependent on 2 archaeological evaluation & appropriate protected species survey);
2.2.2 Undertake full structural survey to set out specifications and 2 costs;
2.2.3 Dredge and undertake stabilisation works to Echo Pond (retain 2 10% vegetation for amphibian habitat);
2.2.4 Undertake hydrological survey to assess viability of restoring 3 water supply along the line of the Canal.
2.2.5 Undertake archaeological evaluation (subject to SMC) to assess 3 original depth, profile and construction of Canal;
2.2.6 Undertake restoration (if feasible / appropriate). 3
Action 2.3 Repair Boathouse 363) The Boathouse is in a poor state of repair. The immediate priority should be for it to be stabilised as a ruin with the feasibility of a full restoration assessed at a later date.
Action Task Priority 2.3.1 Undertake further detailed inspection of the area of bulged 1 masonry on the west elevation. It should be anticipated that some stitching and stabilisation may be required;
2.3.2 Consolidate wall tops and remove ivy and self-set trees. Less 1 invasive plants, such as the established creepers may be left;
2.3.3 Assess long-term feasibility of re-roofing and re-fenestrating the 3 Boathouse for active use
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Action 2.4 Repair & restore Grotto 364) The Grotto is in a generally sound condition, but is subject to damage from vegetation and vandalism (the site was subject to vandalism in 2006 and temporary repairs were undertaken under archaeological supervision). Improvements must be made to security. Although dense vegetation on the top of the Grotto partially helps to discourage illegal access and vandalism, it is likely to be a cause of past and potentially future structural collapse.
365) Conservation should be phased in two stages:
• Phase 1 - Undertake repairs and improve security • Phase 2 - Restoration of ‘lost’ chambers
366) All works would be subject to Scheduled Monument Consent and appropriate ecological assessments to ensure minimal impact on protected species (ie Bats).
Action Tasks Priority 2.4.1 Undertake a measured survey and detailed archaeological 1 assessment to fully understand the development and phasing of the Grotto
2.4.2 Undertake full structural survey to assess state of the roofs and 1 vaults. The structural survey should also assess the cause of collapse to the N and NW chambers;
2.4.3 Clear vegetation above the roof and vaults, but retain a screen of 1 planting to discourage access through the open roof;
2.4.4 Undertake repairs to lost / damaged clinker; 1
2.4.5 Develop proposals for restoration of N and NW Chambers 2 (drawn from archaeological assessment).
Action 2.5 Repair Statue of Neptune 367) The Statue of Neptune appears to be in reasonable condition, although the threat of structural failure will increase as the iron reinforcement within the concrete continues to decay. Large scale repairs may be required, subject to more detailed structural survey.
368) All works would be subject to Listed Building Consent and appropriate ecological assessments to ensure minimal impact on protected species.
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Action Task Priority 2.5.1 Undertake a detailed structural survey to assess specifications 1 for repair;
2.5.2 Assess the viability of replacing the lost trident (subject to an 1 assessment of risk to vandalism / theft);
Action 2.6 Improve care of Icehouse 369) The Icehouse is in a structurally stable condition, but the continuing vegetation growth above the vault will lead to failure in time. The Icehouse is structurally part of the Dalton Young Complex but currently in private ownership. Ownership should be transferred to SGC to ensure regular maintenance.
370) All works would be subject to Scheduled Monument Consent and appropriate ecological assessments to ensure minimal impact on protected species (ie Bats)
Action Task Priority 2.6.1 Negotiate transfer of ownership to South Gloucestershire Council 2 and establish appropriate access agreement with owners of Breakers Yard;
2.6.2 Install new access hatch / door to improve security. Allow for 2 access by bats;
2.6.3 Regularly clear vegetation from walls and vault of Icehouse; 2
Action 2.7 Restore access to the Mound 371) Access to the Mound is physically restrictive. There is, however, evidence that access was originally up a spiral path (hence reference to it being a ‘snail mound’. The line of the route should be investigated and restored.
372) All works would be subject to Scheduled Monument Consent (SMC) and appropriate Tree Protection Orders / Conservation Area guidance.
Action Task Priority 2.7.1 Undertake measured archaeological survey and evaluation 2 (subject to SMC) to establish topography and route of the original path;
2.7.2 Prepare and implement new path design based on 2 archaeological survey and assessment.
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Action 2.8 Restore & enhance historic planting (where appropriate) 373) Restoration of the 18th century garden planting would be – with the present state of knowledge – highly speculative and inappropriate. Widespread recreation of ornamental planting would inevitably exacerbate the maintenance requirements without conserving the surviving features of the site. More focused planting and enhancement would be appropriate to improve the overall appearance of the site.
374) All works would be subject to Scheduled Monument Consent, Tree Protection Orders / Conservation Area guidance and appropriate ecological assessments.
Action Task Priority 2.8.1 Restore Elm Walk using Small Leaf Lime planted at 3.6m x 4.5m 2 intervals;
2.8.2 Replace acuba with laurel along length of Laurel Walk and 2 manage as a closely clipped laurel hedge with emerging standard trees;
2.8.3 Selectively fell SGC nursery area to create open meadow with 2 specimen trees. Transplant good limes to supply restored Elm Walk. Cut grass twice annually to maintain clear space, but incorporate space for habitat enhancement;
Action 2.9 Improve maintenance of vegetation and scrub clearance 375) The maintenance of vegetation (trees, shrubs, hedges, lawn areas, planting beds, etc) is an on-going task. There are a number of key tasks that require specific and regular attention.
Action Task Priority 2.9.1 Increase maintenance to shrub beds and replant gaps using 1 historically appropriate species where necessary;
2.9.2 Trim low holly growth and pollard oaks on Mount as necessary to 1 minimise risk of wind throw;
2.9.3 Clear elder, elm and other scrub from the line of the Elm Walk 1 and cut twice annually;
2.9.4 Maintain hedge along boundary with Caravan Park to a height of 1 4-5ft to screen caravans but retain views across to Neptune;
2.9.5 Assess the health of the mature trees to the front of Warmley 1 House for safety to people / vehicles underneath. Consider selective felling as appropriate;
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2.9.6 Keep scrub and new growth to a minimum. 1
Action 2.10 Establish a formal access route from the Museum to the Gardens 376) Currently, there is no formal route from the Museum to the Gardens, restricting access to visitors not partaking in an organised tour. The extension of caravan plots within the Kingsway Residential Caravan Park car park could further restrict access.
377) The most viable solution may be to establish a new Permissive Path (or dedicated vehicular access, see Action 2.13 below) leading from Tower Lane between the drive of the former Lindman’s factory and the east boundary of the Kingsway Residential Caravan Park. Access to the Gardens should either be through the existing South Gloucestershire Council gates or a new entrance on the eastern boundary. This option may include a requirement for land purchase/swap to allow appropriate passage.
Action Task Priority 2.10.1 Confirm line of South Gloucestershire Council Right of Access 1 across the Kingsway Residential Caravan Park car park;
2.10.2 Assess feasibility of new Permissive Path and / or vehicular 1 access leading to the gardens from Tower Lane;
Action 2.11 Improve access from the Gardens to the Clock Tower 378) There is currently no access from the Gardens to the Clock Tower, leaving it isolated from the rest of the site and rarely incorporated within guided tours. Despite the damage undertaken to the ground to the rear of the former Lindman’s factory site in 2006, it may be feasible to still establish an informal route within the grounds of the Nursing Home. The route would have to be gated and accessible only to Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust members leading guided tours with the full agreement of the owners of the Nursing Home.
Action Task Priority 2.11.1 Assess feasibility of establishing new access route. 3
Action 2.12 Improve existing access, signage, interpretation and furniture 379) The Gardens are currently accessible along the line of the Elm Walk and the Nursing House Drive. Actions should be undertaken to improve access, signage and appearance.
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Action Task Priority 2.12.1 Establish Permissive Path finger posts on Tower Road North 2 (for access via the Elm Walk) and Nursing Home drive;
2.12.2 Improve the surface of the Elm Walk path to avoid puddles 2 and mud;
2.12.3 Install interpretative signage at the gates of the Nursing Home 2 Drive, the Nursing Home car park and proposed Tower Road access route (see above);
2.12.4 Replace existing ‘amenity’ furniture (benches) for more 2 appropriate design.
Action 2.13 Improve car parking arrangements along Tower Lane 380) The use of the former Lindman’s factory car parking space along Tower Lane was subject to an informal agreement with the previous owners. The use of the car park for Museum use (at least at weekends and Bank Holidays) should be renegotiated and formalised with the new owners.
381) The feasibility of using the site of the former Council greenhouses as a car park for the Museum should be fully explored. Dedicated car parking would resolve issues relating to the use of the Tower Lane car park and allow for a greater expansion in the number of visitors to both the Gardens and Museum. This would be subject to access arrangements and relevant planning guidance for vehicle access from Tower Lane.
Action Task Priority 2.13.1 Negotiate and formalise use of the Tower Lane car park for 1 Museum use
2.13.2 Assess feasibility of establishing a formal car park on the site of 1 the former Council greenhouses
Action 2.14 Negotiate & realign boundaries 382) Encroachment of private gardens along the line of the Canal and Elm Walk has been recognised as a negative impact on the Registered Park and Garden and Scheduled Monument for many years. Garden fences should be realigned along the line of the SGC boundary. The line of the boundary between the Clock Tower forecourt and former Lindman’s site should also be renegotiated.
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Action Tasks Priority 2.14.1 Negotiate realignment of fences to private gardens along the line 2 of the Canal / Elm Walk to respect the line of SGC ownership;
2.14.2 Agree common design to fencing along Elm Walk boundary; 2
2.14.3 Negotiate boundary realignment along the north of the former 2 Lindman’s site to create more open space and parking to the front of the Clock Tower;
2.14.4 Replace existing wire fencing with more appropriate / aesthetic 2 design (ie stone and slag block coping or post & rail);
2.14.5 Improve fencing along route of path between the Summerhouse 2 garden and private housing development.
Action 2.15 Improve appearance of site along Tower Lane 383) Improvements to the grounds and parking area to the front of the Museum have been made in recent years, but more can be done to enhance the appearance of the site along the north side of Tower Lane. This would create a more welcoming and attractive approach to the Museum and help improve the overall public realm.
Action Task Priority 2.15.1 Enhance existing Museum forecourt and Tower Row car parks 2 (subject to agreement with current owners) with appropriate surfacing material;
2.15.2 Improve fencing to the Museum forecourt and Tower Row car 2 parking area with consistent design. Remove concrete filled barrel parking barriers;
2.15.3 Remove and replace burnt tree in conifer fence to rear of Tower 2 Row car parking area;
2.15.4 Install a permanent Museum and Gardens signboard at the entry 2 to the Museum forecourt;
2.15.5 Install new KRCP sign at entrance to caravan park. 2
Action 2.16 Enhance and manage habitats and protected species 384) The site is not overtly significant in terms of its ecology, but there is scope for considerable enhancement without creating conflict with other values (archaeology, building conservation and access). Responsibility for habitat enhancements and management should lie with the South Gloucestershire Council, but it presents an opportunity to create new links with school groups or others to build on existing
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interest in the site. Habitats can be ‘adopted’ by third party groups to take on responsibility for their care, but firm commitment is required to ensure continuing maintenance and sustainability.
Action Task Priority 2.16.1 Consider ‘adoption’ of habitat areas by local group or school; 2
2.16.2 Thin out vegetation in former tree nursery site to improve ground 2 habitat;
2.16.3 Create ‘dead wood’ log pile habitats for beetles, amphibians and 2 reptiles;
2.16.4 Install bird and bat boxes to encourage nesting birds and 2 roosting bats, and incorporate ‘bat-friendly’ practices in conservation works;
2.16.5 Investigate feasibility of de-canalising the Siston Brook (subject 2 to flood risk) to create habitat for water voles and other riparian species;
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OBJECTIVE 3 IMPROVE DISPLAYS AND RAISE AWARENESS OF THE SIGNIFICANCE AND VULNERABILITY OF THE WHOLE SITE 385) There is no doubt that the primary vehicle for increasing local value and raising wider awareness of the site is the Kingswood Heritage Museum. Whilst a tremendous amount of voluntary effort has gone into the museum since its inception, further investment in the displays and collections is needed to help it truly meet its potential.
Action 3.1 Apply for Accredited Museum status 386) Accredited Museum status is crucial for opening up opportunities for additional funding and the potential for holding collections on loan from or deposited by other museums.
387) Achieving Accreditation is one of the key foundations needed to be put in place to ensure the delivery of the overall strategy. As most requirements have been fulfilled, the primary focus should be to undertake improvements to the layout and display of a single room.
388) Planning the improvements should be undertaken in partnership between the SGC Museum Services officers, the Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust and its Curatorial Advisor. The key improvement would be to improve the displays within one room, improve security and enhance environmental management to ensure appropriate conditions for the display of additional collections. Access and visitor routes around the Museum should also be reviewed.
389) Approaches to Accreditation should be undertaken in conjunction with the tasks set out in Actions 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6. Once Accreditation has been achieved, these should be rolled out to deliver improvements to the Museum as a whole.
Action Task Priority 3.1.1 Ensure all appropriate Accreditation requirements and policies 1 (eg Collections Policy) are in place and meet required standards;
3.1.2 Focus on improving the layout and display, security and 1 environmental conditions of a single room (see Action 3.2)
3.1.3 Review access points and visitor routes around the Museum 1 (see Action 3.3)
3.1.4 Submit application for Accredited Museum status 1
3.1.5 Extend improvements to rest of Museum 2
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Action 3.2 Develop an Interpretation & Learning Strategy 390) A key means of increasing awareness and value is through clear interpretation and inclusive learning. Interpretation requires careful planning to ensure key themes and messages are brought to the fore. An Interpretation and Learning Strategy should provide a framework for presenting and displaying the Museum and the Garden to different audiences, as appropriate.
391) Interpretation planning is based on 1) and understanding of primary audiences and 2) the identification of a limited number of key themes. This then forms the basis for developing the most appropriate means of delivering interpretation, for example through displays, artefacts, panels, guided tours, virtual on-line interpretation, guidebooks and leaflets.
392) The strategy should also include consideration of the requirements for school children, primarily those at Key Stages 2 and 3. This then allows the strategy to be tailored to meet the needs and interests of local schools.
393) Interpretation should be based around three main themes and appropriate sub- themes:
• Theme A - The life and works of William Champion; • Theme B - The industrial heritage of the Kingswood area; • Theme C - The social history of the Kingswood area;
394) Theme A - ‘The life and works of William Champion’ - should be the central theme of the Museum and other related interpretation. This would offer the opportunity to communicate to visitors just how important the site is to British industrial heritage and to the history of the local area. It is what makes Warmley significant and should be duly presented and promoted. Champion himself should be the ‘star of the show’.
395) The other two themes should reflect the broader industrial and social heritage of the area, but emphasise the influence and legacy of Champion’s works and the growth of local industry and population. Both themes are closely interrelated as industry was the principal employer of people in the Warmley and Kingswood area until relatively recently. Ultimately, the interpretation needs to tell the story of the history of the area through the lives of the men, women and children who lived and worked in and around the Warmley and Kingswood industries – in particular the Haskins Ceramics works. This would help humanise and personalise the story.
396) The potential for holding objects or collections from other museums (ie the Kingswood Pin Making Machine, currently held by the now closed Bristol Industrial Museum) should be thoroughly assessed. This would be subject to successful application for Accredited Museum status.
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397) The strategy should also include proposals for a new identity for the site as a whole that encapsulates its purpose and importance so as to act as a brand for the Gardens and Museum.
Action Task Priority 3.2.1 Prepare an Audience Development Plan to identify and profile 1 current visitors to the Museum and Gardens, and to assess the barriers and opportunities for attracting new audiences (including schools and colleges);
3.2.2 Develop a set of key themes (limited to three) that encapsulate 1 the stories to be told about the history of the site and wider area;
3.2.3 Identify the most appropriate means of delivering these themes 1 to the appropriate audiences, recognising different levels of interest and learning styles;
3.2.4 Use the Strategy to help define a clear identity and branding for 1 the site as a whole (to include the Gardens, Clock Tower and Museum).
3.2.5 Enhance and restructure the KHMT website to include more 1 interpretative and learning material
Action 3.3 Refresh display and layout within Museum 398) The display and layout of the Museum should be dependent on the outcomes of the Interpretation and Learning Strategy. However, at this stage it is clear that the balance of space dedicated to Champion and his works should be increased to better reflect the significance and interest of the site as a whole. The presentation of the rest of the museum also needs to be carefully considered and simplified so as to make more effective use of the space available.
399) The layout and display of the Museum should be fully assessed to reflect the priorities and themes as set out in the Interpretation Strategy. This would entail reviewing and simplifying the displays to focus on the key themes.
400) The former Dalton Young buildings offer a fair degree of flexible space in which to house the Museum. There is no need for additional buildings or a grandiose architectural statement. Rather, the space can be more effectively used by reviewing the location of access points, the layout of the displays, the requirements for a classroom / learning area, the re-fenestration of currently blocked windows (subject to security requirements), identification of a revolving exhibition space, etc.
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Action Task Priority 3.3.1 Prepare an Access Plan to assess best to provide physical, 1 intellectual and sensual access to the collections and displays
3.3.2 Use the Interpretation and Learning Strategy to define the layout 2 and content of displays;
3.3.3 Assess the potential of holding objects or collections from other 1 Museums;
3.3.4 Set out proposals for access and visitor flow to make most 2 effective use of the space available;
3.3.5 Refresh visitor facilities, including entrance and ticket sales point, 2 catering, sales area and toilets;
3.3.6 Relocate archives and stores in Building B (Kleen-ez room) to 2 the upper floors of Building J to increase available interpretation space. Use upper gallery for introductory video installation.
3.3.7 Make space on the upper floor available for use as a classroom 2 (NB requirement for adequate fire prevention and escape, disabled access, storage, furniture and separate toilets);
3.3.8 Identify a revolving exhibition space for temporary themed 3 displays.
Action 3.4 Develop a learning and education programme 401) The Museum already attracts a small number of school visits per annum. There is considerable potential for growth in this area, as well as for other higher education and adult learners. Key to delivering this action would be the appointment of an Education Officer.
Action Task Priority 3.4.1 Appoint a suitably experienced and qualified Education Officer 1
3.4.2 Liaise with local schools to promote opportunities for learning 2 and site visits;
3.4.3 Ensure Interpretation and Learning Strategy includes appropriate 2 links to National Curriculum requirements for KS2 and KS3 school age learners;
3.4.4 Promote upper floor of Kingswood Heritage Museum as a 2 classroom with appropriate student facilities.
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Action 3.5 Build links with other museums and sites 402) Champion’s Brassworks and Gardens are an inherent part of the industrial and social history of Bristol and district. Its origins lie with the original Bristol Brass Company and network of Quaker Friends who ran and financed much of Bristol’s industry and trade in the 18th Century. The site should therefore be seen and promoted as part of Bristol’s wider history and links made with Bristol museums to encourage cross- marketing, joint working and more contextualised interpretation.
Action Task Priority 3.5.1 Liaise with Bristol City Council Museum Services to explore 2 potential for cross-marketing and joint interpretation.
3.5.2 Build closer links with other related museums and sites in the 2 area, notably Saltford Brassmills,
3.5.3 Build closer links with other regional and national industrial 2 museums, notably Coalbrookdale
Action 3.6 Raise awareness of the significance and vulnerability of the site amongst immediately adjacent residents and businesses 403) One of the most fundamental issues raised during the preparation of the Conservation Management Plan has been a perceived - and in cases a very actual - lack of awareness of the importance of the site. This has resulted over the years in the demolition of key buildings and structures, the encroachment of private housing, the development of light industrial units, damage, vandalism, neglect and the general erosion of the character of the site.
404) The significance of the site has never permeated popular awareness of the early Industrial Revolution. Although the Museum successfully attracts some 3,000 visitors a year, its profile in the Warmley and wider Bristol area remains low. Raising the profile of the site is therefore critical to ensuring its survival and increasing success. This objective therefore has three core aims:
• To engage more fully with local people;
• To celebrate the history of the site and wider area through refreshed interpretation, learning and display;
• To raise awareness of the site amongst wider audiences.
405) A high priority action is to raise awareness of the site amongst neighbouring residents and businesses.
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Action Task Priority 3.1.1 Produce leaflet or newsletter highlighting the importance and 1 vulnerability of the site to be delivered to every household within 500m;
3.1.2 Make effective use of the local media to promote the site and 1 report on news and events;
3.1.3 Plan for an annual free open day for local people; 1
3.1.4 Set out management agreements with the owners of the KRCP 1 and former Lindman’s site to ensure no further damage is caused to the Scheduled Monument.
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8. NEXT STEPS
Delivering the Strategy 406) The following outlines the principle next steps that will be undertaken to ensure the successful implementation of the policies and strategy set out in the Conservation Management Plan. Other actions set out in the plan should also be programmed to be undertaken as appropriate in line with the requirements for Museum Accreditation and a Heritage Lottery Fund bid.
Step Task Complete by
1 Formalise management arrangements and raise July 2007 awareness amongst local residents and businesses:
• Formalising leases and funding arrangements • Establishing Lead Council Department, Nominated Council Officer and Warmley Project Executive
• Initiate discussions with neighbours and businesses to agree conservation and enhancement proposals
2 Initiate discussions with the Heritage Lottery Fund to July 2007 assess feasibility of bid in 2008
3 Apply for HLF Project Planning Grant, to include: Sept 2007
• Part time Project Officer to lead HLF submission • Audience Development Plan • Access Plan
• Full structural survey and costings for conservation and enhancement works
• Outline landscape masterplan • Initial design concept for Museum
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Step Task Complete by
4 Undertake necessary requirements to secure Museum Dec 2007 Accreditation
5 Submit HLF Grant Application, to include: Early 2008
• Conservation and enhancement works in the Gardens • Access and displays within Museum
6 Deliver Conservation, Enhancement and Interpretation 2008 / 2009 project
Relevant
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FIGURES
Figure 1 Champion’s Brassworks & Gardens location map
Figure 2 Extent of historic estate
Figure 3 Current Ownership
Figure 4 Scheduled Monument
Figure 5 Listed Buildings
Figure 6 Registered Park and Garden
Figure 7 The Kingswood Heritage Museum Complex
Figure 8 Location of lost industrial structures
Figure 9 Landscape Character Areas
Figure 10 Phase 1 Habitat Map
Figure 11 Badger activity
Figure 12 Conservation and Enhancement Proposals
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BIBILOGRAPHY
Angerstein, R. (2001) R.R. Angerstein’s illustrated Travel Diary, 1753 – 1755. Trans. T.& B. Berg. Science Museum.
Architecton Architects (1993) ‘The Dalton Young Complex, Warmley – structural survey’. Unpublished Report.
Avon Archaeological Unit (1994) ‘Excavations at Tower Road North, Warmley’. Unpublished Report.
Bryant, A. & Howes, L. (1991) Warmley Historic Gardens: Guidebook and Industrial Trail.
City of Hereford Archaeology Unit (1995) ‘Warmley Brassworks: a survey for management’. Unpublished Report. Hereford Archaeology Series 247.
Day, J. (1973) Bristol Brass, A History of the Industry. David & Charles.
Day, J. (1988) ‘The Bristol brass industry: Furnace structures and their associated remains’. Journal of the Historic Metallurgy Society 22/1 1988.
Day, J. (1990) ‘Brass and Zinc in Europe from the Middle Ages until the 19th century’ in Praddock C. (ed) 2000 Years of Zinc and Brass. British Museum Occasional Paper No 50.
Day, J. (1992) ‘Monument Protection Plan (MPP) The Brass Industry Step 1 Report’. Unpublished Report for English Heritage.
English Heritage Archaeological Projects (2006) Warmley Brassworks, Siston, Bristol, NGR 366927 172821, SAM no. 28518, Archaeological Recording Exercise. Report Project No. 5176
Ferguson Mann Architects (1997) ‘Warmley Brass and Zinc Mills: Dalton Young Complex. Existing fabric condition survey and proposed outline specifications for new works’. Unpublished Report. Schedule reference 9565 A/P 01 Rev B: 15/11/97.
Ferguson Mann Architects (1997) ‘Warmley Brass and Zinc Mills: Heritage Lottery Fund documents’. Unpublished Report.
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Harding, S. & Lambert, S. (1994) Parks and Gardens of Avon.
Howes, L. (1993) Warmley Historic Garden Management Plan. Unpublished Report.
Mowl, T. (2002) Historic Gardens of Gloucestershire. Tempus.
Nicolas Pearson Associates (1996) ‘Warmley Historic Gardens Management Plan’. Unpublished Report.
Nicolas Pearson Associates (1997) ‘Warmley Gardens Landscape Conservation Plan’. Unpublished Report.
Percy, J 1861 Metallurgy. Fuel; Fire-clays; Copper; Zinc; Brass; Etc. London. John Murray.
Rogers, K. H. (1976) The Newcomen Engine in the West of England. Moonraker Press.
Shortland-Ball, R. (1993) ‘The Champion Zinc and Brass Museum – An Appraisal’. Unpublished Report.
South Gloucestershire Council (1996) ‘Warmley Conservation Area Appraisal, Management Guidance Notes & Design Guidance Notes’.
Watson, S. (1991) Secret Underground Bristol. Bristol Junior Chamber.
Watts, M. (1996) The Windmill Tower, Warmley Brassworks, South Gloucestershire. Unpublished Report.
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APPENDIX A – SITE GAZETTEER
Name Kingswood Heritage Museum
Element A Windmill
Designation Grade II Listed building
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Scheduled Monument
Conservation Area
Ownership SCG
Landscape 12 – Museum Character Area buildings
Date and The mid 18th century windmill was built by 1761. Its exact function is uncertain. historic use It may have powered stamping mills or helped carried water into the lake to maintain the power of the water mills. The adaptability of the machinery means that it may have driven a succession of different machines, in response to the needs of the works.
Description An approximately 18m tall, pennant sandstone rubble built former windmill, circular on plan, that tapers from 7.4m at its base to approximately 6.5m at its top. The external walls have a large number of putlog holes and there are four upper level segmental arch headed openings (two currently louvered). There are four ground floor semi-elliptical arch headed door openings, two of which (NW and SW are blocked).
Mortices in the internal wall face and the structure of the internal chimney indicate at least 6 former floor levels within the structure. The building is relatively tall and powered machinery in the surrounding buildings during its life. It predates all of the adjacent surrounding buildings. The putlog holes appear to
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have been used by nesting birds.
A circular pennant sandstone building tapering towards the top, with four ground floor openings and four upper level openings. The openings have brick arches (semi-elliptical to the ground floor and segmental above, all with Bath stone keystones). The wall and openings of the windmill are original to the structure. The exterior of the building has many putlog holes. Internal mortices and rebates suggest six internal levels, although there would probably have been fewer complete floors. The cap and sails are missing. The versatility of the structure means that it could have powered an assortment of machines, including a stamping mill. The 1761 inventory mentions stamps associated with the windmill. It may have lifted water that powered the watermills back into the lake, augmenting the work of the Newcomen engine.
The north west ground floor opening was blocked when the brick chimney was inserted in the late 19th or early 20th century. The original roof and sails are not extant and the current roof structure is a simple late 20th century flat roof. The walls and openings are original to the building.
The internal chimney was built using machine made brick with distinctive dark brown mortar towards the end of the 19th century or in the early to mid 20th century. The blocking of the north west door is contemporary with the chimney. The steel SE doors were added in the 20th century.
A motor on the ground floor dates to the mid 20th century, and the concrete flooring to the late 20th century.
Completeness The original roof is missing, as are the floors and staircase/ladders. A later, late and condition 19th to early 20th century chimney survives and retains evidence for the historic floor levels.
The Tower has been recently repaired, with the exterior fully re-pointed, the roof covered in plastic lead flashing, and timber louvers introduced into high level openings. The main item requiring attention is the self-set vegetation which is taking hold in the high level putlog holes. The steel door is late and does not respect the original opening proportions. Although late it is of interest in its own right and harmonises with the current masonry of the south east elevation that was rebuilt to accommodate it.
The presence of four ground floor openings in the original building demonstrates the adaptability of the structure’s operation and the fact that the mill was able to drive machinery in all four directions if necessary.
The brick blocking of the south west upper level opening detracts slightly from the appearance of the building. The raised concrete flooring detracts slightly from the internal proportions of the ground floor openings. Any reinstatement of lost floors should only be designed following extensive archaeological and archival investigation in order to establish the historic floor configuration. The current lack of evidence of the internal flooring presents a strong case for leaving the windmill as a single vertical space.
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Significance The windmill is an early feature of the brass works and retains important evidence of its operation was an important. It is visually the most prominent building in the Dalton Young group, the earliest surviving building of the group and the other buildings were built around it as they probably housed activities that were powered by the windmill. The windmill is therefore the principal building within this group and is vital to the significance and interpretability of the Brass Works.
The windmill is of regional significance due to the completeness of its outer walls and its scale. It is also significant in that it survives with its ancillary buildings largely intact.
The outer walls, putlog holes and openings are all significant as is the evidence of the internal floors. The chimney, although not original, retains evidence of the changing historic uses of the building and important evidence of the historic flooring.
Conservation Maintain as a central feature of the museum. Undertake maintenance and strategy repairs.
Ensure all future repairs and alternations are subject to relevant nature conservation legislation.
Requirements Any removal of modern fabric, especially the concrete flooring should be subject for additional to archaeological investigation and this should inform design. research
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Name Kingswood Heritage
Museum
Element B
Designation Conservation Area
Grade II Listed building
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Scheduled Monument
Ownership SGC
Landscape 12 – Museum Character Area buildings
Date and A two storey building, initially built during the 18th century (although not original historic use to the works). Only parts of the ground floor date to the 18th century. It appears that this building element was added onto both Building element C and the windmill A. The building would have functioned as a workshop and/or storage warehouse, relating to the use of the windmill. Machinery within it would probably have been driven by windmill.
Description A functional building with a shallow double pitched gabled roof. The earliest part of this building may only have had a single storey, had worked slag block quoins (visible on its NE wall). Its NE wall has three blocked openings (one a possible door which was possibly later converted into a window before being finally blocked, and a smaller and larger window opening). The larger openings show evidence of segmental brick arched heads and the original masonry wall tops appear to have been removed. The use of fireclay bricks in the blocking of the possible window that was inserted into the door suggests a mid 19th century to 20th century date for this blocking.
The surviving doorway in the NE wall led into an extension that was built between the surveying of the 1881 and the 1902 Ordnance Survey maps and was demolished in the 20th century. The SE end of the building formerly
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extended further to the SE on its SW side (1902 OS Map) and there is evidence that the late 20th century render on the SE elevation conceals various phases of contrasting masonry.
The masonry above ground floor level was added in the late 19th century or, more probably, during the 20th century using machine made brick. The 20th century king post truss roof is supported on brick piers. The roof covering and skylights definitely date to the late 20th century.
The NW part of the building is open to the roof, with a mezzanine level at its SE end. The SW wall at ground floor level is stone and is formed by the NE wall of Building element C. The ground floor’s NE wall is stone with copper slag block quoins and jambs. The SE part of the building functions as an office, with the rest of the lower level space and the mezzanine forming part of the museum exhibition space.
The upper level walling is built using brick laid in English garden wall bond. There is a king post roof, typical of both the complex and industrial buildings of the 19th to mid 20th century.
Completeness The 20th century render detracts from the building’s historic character. and condition However, it conceals patches of contrasting masonry and its retention or replacement with different, less obtrusive render is appropriate.
Significance A building of vital significance to the Brass works, in that it retains evidence of the development of the complex around the windmill and of the way in which the buildings were adapted according to the changing needs of the work.
The building makes a positive contribution to the works in that he use of worked slag decoration forms a distinctive mid 18th to 19th century theme within the works. Removal of any walls or building elements with this form of construction would erode the significance of the site as a whole. This work should also be left exposed to preserve the site’s interpretability.
Conservation Undertake regular maintenance and repair. strategy Relocate archives and stores to the upper floors of Building J to increase available interpretation space. Consider use of upper gallery for introductory video installation (subject to addition of disabled access).
Requirements
for additional research
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Name Kingswood Heritage
Museum
Element C Horse Mill
Designations Grade II Listed building
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Scheduled Monument
Conservation Area
Ownership SGC
Landscape 12 – Museum complex Character Area
Date and This building dates to the mid 18th century and the 1841 tithe map and the historic use extant masonry show that elements of this building extended to the south east. Part of the roof reconfiguration may relate to the removal of the south eastern part of the building. Several drive shaft and bearing openings in the north west and north east walls indicate that the windmill may have at some point powered machinery in this building, or that the horse mill (or a later source of power) powered machinery in adjacent buildings B and D. This latter explanation is less likely as these buildings are adjacent to the windmill, a more likely source of power for their machinery. The horse engine may have been used when water and wind power was not sufficient for powering the stamping mills.
Description This is a single storey rectangular pennant sandstone building with a roof that is fully hipped on its north west side and half hipped to the south east, with a pan tile cover. The roof is supported with an irregular system of two king post roof trusses with raking struts, which show signs of having been historically reconfigured. The 1761 inventory states that there were ‘lofts’ above the horse mills. An associated loft would have had to have occupied the roofspace within this building and the roof truss configuration would have restricted movement and useable space.
Completeness Structurally, this element is in good condition, although the external render has and condition come away in places. The existing render should be kept in situ and exposed masonry re-pointed.
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Significance A building of vital significance to the Brass works, in that it retains evidence of the development of the complex around the windmill and of the way in which the buildings were adapted according to the changing needs of the work.
Conservation Maintain and repair, as required. Leave existing render in situ and re-point strategy masonry where necessary.
Requirements Further research is required into the likelihood of the use of the building as a for additional horse mill and the amount of power generated. research
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Name Kingswood Heritage Museum
Element D
Designation Grade II Listed building
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Scheduled Monument
Conservation Area
Ownership SGC
Landscape 12 – Museum complex Character Area
Date and Building D date to the late 18th – early 19th century and the 1761 inventory historic use – associates it with the windmill, stamps and smithies. It is likely that buildings B and D contained stamping machines, being nearest to the windmill and thus to the source of power. The power to drive bearings for drive shafts is likely to have come from the windmill with building D acting largely as a gearing hub from which machines were driven in the surrounding buildings. The space may also have housed machinery. The two king post roof trusses in D date to the late 19th or 20th century. The king posts have sloping joggles without raking braces. The building has been re-roofed in the 20th century.
Description Building element D and the ground floor of I appear originally to have been a long single storey pennant sandstone shed, built alongside building C.
Completeness The structure is in good condition with some evidence of it past use surviving in and condition situ, although no machinery is now present.
Significance This is an integral element of the 18th century works and as such is of regional significance.
Conservation Maintain and repair, as necessary. This element should remain the core of the strategy Museum, dedicated to telling the story of Champion and his works.
Requirements None for additional
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research
Name Kingswood Heritage
Museum Element E
Designation Grade II Listed building
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Scheduled Monument
Conservation Area
Ownership SGC
Landscape 12 – Museum complex
Character Area
Date and The date of this element is uncertain but its side walls are likely to date to the historic use 18th century. Its original function is unknown.
Description Building E is a single storey building with pennant sandstone side walls. The openings to building E have been described above. Building E may have been substantially altered. There are two narrow openings (a low level opening and full height opening) in the wall between D and E. These would have housed bearings for drive shafts.
Completeness The structure is in good condition with some evidence of it past use surviving in and condition situ.
Significance This is an integral element of the 18th century works and as such is of regional significance.
Conservation Maintain and repair as necessary. The display in this element should be strategy reviewed and refreshed. The visitor toilets require refitting and modernising.
Requirements None for additional research
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Name Kingswood Heritage Museum
Element F
Designation Grade II Listed building
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Scheduled Monument
Conservation Area
Ownership SGC
Landscape 12 – Museum complex Character Area
Date and Building F was built between 1881 and 1889 in pennant sandstone and is larger historic use than the earlier single storey buildings. The structure was re-roofed in the late 20th century, with elegant modern roof trusses.
Description The map evidence indicates that building F was built between 1881 and 1902 and the north west wall of E would have been an exterior wall until then. The blocked openings in this wall are likely to have been windows rather than drive shaft openings. There is a central blocked window in this wall, and the good quality dressed stone surrounds to the blocked opening to the north east of this confirm further suggest an opening on a exterior wall. The north east wall appears to have been largely rebuilt to accommodate the late 19th to 20th century segmental arched headed doorway and the two 20th century flat roofed toilet blocks. The openings have machine made brick surrounds, with a machine made brick gable. There is some earlier pennant sandstone masonry to the sides of the door on the north east wall. The late 20th century south west wall is of brick, beyond which the roof continues into Building J. Historic maps show that the building formerly extended approximately to the south western limit of Building J.
Completeness Structurally, this element is in good condition following relatively recent repairs and condition and re-roofing.
Significance Although built after Champion’s period, the building’s construction harmonises with that of the earlier buildings and contributes positively to the significance and variety of the group. It also contains the only section of the Icehouse which can
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be seen by visitors to the Museum.
Conservation Maintain and repair, as necessary. Review use and layout of display. strategy
Requirements More research into the development and use of the building as a ‘flock and for additional shoddy’ works. research
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Name Kingswood Heritage Museum
Element G
Designation Grade II Listed building
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Scheduled Monument
Conservation Area
Ownership SGC
Landscape 12 – Museum complex Character Area
Date and This is a rectangular building shown on a map from 1881 where it is marked out historic use as ‘icehouse’.
Description The building extends into the Ice House (building H). Building G’s sloping roof was rebuilt at its current height at the same time as, or after the gable wall of building F was added.
Completeness Structurally, this element is in good condition. and condition
Significance Although built after Champion’s period, the building’s construction harmonises with that of the earlier buildings and contributes positively to the significance and variety of the group. It is unusual because it extends over the icehouse, for what purpose remains unknown.
Conservation Maintain and repair, as necessary. strategy
Requirements Additional research may be required to better understand the function of the for additional building and the reasons why it was partially built over the icehouse. research
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Name Kingswood Heritage
Museum
Element H Ice House
Designation Grade II Listed building
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Scheduled Monument
Conservation Area
Ownership Private
Landscape 12 – Museum Character Area complex
Date and historic The Ice house is a substantial building that dates to the mid 18th century. The use size of the structure suggests the use of ice on an industrial scale, possibly to cool the brass or copper. There is no evidence to suggest that this was ever initially built as furnace.
Description It is built in pennant sandstone as a sunken circular structure, the side walls of which extend above ground level and there is a drain in the west wall. The roof is of domed pennant sandstone with a central oculus and a north east circular top entrance. The outward thrust of the dome is held in place by two wrought iron hoops.
Completeness The ice house is largely covered by vegetation. Urgent attention is required with and condition regard to self-set trees which are taking hold, the roots of which will undoubtedly cause damage to the structure if left unchecked. The condition of the underlying masonry and mortar joints is difficult to determine and it is recommended that the vegetation be stripped back and a detailed assessment undertaking. A comprehensive programme of re-pointing should be anticipated. Internally, the structure is in good condition. Lime has leached out of the mortar to form “stalactites”, but this is of no consequence to the overall structural integrity. Access into the ice-house via the existing roof hatch is difficult and is not conducive to regular inspection or maintenance. The hatchway is currently unprotected which as well as admitting rainwater into the interior, is a notable
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health and safety risk.
Significance The icehouse is considered the largest of its period in Britain. Its purpose and function is not fully understood – it is far larger than any other known domestic 18th century icehouse in Britain
Conservation The Icehouse is in a structurally stable condition, but the continuing vegetation strategy growth above the vault will lead to failure in time. The Icehouse is structurally part of the Dalton Young Complex but currently in private ownership. Ownership should be transferred to South Gloucestershire Council to secure its future and ensure regular maintenance.
Punching a hole in the wall of the Icehouse to allow visual access has been proposed in the past, but this may have both structural and architectural implications which make it an unviable option. The Icehouse would be better interpreted in the ‘Champion’ room and highlighted to visitors during organised tours.
Action Task Priority
2.6.1 Negotiate transfer of ownership to South Gloucestershire 2 Council and establish appropriate access agreement with owners of Breakers Yard;
2.6.2 Install new access hatch / door to improve security. Allow for 2 access by bats;
2.6.3 Regularly clear vegetation from walls and vault of Icehouse; 2
Requirements Further research is required into the original function of the Icehouse. for additional research
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Name Kingswood Heritage
Museum
Element I
Designation Grade II Listed building
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Scheduled Monument
Conservation Area
Ownership SGC
Landscape 12 – Museum Character Area complex
Date and The ground floor of building I may be contemporary with building element D, historic use dating to the late 18th – early 19th century, while the upper storeys of building I date to the 20th century.
Description The ground floor of I and building element D appear originally to have been a long single storey pennant sandstone shed, built alongside building C (which is earlier).To their north east are two blocked openings, one between buildings I and C and the other a former doorway. Building I has two upper suspended floors (one timber, the other concrete), one occupying the roof space, added late 1940s or early 1950s. The two front ground floor windows were added in the mid to late 20th century and have wooden lintels. The first floor is partly supported on a central line of reinforced concrete posts and on internal brick pilasters. The 20th century roof is supported on five king post trusses, one of which is on the north east gable. As in buildings D and E, the king posts have sloping joggles without raking struts. These roofs are likely to have been added during the same period.
Completeness Building I was partially damaged by fires in the 1990s. Following this fire, the and condition building was largely repaired. However, the timber floor structure to the second floor remains in its charred state and acro-props have been inserted below. This temporary repair appears to be performing satisfactory, although a permanent solution will need to be considered in due course.
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Significance Although heavily altered and extended, the building’s construction harmonises with that of the earlier buildings and contributes positively to the significance and variety of the group.
Conservation Make space on the upper floor available for use as a classroom and/or business strategy use (NB requirement for adequate fire prevention and escape, disabled access, storage, furniture and separate toilets).
Requirements None for additional research
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Name Kingswood Heritage Museum
Element J
Designation Grade II Listed building
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Scheduled Monument
Conservation Area
Ownership SGC
Landscape 12 – Museum complex Character Area
Date and Building J dates to the 1950s. historic use
Description The building has a reinforced concrete frame, two storeys and its roof is supported on clear span steel trusses.
Completeness Building J has a history of cracking in the render, due to thermal expansion and and condition movement of the frame. Consideration needs to be given to the insertion of movement joints. The junction of the south west gable with the wall below has not been fully resolved.
Significance The building is significant in that it reflects the continuing industrial use of the complex from Champion to the late 20th century. As such, it represents the last phase of a long history of industrial use.
Conservation Make space on the upper floor available for use as a classroom and/or business strategy use (NB requirement for adequate fire prevention and escape, disabled access, storage, furniture and separate toilets).
Requirements None for additional research
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Name Clock Tower
Designation Grade II Listed building
Scheduled Monument
Conservation Area
Ownership SGC
Landscape 14 – Clock Tower Character Area
Date and The Clock House was built by William Champion as a pin factory between 1750 historic use and 1764.
Description The Clock Tower is built in pennant sandstone with copper slag block quoins (the lower parts of which have mouldings) and has six bays and three storeys. The clock tower at its south east corner is a later addition. The building has a rear extension roofed as an outshot. The roof is hipped, with butt purlins. The earliest phase consists of two elements. The main three storey mill is original to the building. There is also evidence of a small outbuilding or extension with copper slag block quoins at the rear of the 5th bay from the north, within the later outshot. Only evidence of its ground floor survives and it may have been a single storey structure. The main part of the mill had large segmental headed openings at the front (east) and small segmental headed openings at the back. The Clock Tower was probably built by 1764, as the bell that hung in the tower was dated 1764. The fact that the tower conceals the former probable staircase windows indicates that these were probably blocked early in the building’s development. The 1841 tithe map shows the building as L shaped indicating that the rear extension may be that described above. If the depiction on this map is accurate it would suggest that the building was extended slightly to the south after 1841 and that the clock tower was a later addition. Most of the rear extension is later. Except for the 18th century west wall on its southern bay, the rest of the structure appears to date to the end of the 19th century or the 20th century. It has pennant sandstone walls, its first floor is supported on encased steel beams and 19th century steel casement windows, with some with cast iron frames
Completeness Overall the building is in good structural condition. Externally, the tower exhibits and condition some signs of cracking, which appears to be of long standing and may be in part due to differential settlement.
Roofs are generally in excellent condition. The only exception is the clock tower where a number of pantiles have been lost. The roof structure appears sound
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where visible. A cursory inspection was carried out of the clock tower roof structure where access was possible into the clock tower itself and via a trap door in the adjacent shower room. The roofs appear to have been repaired in recent years. Where inspected, the roof slopes have been covered with bituminous roofing felt. There appears to be some active woodworm in the roof structure over the second floor.
Rainwater goods are in uPVC and appear to be in good order. However, there does not appear to be an effective below ground drainage system so water discharges from the downpipes onto the ground where it will inevitably find its way into the building footings. This could lead to problems in the longer term. The cast iron windows are in need of overhaul and redecoration. Some localised repairs are required to the cast iron frames and glazing bars. A brick chimney abuts the east front. There is a straight joint where the two join which appears to be opening up. This should be kept under observation.
The heating system is most likely expensive to run. Where visible, the ducts appear to suffer leakage with all joints covered by jointing tape. Unfortunately, the insertion of the plasterboard ceiling means that inspection and maintenance of the ductwork is impossible. Where inspected no visual faults could be detected in the electrical installation. Externally, a boundary wall extends westwards from the north gable. Self set ash trees are causing extensive structural damage to the wall.
Significance Although the form and layout of the warehouse is not unusual, the extensive use of copper slag blocks in such a building and the presence of the clock tower, mean that this building is of national significance, due to its rarity. It is also of significance as a major component of Champion’s works and the first purpose built brass pin factory that houses all stages of the manufacturing process.
Conservation The Clock House is in reasonably good condition but requires regular strategy maintenance and inspection to ensure it remains a useable building. The heating system should be replaced in time. The general setting of the Clock House should be improved.
Require Undertake a full measured survey. ments for additional research
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Name The Grotto
Designations Scheduled Monument
Grade II Listed building
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Conservation Area
Ownership SGC
Landscape 7 – Grotto & Nuttery Character Area
Date and The grotto would have been constructed during different phases in the middle to historic use late 18th century.
Description The grotto survives as a series of chambers and tunnels extending down the hill to the west of Warmley House. Its earlier parts have arches are largely barrel vaulted and therefore classical. Later additions (ie. the areas to the east and south east show a gothick pointed profile). The earliest phase that could be seen on inspection was the L shaped corridor to the north of the main entrance chamber. Another, third phase appears to survive in the current main entrance chamber and the room to the south containing the largest pool. Another possibly fourth phase consisted of a chamber at the north end of the grotto. The fifth phase represents the extension of the grotto into the hillside, with the construction of the western access corridor and two additional chambers with pools.
Completeness The surviving grotto is largely in fair structural condition. However, further and condition investigation of the “roofs” is required to establish the effects of trees and vegetation growing on top.
The roof of the central chamber collapsed some years ago opening up the interior to the sky. The rim of the opening is covered with ivy and self-set trees which if left unchecked could destabilise the underlying masonry. Rainwater has been free to wash down the walls where it is gradually eroding the lime mortar.
The northern most chamber was not accessed and no comment can be offered on its condition, expect to say the roof no longer survives and issues of vegetation and mortar joints apply to this chamber as well.
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The north-west passage has partially collapsed and rubble is held back by timber slats. An expert opinion on the stability of these temporary works should be obtained from a structural engineer if not already done so. Also in the north-west passage a former communicating door has been walled up, although some of the walling is falling away (or removed) from below the lintel.
In the south-west chamber, some of the clinker lining has been lost from the west most niche.
Significance This is one of the largest and most unusual grottos surviving in Britain today and the only one constructed using reclaimed industrial waste (copper slag and clinker). Although it lacks the ornate furnishing of Goldney’s Bristol grotto, it bears an unworldly aesthetic that clearly evokes Aeniad’s Virgil. Its size, scale, material and overall survival make it of national significance.
Conservation The Grotto is in a generally sound condition, but is subject to damage from strategy vegetation and vandalism (the site was subject to vandalism in 2006 and temporary repairs were undertaken under archaeological supervision). Improvements must be made to security. Although dense vegetation on the top of the Grotto goes some way to discouraging illegal access, it is likely to a cause of past and potentially future structural collapse. Conservation should be phased in two stages: Phase 1 - Undertake repairs and improve security; Phase 2 - Restoration of ‘lost’ chambers
All works would be subject to Scheduled Monument Consent and appropriate ecological assessments to ensure minimal impact on protected species (ie Bats).
Action Tasks Priority
2.4.1 Undertake full structural survey to assess state of the 1 roofs and vaults. The structural survey should also assess the cause of collapse to the N and NW chambers;
2.4.2 Clear vegetation above the roof and vaults, but retain a 1 screen of planting to discourage access through the open roof;
2.4.3 Undertake repairs to lost / damaged clinker; 1
2.4.4 Develop proposals for restoration of N and NW 2 Chambers (drawn from archaeological assessment).
Requirements Undertake full measured survey and review phasing. for additional research
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Name The Echo Pond, Bridge & Canal
Designations Scheduled Monument
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Conservation Area
Ownership SGC
Landscape 4 – Echo Pond & Character Area Lawn
Date and The Echo Pond appears to have been built in a single operation in the early to historic use mid 18th century with internal concrete repairs dating to the 20th century. The concrete appears to have been added as a lining to retain the water within the pond.
Description The structure is mostly constructed with pennant sandstone with copper slag block decoration. It is roughly semi-circular in plan with its curved north west side extending into the area of the former lake. The walling steps out internally above the current water level. There is an earth walkway around the north west side of the pond and the remains another curved stone and slag block wall that acted as a retaining wall on the lake side of the bank. A flight of steps have been noted at the western end below existing water levels.
Completeness The pond is now derelict and partially choked with vegetation with the water at a and condition low level, exposing more of the walls than originally intended. The west wall steps out at low level and the exposed plinth has been capped with concrete, presumably during the latter half of the 20th century. This concrete capping is falling away in places. The wall has suffered areas of localised collapse, probably as a result of the destabilising effects of tree growth. The trees concerned have recently been felled, although the stumps and roots remain. A number of slag copings have been lost, either removed, or possibly located at the bottom of the pond? The wall face itself has open joints and areas of cracking where damaged by tree growth.
The east wall has also been destabilised by vegetation, much of which has been removed. It is presumed fallen stones lie within the water. Significant areas of stonework appear to be loose and open jointed.
The northern culvert has partially collapsed at its exposed edge, again the result of vegetation, now removed. Gaps in the wall and areas of unstable masonry are currently protected by post and wire fencing.
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Significance The Echo Pond is an unusual survivor of the type of 18th century ornamental pond intended to astonish and amuse visitors.
Conservation The Echo Pond is the most structurally unsound and dilapidated feature on the strategy site. Conservation and restoration should be based on the findings of the archaeological evaluation undertaken by Lesley Howes. This should also include repairs to the existing boundary wall, gateway and canal bridge. Conservation should be phased in two stages: Phase 1 - Undertake repairs to stabilise the structure (ie remove vegetation and repoint / replace stonework where appropriate): Phase 2 - Restore historic water levels and supply along line of canal.
All works would be subject to Scheduled Monument Consent and appropriate ecological assessments to ensure minimal impact on protected species (ie Great Crested Newts).
Actio Task Priority n 2.2.1 Develop proposal for repair and restoration (dependent on 1 archaeological evaluation & appropriate protected species survey);
2.2.2 Undertake full structural survey to set out specifications and 1 costs;
2.2.3 Submit application for SMC / protected species & undertake 1 required mitigation (ie relocation, if appropriate);
2.2.4 Dredge and undertake stabilisation works to Echo Pond 1 (retain 10% vegetation for amphibian habitat);
2.2.5 Undertake hydrological survey to assess viability of restoring 2 water supply along the line of the canal.
2.2.6 Undertake archaeological evaluation (subject to SMC) to 2 assess original depth, profile and construction of Canal;
2.2.7 Undertake restoration (if feasible / appropriate). 2
Requirements for additional research
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Name The Boathouse
Designation Scheduled Monument
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Conservation Area
Ownership SGC
Landscape 7 – Echo Pond & Character Area Lawn
Date and Early – Mid 18th Century. Originally built as a boathouse for the Lake, but by the historic use late 19th century had been extended to include an additional storey with a hipped roof (removed 1967).
Description The boathouse is built with pennant sandstone with copper slag block quoins, is square in plan and survives as a ruin. There are low level arches on the north west side (lake side) and on the south east side (landward side). The arch facing the lake would have allowed a small boat to be launched onto the lake. The structure originally had openings on the north east, south east and south west sides which would have provided access to the boat. There is evidence of an upper floor in the form of windows and an angled chimney with fireplace on the east corner.
Completeness Generally, the structure is in poor condition. There appear to be areas of loose and condition masonry at high level and a bulge is apparent in the centre of the west elevation. There are miscellaneous open joints in the masonry. Vegetation appears to have been cut back in recent years, although ivy is starting to re-grow at the base.
Significance The Boat House is significant in terms of its relationship to the overall design and layout of the gardens.
Conservation Further detailed inspection of the area of bulged masonry on the west elevation strategy needs to be carried out. However, it should be anticipated that some stitching and stabilisation may be required. The wall tops should be consolidated and the ivy and self-set trees removed. Less invasive plants, such as the established creepers may be left. Open joints require re-pointing.
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Action Task Priority
2.3.1 Undertake further detailed inspection of the area of bulged 1 masonry on the west elevation. It should be anticipated that some stitching and stabilisation may be required;
2.3.2 Consolidate wall tops and remove ivy and self-set trees. 1 Less invasive plants, such as the established creepers may be left;
2.3.3 Re-roof and fenestrate to create secure space for on-site 3 interpretation
Requirements Undertake more detailed measured archaeological survey in advance of for additional consolidation and eventual reuse. research
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Name Statue of Neptune
Designations Grade II Listed building
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Conservation Area
Ownership SGC
Landscape 10 – Former lake & Character Area statue
Date and historic Mid 18th Century. The Statue of Neptune crowned an island in the middle of the use Lake – an eye catcher to be viewed from Warmley House. The statue has been frequently repaired and rebuilt.
Description The statue of Neptune is built in concrete with clinker detail within and towards the north end of the former lake. It is almost eight metres tall and is surrounded by vegetation, some of which may be damaging the structure and is currently inaccessible. The structure is visible from the echo pond and from various points within the garden and is a major landmark within the site.
Completeness It would appear that the statue is structurally stable with no signs of distress and condition immediately visible. There is some fine cracking to the concrete and evidence of past patch repairs. The construction of the statue is not known but it is anticipated that there will be an embedded metal formwork and armatures. Cracking may result from corrosion of the metal work, but equally some may be due to thermal expansion. The masonry adjacent to the protruding ironwork appears to be cracking and lifting, possibly as a result of metal corrosion. Vegetation is getting a good hold on the back of the statue.
Significance The Statue of Neptune is primarily significant in terms of its contribution to the overall design and layout of the gardens. Although statues of Neptune and other Classical figures are not uncommon in gardens of this date, the one at Warmley is unusual in that it is constructed from copper slag and clinker, as well as cement. Its large scale – once dominant within the landscape – is also unusual. The Statue of Neptune should be considered of Regional if not National significance.
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Conservation The Statue of Neptune appears to be in reasonable condition, although the strategy threat of structural failure will increase as the iron reinforcement within the concrete continues to decay. Large scale repairs may be required, subject to more detailed structural survey.
Action Task Priority 2.5.1 Clear (and maintain) vegetation from the rear and body of 1 the statue;
2.4.2 Undertake a detailed structural survey to assess 1 specifications for repair;
2.4.3 Scope the option of replacing the lost trident (subject to 1 an assessment of risk to vandalism / theft);
Requirements for Further investigation required into the material used for the trident – iron, brass, additional copper or wood? research
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Name The Chequered Garden
Designations Scheduled Monument
Grade II Listed building
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Conservation Area
Ownership SGC
Landscape 6 – Chequered Wall Character Area Garden & Mount
Date and The Chequered Garden wall that extends to the south from the grotto along the historic use walled garden’s west boundary shows evidence of at least two phases of development, the earliest contemporary with the layout of the garden in the 18th century, the latest dating to the late 19th or 20th century.
Description There are two walled gardens to the west and south west of the grotto. The wall that separates them may originally have been built with a clinker finish. It has two gateways (that at the west end added later than the eastern opening). Between the gateways are four raised arched openings blocked with stone and plain brickwork at the bottom, with panels of chequered brick and copper slag blocks above.
The deliberate ruinous appearance and unusual construction of the walled gardens to the south and west of the grotto accentuate their Gothick references. This effect is enhanced by the survival of evidence of the various phases of development. The western boundary walls show evidence of former window openings and suggest the historic presence of small sheds and other outbuildings. The later phases of development retain evidence of the continued occupation of the house and site in the 19th century.
Completeness The wall has miscellaneous open joints. The timber lintels to the former Hot and condition House are rotten. The various retaining walls of the Parterre are open jointed and are affected by vegetation.
Significance The Chequered Garden and associated bays are an integral part of the historic layout of the garden and as such make a contribution to the significance of the overall design. The use of brick and copper slag is unusual.
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Conservation Maintain and repair, as necessary. Maintain area as a garden. strategy
Requirements Undertake detailed measured survey. for additional research
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Name The Mount
Designations Scheduled Monument
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Conservation Area
Ownership SGC
Landscape 6 – Chequered Wall Character Area Garden & Mount
Date and Constructed between 1750 and 1769, the Mount was intended to act as a historic use platform from which Champion’s visitors could admire both his gardens and industrial works.
Description The Mount was built as a viewing platform, originally approached along a concentric path that wrapped around the structure. This path led to this type of mount to be referred to as a ‘snail mound’. The oaks on the summit are thought to be of about 150 years of age, but may have replaced original trees, suggesting another classical allusion echoed in other parts of the garden (oaks were supposed to have grown on the summit of Mt Olympus). The holly bushes are thought to be a later planting to help screen the garden from the industrial works.
Completeness Evidence of the circular path is just about visible in places. The existing pathway and condition is very steep and eroded, and is difficult to ascend and descend.
Significance The Mount is a not uncommon early to mid 18th century garden feature designed to provide a raised platform from which to look over parterres or certain views. However, many were removed following changes in fashion in the later 18th century, so the one at Warmley is a relatively rare survivor of this type of feature. That is was also intended to provide viewing access to his works also adds to its unusualness and significance. The Mount should be considered regionally significant.
Conservation Access to the Mount is physically restrictive. There is, however, evidence that strategy access was originally up a spiral path (hence reference to it being a ‘snail mound’. The line of the route should be investigated and restored.
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Action Task Priority
2.7.1 Undertake measured archaeological survey and 2 evaluation (subject to SMC) to establish topography and route of the original path;
2.7.2 Prepare and implement new path design based on 2 archaeological survey and assessment.
Requirements As 2.7.1 above for additional research
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Name The Summer House
Designations Grade II Listed Building
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Conservation Area
Ownership Private
Landscape 9 - Summerhouse Character Area
Date and The exact date the Summer House was built is not known, but it was almost historic use certainly between 1750 and 1760. It was intended to act as an eye-catcher from the house and gardens, as well as to offer a private retreat. The Summerhouse was not used to house the sluice to control water to Siston Brook as is sometimes alleged.
Description The Summerhouse is built in the form of a roughly square 2 storey crenellated tower built of black slag material with freestone window dressings. It stands on the crown of an archway spanning the Siston Brook. There are two windows on each floor to the south elevation with plain stone architraves and triple keys. The north front is painted and has a central break with an arched and keyed window and a keyed oculus above. The surrounding grounds are laid out to lawn.
Completeness The core of the Summerhouse is complete, although its setting has been heavily and condition compromised by the addition of modern extensions and screen planting. It is likely that these additions are reversible.
No internal inspection or detailed condition survey was undertaken during the preparation of the Conservation Management Plan.
Significance The Summerhouse is an integral part of Champion’s design and acted as a showcase to demonstrate the architectural potential of moulded copper slag blocks. The Summerhouse is of regional significance because of its influence on other Gothick style buildings in Bristol and beyond, including William Reeves’ Black Castle at Arnos Vales and Blaise Castle in Bristol.
Conservation The long term strategy should be for the Summerhouse to be purchased by or strategy on behalf of an organisation such as the Landmark Trust, the modern extensions removed and the building reintegrated within the design of the former landscape.
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Requirements None for additional research
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Name Warmley House, Stable Block & Grounds
Designation Grade II*Listed building
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Scheduled Monument (part)
Conservation Area
Ownership Private
Landscape 2 – Warmley House Character Area
Date and c.1750, built by William Champion as his family home. historic use
Description Warmely House is a five bay, three storey ashlar built mansion house constructed on a rise above Warmley gardens and site of the former brassworks. The entrance elevation faces north and has a pediment to slightly pointing centre, with sash windows with glazing bars set in reveals. The centre unit has window openings in square recesses and a rusticated ground floor pedimented porch with semi-circular headed opening, keystone, impost blocks and later double half-glazed doors. There are quoins, moulded cornice, parapets with coping to the side units, with a plain band at first floor. Right hand end elevation has a two storey, two window semi-circular bow with balustraded parapet looking out to the west. Internally, the hall has a moulded cornice and fluted pilasters to the doors, as well as a dado rail with raised and fielded panels. The stair is a heavily moulded handrail and two balusters per tread.
A two storey, five window with glazing bar sashes in reveals set back to left connects the house to the coach house. The coach house has a central arched rusticated doorpiece, plain door, fan light and balustraded parapet. Built in colourwash brick, it has stone inposts, moulded stone coping and a hipped modern tile roof. There are three segment-headed openings to the ground floor and one in the end elevation. There is a circular opening on first floor above each arch (now blocked).
Completeness The house is largely complete, although interior alterations have been made to offices and condition and later nursing home accommodation. The adjacent stable block has also been converted to accommodation. A large extension was built to the rear of the build in the
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1980s on the site of some of the brass foundry monuments, mostly without any sort of archaeological control.
No internal inspection or condition survey was undertaken during the preparation of the Conservation Management Plan.
Significance The house was the heart of Champion’s estate at Warmley and from where he could oversee both his industrial works and gardens. Although architecturally it is of some interest, its true significance lies in its association with Champion and his innovative works.
Conservation Maintain as a private business. Ensure all future alterations are subject to appropriate strategy Listed Building consent. There should be an assumption against allowing any further extension or new build within the Scheduled Monument area.
Requirements A full architectural history and survey is required. for additional research
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Name Entrance Piers & Walls
Designation Grade II Listed building
Grade II Registered Park & Garden
Scheduled Monument
Conservation Area
Ownership SGC
Landscape 1 – Entrance Drive Character Area
Date and Early 19th century historic use
Description 1830’s quadrant entrance built of rubble stone with two pairs of dome capped ashlar piers. Cast iron gates with curved top rail and central rail orientated with metal quatrefoils. The wall running from the gate to the stables is earlier (c.1800) and is built of rubble stone with slag block capping. It is ramped up at one point and stands between 1m to 3m high. The cast iron lanterns are original, having been returned following earlier replacement with modern lighting.
Completeness The rubble wall between the gate piers and stable block were recently repaired and condition by SGC and are in good condition.
Significance The gateway, driveway, rubble boundary wall and lanterns all post date Champion, but are significant in terms of their contribution to the overall layout and design of the gardens.
Conservation Maintain and repair, as necessary. Install improved and secure signage at strategy entrance.
Requirements None for additional research
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APPENDIX B – CONDITION SURVEY
Introduction 407) This report provides a summary of the condition of the various buildings and structures associated with the Champion Brassworks and Warmley Gardens complex. The scope of the report is confined to those buildings and structures currently owned or being acquired by South Gloucestershire Council. The report has been commissioned by South Gloucestershire Council to inform the Champion Brassworks and Warmley Gardens Conservation Management Plan, currently being drafted (June 2006).
408) The purpose of the report is to provide a broad overview of the condition of the individual buildings and structures concerned and to highlight areas requiring repair. The report focuses on the main items of building fabric such as roofs, rainwater goods, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, etc. Small minor items of maintenance work are not itemised.
409) The report is the result of a visual inspection carried out over a two day period. We inspected as much of the surface areas as practicable and went through trap doors where these were accessible, as stated. We have not inspected woodwork or other parts of the structure which were covered, unexposed or inaccessible and we are therefore unable to report that any such part of the property is free from defect. The inspection excluded inaccessible roof spaces, the outer surfaces of roofs where not visible from ground, and chimney flues. Manholes were not raised and none of the service installations were tested. Damp meters were not used.
410) The comments in this report on the heating and electrical installations are based on a visual inspection of certain sections selected at random, without the use of instruments, and as such cannot be regarded as an accurate technical assessment of their compliance with any statutory regulations currently in force. Any electrical installation should be inspected every five years (or as otherwise directed by the insurer), by a competent electrical engineer or electrician registered by the NICEIC. A resistance and earth continuity test should be obtained on all circuits. A proper examination and test should be made of the heating apparatus by an appropriately qualified engineer, each summer before the heating season begins.
411) This report does not provide comment on fire precaution matters, except were otherwise stated. For guidance on fire matters, the advice of the local Fire Prevention Officer should be sought.
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412) As the inspection was carried out in fine weather, it was not possible to ascertain whether the rainwater goods, gullies, or surface water drains were watertight and in good working order.
Inspection Date of Visit: 30 & 31 May 2006
Those present: Mr Alan Britton - Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust
Dominic Lockett – Atkins Heritage
Weather: Bright and sunny
Site assessment 413) Collectively, the structures on the site encompass a wide range of building types, architectural styles, scale and constructional techniques. In broad terms the buildings and structures fall into two categories. Firstly those associated with industrial production, and secondly those relating to the gardens and “pleasure grounds” of the former residence of Warmley House. The largest and most visually prominent buildings are those associated with the industrial Dalton Young Complex adjacent to Tower Lane, which include a windmill (local landmark), and one of the largest C18 icehouses in the country. Also visible from the public highway is the Clock Warehouse on Tower Road North. The garden structures are generally of smaller scale and largely hidden from outside the site. The largest is the Echo Pond which lies to the north-west of Warmley House. To the south of this is the Grotto, a large subterranean complex. Visible from outside the site is the Statue of Neptune which lies to the north part way between Echo Pond and The Summer House. Adjacent to Echo pond is the Boathouse. The remaining garden structures are of various upstanding walls.
414) In terms of overall structural stability the buildings are generally in fair to good condition and there are no immediate public health and safety concerns. However, if left unchecked the condition of a number of structures could rapidly deteriorate. Of greatest concern in this regard is the Echo Pond where work has in fact already started in terms of tree management and removal. Structural repairs will also be required to the Boathouse in the not too distant future. The condition of individual buildings and structures is covered in sections 2 to 9 of this report and further detailed comment can be found in the gazetteer entries of the Conservation Plan.
415) The entire site lies within the Warmley Conservation area. A number of the buildings and structures are, in addition, individually listed (Grade II) as buildings of “special architectural or historic interest.” These are as follows:
• Dalton Young Complex • Clock Warehouse • The Grotto
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• The Icehouse • Statue of Neptune
Methodology 416) The preparation of this report has involved the following:
• Site visit and inspection; • Review of archive documents; • Review of architectural plans and photographs and reports; and • Consultation with the Kingswood Heritage Museum Trust and the Clock Tower Trust.
DALTON YOUNG COMPLEX
Description 417) A relatively compact and prominent group of largely C18th industrial buildings, believed to have been associated with the processing of copper ore. The tightly knit group has a striking appearance with a variety of building types, scales and rooflines juxtaposed. The group is dominated by the windmill tower which rises to a height of approximately 18 metres. The other parts of the complex are variously of one, two or three storey construction. To the north of the windmill tower is the icehouse, a predominantly subterranean structure measuring some 10.6 metres in diameter (the largest icehouse in England at that time). In total the complex comprises 10 separate structures.
418) The buildings have been adapted and extended on several occasions since their original construction to accommodate their changing uses from metal works, to flock mill and finally soap works.
419) The majority of the buildings are “traditionally” constructed from local pennant rubble stone with a mix of red brick, copper slag blocks and clinker. Roofs are generally of clay pantile on timber structures. The main exception to this is the north-west range (building J in the Architecton report), a mid C20th two storey structure comprising concrete frame to ground floor and steel frame to first, with walls of rendered brickwork beneath a lightweight steel truss roof covered with profiled insulated decking. The roof of the windmill is understood to be a concrete deck supported on permanent shuttering with lead flashing. The ice house is constructed of pennant stone with a large shallow-domed roof.
420) Significant areas of the external walls, most notably on the southern elevations, have been rendered or pebble-dashed, obscuring the underlying masonry. Some of the render has recently been decorated in red paint.
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421) Rainwater goods are of cast aluminium. Windows are variously timber or metal framed with new metal framed roof lights throughout.
Condition 422) Overall, the buildings are in fair condition. The complex has been comprehensively re-roofed in recent years, with roof structures repaired, roof coverings overhauled or replaced, rooflights renewed, valley gutters reconstructed and rainwater goods renewed in cast aluminium. All are in excellent condition. Opportunity was made during these works to introduce insulation to the underside of all roof slopes.
423) It was not possible to view the roofs from above so the condition of many of the slopes and valley gutters is not known. Hidden valley gutters have a notorious reputation for becoming blocked and should be rigorously checked at least twice per year. Consideration could be given to establishing a regular maintenance contract with a local builder to ensure all roofs and rainwater goods remain clear and free flowing.
424) The mill tower has also been recently repaired, with the exterior fully re-pointed, the roof covered in sheet lead, and timber louvers introduced into high level openings. The main item requiring attention is the self-set vegetation which is taking hold in the high level putlog holes.
425) Although the rainwater goods have been renewed there does not appear to be an effective below ground drainage system. The majority of rainwater down-pipes simply discharge onto the ground where water can damage the adjacent wall surfaces or percolate into the foundations. In the longer term this could lead to structural problems.
426) Walls, where not rendered, have significant areas of loose or open joints and a phased programme of re-pointing needs to be considered.
427) The render and pebble-dash varies in condition. Some is well-adhered whereas other areas are cracked and sound “hollow” indicating a lack of adhesion. At eaves level a band of render has been removed to facilitate installation of new gutter brackets. Where exposed, the underlying masonry appears open jointed. Consideration need to be given on how the external walls are to be treated.
428) Architecturally, the rendered finish blends the buildings and their disparate materials together. Given that alterations continued well into the C20th, permanently exposing the masonry would have a dramatic and potentially damaging effect to the visual character of the buildings. Wholesale removal of the render could also risk damaging the underlying masonry. On balance it is considered best if the buildings remain rendered, with a programme of repairs and selective renewal. New work would be best carried out in a more sympathetic lime-based mix, more compatible with the C18th masonry.
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429) The north-west range (building J after Architecton) has a history of cracking in the render, due to thermal expansion and movement of the frame. Consideration needs to be given to the insertion of movement joints. The junction of the south-west gable with the wall below has not been fully resolved.
430) The south-west range (building I after Architecton) was partially damaged by fire in the late 1990’s. Following the fire, the building was largely repaired. However, the timber floor structure to the second floor remains in its charred state and acro-props have been inserted below. This temporary repair appears to be performing satisfactorily, although a permanent solution will need to be considered in due course.
431) Also in south-west range are decayed window lintels to the ground floor, south-east elevation. These have been temporarily propped and boarded.
432) The ice house is largely covered by vegetation. Urgent attention is required with regard to self-set trees which are taking hold, the roots of which will undoubtedly cause damage to the structure if left unchecked. The condition of the underlying masonry and mortar joints is difficult to determine and it is recommended that the vegetation be stripped back and a detailed assessment undertaking. A comprehensive programme of re-pointing should be anticipated. Internally, the structure is in good condition. Lime has leached out of the mortar to form “stalactites”, but this is of no consequence to the overall structural integrity. Access into the ice-house via the existing roof hatch is difficult and is not conducive to regular inspection or maintenance. The hatchway is currently unprotected which as well as admitting rainwater into the interior, is a notable health and safety risk.
Conclusion 433) Overall, the Dalton Young Complex is in fair condition. Many of the issues raised above could be addressed by a phased programme of repairs and maintenance. Of immediate concern is the ice house where an assessment of the masonry is needed and a cover provided to the access hatch.
434) In terms of repair it is recommended that early attention be given to the ground floor windows in the south-west range. In addition to their poor structural condition, their boarded appearance gives a poor first impression to visitors.
THE CLOCK TOWER
Description 435) Originally used for the manufacture of pins the building was once sited in the centre of an industrial complex surrounded by other buildings. Following the demise of pin manufacturing in the C19th the building was used in conjunction with the Warmley Tower Potteries, a boot factory and is now in community use. The building now stands alone, an attractive feature of the street scene, amongst a backdrop of mature trees.
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436) The building is of three storey construction, with a clock tower to the left hand and two storey extension to the rear. On plan the building measures approximately 6.5m wide by 17m long. It is constructed of random-coursed rubble pennant sandstone with slag block quoins under a hipped roof covered with pantiles. The six-bay east front has large iron-framed windows with brick surrounds, segmental heads, and internal splayed reveals. Second bay from north (right) has been raised to provide a jib door set beneath a dormer gable. The clock tower to the south (left) is a later extension and breaks forwards from the rest of the elevation. The roof of the main block was probably altered at this time. To the rear is a two-storey mid-C19th extension measuring approximately 15.4m long by 3.7m wide with a cat-slide roof. The extension appears to incorporate an earlier wing and internally, the cat-slide roof blocks earlier second floor windows. The west (rear) elevation now comprises of four iron-framed windows at ground floor level with segmental heads as on the front, and at first floor level, seven smaller iron-framed windows with modern concrete lintels.
437) Internally, the building has been much altered. It would appear that the internal floors are of concrete, although the actual floor construction is difficult to observe being concealed by floor finishes and from the underside by suspended ceilings. A concrete stair has been introduced in the northernmost bay to provide vertical circulation. The timber roof structure is partly exposed to view. Original walls are variously exposed rubble masonry or plaster finished. C20th partitions have been inserted in blockwork with plaster finish. Floors are covered throughout in a variety of finishes including vinyl tile, bonded carpet, bonded carpet tile, quarry tile, and sheet vinyl.
438) The building his heated via means of a ducted warm air system. Within the main building ductwork is concealed from view by suspended plasterboard ceilings. The resultant floor to ceiling heights on ground and first floor levels are extremely low at only 1.9m. The ductwork is exposed to view in the later extension running along the east wall. The boiler is located in the north-east corner of the extension where there is a balanced flue at low level on the north gable wall. The interior is lit by a variety of fluorescent, GLS, low energy, and PAR fittings.
Condition 439) Overall the building is in good structural condition. Externally, the tower exhibits some signs of cracking. This appears to be of long standing and may be in part due to differential settlement.
440) Roofs are generally in excellent condition. The only exception is the clock tower where a number of pantiles have been lost. The roof structure appears sound where visible. A cursory inspection was carried out of the clock tower roof structure where access was possible into the clock tower itself and via a trap door in the adjacent shower room. The roofs appear to have been repaired in recent years. Where inspected, the roof slopes have been covered with bituminous roofing felt. There appears to be some active woodworm in the roof structure over the second floor.
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441) Rainwater goods are in uPVC and appear to be in good order. However, there does mot appear to be an effective below ground drainage system so water discharges from the downpipes onto the ground where it will inevitably find its way into the building footings. This could lead to problems in the longer term.
442) The cast iron windows are in need of overhaul and redecoration. Some localised repairs are required to the cast iron frames and glazing bars.
443) A brick chimney abuts the east front. There is a straight joint where the two join which appears to be opening up. This should be kept under observation.
444) The heating system is most likely expensive to run. Where visible, the ducts appear to suffer leakage with all joints covered by jointing tape. Unfortunately, the insertion of the plasterboard ceiling means that inspection and maintenance of the ductwork is impossible.
445) Where inspected no visual faults could be detected in the electrical installation.
446) Externally, a boundary wall extends westwards from the north gable. Self set ash trees are causing extensive structural damage to the wall.
Conclusion 447) Basically, the building is in good structural condition and is clearly well maintained. Many of the issues raised above could be addressed by a phased programme of repairs and maintenance.
448) In terms of repair it is recommended that early attention be given to the removal of the self set trees from the north boundary wall.
THE GROTTO
Description 449) The grotto comprises an extensive collection of underground passages and chambers located to the west of Warmley House. An important feature of the C18th gardens, this is one of the most extensive surviving man-made grottoes in England.
450) The surviving grotto comprises of five chambers with linking passage ways. A sixth chamber is believed to have collapsed and is no longer accessible. Two further roofs have been lost opening the centre of the complex to the sky above.
451) The grotto was constructed by a process of cut and cover. The majority of the walls are of irregular clinker pieces set in lime mortar. The grotto is unusual in its decorative treatment, lacking the highly ornate shall decoration favoured elsewhere. The grotto originally contained a complex system of cascades and pools. Two water- filled pools survive, and a third is empty.
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452) The grotto was not constructed as single operation but was adapted and extended on a number of occasions.
Condition 453) The surviving grotto is largely in fair structural condition. However, further investigation of the “roofs” is required to establish the effects of trees and vegetation growing on top.
454) The roof of the central chamber collapsed some years ago opening up the interior to the sky. The rim of the opening is covered with ivy and self-set trees which if left unchecked could destabilise the underlying masonry. Rainwater has been free to wash down the walls where it is gradually eroding the lime mortar.
455) The northern most chamber was not accessed and no comment can be offered on its condition, expect to say the roof no longer survives and issues of vegetation and mortar joints apply to this chamber as well.
456) The north-west passage has partially collapsed and rubble is held back by timber slats. An expert opinion on the stability of these temporary works should be obtained from a structural engineer if not already done so. Also in the north-west passage a former communicating door has been walled up, although some of the walling is falling away (or removed) from below the lintel.
457) In the south-west chamber, some of the clinker lining has been lost from the western most niche.
Conclusion 458) From limited visual inspection, the surviving chambers and passages appear to be structurally sound. The inspection was carried out from floor level only making it impossible to observe the roofs and vaults in detail. Lighting conditions also made inspection difficult.
459) If possible, it would be useful to determine why the other chambers collapsed to see if similar problems or conditions may be occurring elsewhere. A contributory factor is likely to be the vegetation cover above; invasive root systems may destabilise the underlying structures. It is recommended that the planting be managed and maintained.
460) The advice of a structural engineer should be sought (if not already done so) as to the stability of the temporary works in the north-west passage.
461) The self set trees and ivy should be removed from the rim of the central chamber and the high level masonry consolidated.
462) Other localised areas of loose or fallen clinker lining can be periodically repaired and reset.
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ECHO POND
Description 463) A large semi-elliptical garden feature pond measuring approximately 50m x 24m on plan. The west side is bounded by rubble stone and slag wall with slag copings. This wall rises to a height of 500mm above footpath level, 1500mm above former water level. The east side has a low retaining wall (ha-ha), approximately 600mm above water level, which separates the pond from the lawn. At the northern end the Elm Walk canal enters via a short brick built culvert. To the south is the Boathouse, see below.
464) The pond dates from the C18th and would originally have been separated from the adjacent lake by a narrow path, approximately 2m wide.
Condition 465) The pond is now derelict and chocked with vegetation. The water level is low, exposing more of the walls than originally intended.
466) The west wall steps out at low level and the exposed plinth has been capped with concrete, presumably during the latter half of the C20th. This concrete capping is falling away in places. The wall has suffered areas of localised collapse, probably as a result of the destabilising effects of tree growth. The trees concerned have recently been felled, although the stumps and roots remain. A number of slag copings have been lost, either removed, or possibly located at the bottom of the pond? The wall face itself has open joints and areas of cracking where damaged by tree growth.
467) The east wall has also been destabilised by vegetation, much of which has been removed. It is presumed fallen stones lie within the water. Significant areas of stonework appear to be loose and open jointed.
468) The northern culvert has partially collapsed at its exposed edge, again the result of vegetation, now removed.
469) Gaps in the wall and areas of unstable masonry are currently protected by post and wire fencing.
Conclusion 470) The Echo Pond is generally in poor structural condition with significant areas of collapse and unstable masonry.
471) A start has been made in ameliorating the situation by felling the self seeded trees destabilising the masonry. However, extensive repairs should be anticipated.
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472) It is possible that elements of stonework, particularly slag blocks lie within the water and consideration should be given to retrieving and reinstating these during any repair works.
473) Consideration needs to be given to the nature of any repair works, i.e. should these be works of “restoration” or “stabilisation” as found. Consideration will also be required as to the treatment of the water and the eco-system that has subsequently developed.
THE BOATHOUSE
Description 474) A small two storey structure located to the south of Echo Pond, measuring 4.6m square on plan and 4m high on its east side. The building lies partly within the area of the former lake. It would appear that the building was originally a single storey structure which was later heightened by approximately 1m.
475) It is understood that until 1967 the building had a hipped roof, but is now a roof-less structure.
476) The building is constructed of random-coursed pennant sandstone with copper-slag quoins. The walls are approximately 450mm thick. There are openings to all sides although some are now fully or partially blocked. On the east and west sides are arches at low level, presumably to house and give views of the boat. On the north side the head of the second floor window has been lost. On the south side concrete lintels remain.
477) Internally, there is an inserted second floor fireplace in the south-west corner.
Condition 478) Generally, the structure is in poor condition. There appear to be areas of loose masonry at high level and a bulge is apparent in the centre of the west elevation. There are miscellaneous open joints in the masonry. Vegetation appears to have been cut back in recent years, although ivy is starting to re-grow at the base.
Conclusion 479) Further detailed inspection of the area of bulged masonry on the west elevation needs to be carried out. However, it should be anticipated that some stitching and stabilisation may be required.
480) The wall tops should be consolidated and the ivy and self-set trees removed. Less invasive plants, such as the established creepers may be left. Open joints require re- pointing.
STATUE OF NEPTUNE
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Description 481) A large figure, some 8m in height, situated in the centre of what was the northern end of the lake. It is understood that the original statue was rebuilt and re-interpreted in concrete but retains its original clinker features and clothing. The statue is now surrounded by vegetation and stands against a backdrop of trees. Wrought-iron armatures survive at high level.
Condition 482) Thick vegetation hinders access to the statue making close inspection difficult. The rear of the figure is completely obscured from view. Inspection was carried out at a distance via binoculars. It would appear that the statue is structurally stable with no signs of distress immediately visible.
483) There is some fine cracking to the concrete and evidence of past patch repairs. The construction of the statue is not known but it is anticipated that there will be an embedded metal formwork and armatures. Cracking may result from corrosion of the metal work, but equally some may be due to thermal expansion.
484) The masonry adjacent to the protruding ironwork appears to be cracking and lifting, possibly as a result of metal corrosion. Vegetation is getting a good hold on the back of the statue.
Conclusion 485) A further inspection should be carried out once improved access is available. Ideally this should involve inspection from an hydraulic platform.
486) The vegetation should be removed from the statue, both to aid inspection, but also to prevent root damage.
487) No comment can be offered at this time as to the extent of repairs which may be necessary.
GARDEN WALLS
Description 488) There are number of walls of various dates, styles and materials within and bounding the gardens. The principal areas are around the lawn, adjacent to the Laurel Walk, in the area of the Parterre, and the former Heath House.
489) The garden walls comprise of rubble stone some with later concrete capping, with inserted elements such as archways, steps, and gate piers. The wall varies in height from 600mm to 2.3m.
490) The Laurel Walk walls again comprise of rubble stone. It is presumed that all of the wall originally had a decorative coping of clinker as found along its southern section,
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although much has now been lost and some replaced with concrete. The wall varies in height from 2m to 2.2m.
491) A notable feature is the Chequered Wall to the south of the Grotto. This wall measures approximately 12m in length by 3.5m high and is constructed mainly of brick and clinker slag. It is understood that the wall was partly altered during the C19th when a hothouse was built against its northern side.
492) To the west and south sides of the Parterre are various retaining walls. That to the east is largely obscured by vegetation and is part an exposed quarry face.
493) To the north of the Mound, overlooking the Parterre below is the surviving north wall of a former “Heath House”. The wall which measures approximately 9 metres long by 3.8m high is constructed of coursed rubble stone with brick dressings and stub returns.
Condition 494) Wall to Lawn: Starting at the north corner adjacent to the canal, there is a movement fracture approximately 2m long. From 10m on the wall is largely obscured by vegetation but from glimpses the condition appears to be satisfactory. The main concern is cracking of the later concrete coping and the hard cementitious mortar which is promoting erosion of the softer stone. To the left hand of the car-park archway, the masonry is being lifted by ivy growth. An old iron tie plate is loose and redundant. To the right hand of the archway, the wall top is heavily colonised by ivy and self-set ash trees. At the south-east corner the wall becomes retaining in nature. From the south-east corner the wall is again largely obscured by vegetation but comments on ivy and ash trees apply here as well. 15m from the south-east corner, a mature holly tree is located immediately behind the retaining wall. The wall becomes increasingly open jointed towards the grotto. At the south-east corner a flight of steps flanked by rusticated stone piers leads to the upper lawn. The steps and piers are largely overgrown and stonework is being displaced by ivy growth. To the right of the steps is an entrance into the grotto, the timber lintel of which is rotten. The remaining length of wall down to the boathouse is also overgrown and affected by ivy, self-set trees and open joints.
495) Laurel Walk: The wall is open jointed and in places affected by ivy growth. Part of the original clinker coping survives but elsewhere the coping has been renewed in concrete slabs. Some of the slabs have been lost allowing water to enter into the top of the wall. At its southern end the wall leans outwards towards the west, its far end being unrestrained; the wall has clearly been like this for some considerable time and the lean should not be of immediate concern.
496) Chequered Wall: The wall has miscellaneous open joints. The timber lintels to the former Hot House are rotten.
497) Parterre: The various retaining walls are open jointed and are again affected by vegetation.
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498) Heath House: This is a very tall wall with little lateral restraint. It is essential that the wall and the retaining wall below be rigorously maintained as any ivy growth or decay of the structure could affect the stability of the large unrestrained panel.
Conclusion 499) A phased programme of vegetation management / clearance and repairs should be put in hand to prevent possible localised collapse of the walls.
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APPENDIX C – ECOLOGY ASSESSMENT
Introduction 500) Atkins Limited were commissioned by South Gloucestershire Borough Council to produce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for Champion Brassworks and Warmley Gardens, Warmley, South Gloucestershire. Specialists from Atkins Water and Environment were instructed to carry out an Ecological Assessment of Champion Brassworks and Warmley Gardens to inform the development of the Conservation Management Plan. Key deliverables include a Phase I Habitat Map of the survey area, an assessment of the ecological value of the site, and recommendations for further survey and habitat improvement.
Wildlife Legislation 501) Relevant environmental legislation that relates to species and habitats discussed in this report are described in Table 1. This table also includes definitions of terms describing the conservation status of species and habitats.
Table 1. Legislation and conservation status relating to species and habitats recorded or likely to occur within the study area
Protected Legislation and protection designated sites and species Local Nature LNRs are places with wildlife or geological features that are of special Reserves (LNRs) interest locally. A LNR is a statutory designation made under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 by principal local authorities. They are designated for both people and wildlife. Sites of Nature SNCIs are non-statutory designated sites, designated by the county Conservation council. They include prime sites for wildlife in the county. They include Importance Regionally Important Geological/geomorphological Sites (RIGS) (SNCI’s) identified for scientific, educational and aesthetic value. SNCI’s are recognised by district councils in their Local Plans. UK Biodiversity The Convention on Biological Diversity, a product of the Rio Summit, Action Plan (BAP) committed signatories to develop national strategies for the protection Priority species and and sustainable use of biodiversity or to adapt existing programmes to habitat that end. The Government published its own strategy in 1994 - Biodiversity: The UK Action Plan (DoE, 1994), which has resulted in the production of action plans for the UK’s most threatened and important (Priority) species and habitats. Local BAPs have been produced to help implement the UKBAP at a local level. Relevant local BAPs include Gloucestershire BAP, South Gloucestershire BAP, Avon BAP, and Bristol City BAP. Birds (all species) WCA 1981 (as amended) – illegal to destroy occupied bird nests and and Schedule 1 bird nests under construction. Under the same legislation it is illegal to species (WCA) recklessly disturb a Schedule 1 listed bird (of national wildlife conservation importance) while building a nest or while on or near a
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nest that contains eggs or young, or whilst in the vicinity of its dependent young. There is potential for Schedule 1 species within the area of consideration. Schedule 5 species Species listed in WCA 1981 (as amended) – illegal to intentionally (WCA). capture or kill (s9.1) or recklessly disturb, damage, destroy or obstruct a breeding site or resting place (s9.4). There is potential for Schedule 5 species within the area of consideration. Annex II species Species of international conservation importance listed in the Habitats (Habitats Directive). Directive 1992 – illegal to deliberately capture, kill or disturb any Includes otters, individual, or deliberately damage or destroy a breeding site or resting bats, dormice and site without a DEFRA licence. DEFRA licences are only granted in the great crested newts following circumstances; 1. preserving public health or public safety or among others other imperative reasons of overriding public interest including those of a social or economic nature and beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment, 2. there is no satisfactory alternative, and 3. the action authorised will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the population of the species concerned at a favourable conservation status in their natural range. There is potential for Annex II species within the area of consideration. Badgers Badgers are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. It is illegal to wilfully kill, injure or take a badger. Their setts are also protected against obstruction, destruction, or damage in any part, and the animals within a sett cannot be disturbed. English Nature (2002) advise that disturbance of a sett can include: light work such as hand digging within 10m; use of light machinery (generally wheeled vehicles) within 20m; using heavy machinery (generally tracked vehicles) within 30m. A badger set is defined in the legislation as ‘any structure or place which displays signs indicating current use by a badger’ and this is taken by English Nature to include seasonally used setts (English Nature, undated) Birds of Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) 2002-2007 The population conservation status of Birds in the UK identifies birds in the UK that represent the concern (BoCC) highest conservation priority (http://www.bto.org/psob/bocc%202.pdf): Red listed species are those that are Globally Threatened according to IUCN criteria i.e. have experienced rapid population decline or range contraction in recent years and have declined historically without substantial recovery. Amber listed species are those with unfavourable conservation status in Europe, those experiencing moderate population decline or range contraction, species that have historically declined but experienced recent substantial recovery, rare breeders, and those with internationally important or localised populations
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METHODOLOGY
Desk Study 502) Records of statutory and non-statutory designated sites, protected and noteworthy habitats and species were requested from the Bristol Regional Environmental Record Centre (BRERC). Records were requested from a search area of 1km from the study site. This search area was extended to 5km for bat records in accordance with guidance in the Bat Mitigation Guidelines (English Nature, 2004).
503) A search of the MAGIC (Multi-Agency Geographical Information for the Countryside) website was also made for statutory designated sites within 2km of the site boundary and sites designated for bats within 5km of the site boundary.
504) UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) were reviewed including the Gloucestershire BAP, South Gloucestershire BAP, Avon BAP, and Bristol city BAP.
Field Survey - Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey 505) A walk-over ecological survey was undertaken on 30th and 31st May 2006 broadly following the ‘Extended Phase 1’ methodology as set out in Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment (Institute of Environmental Assessment 1995). The area under consideration includes all land within the boundary of the Registered Historic Landscape (see Figure 1, Appendix A). However, access was only gained to those areas owned by South Gloucestershire Council.
506) The Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey provides information on the habitats in the survey area and assesses the potential for notable fauna to occur in or adjacent to the site. The main habitats within the site were mapped and are shown on Figure 1 (Appendix A). Target notes (TN) are used to highlight habitat types and features of ecological interest. Plant names follow New Flora of the British Isles (2nd edition, Stace 1997).
Vegetation and Flora 507) The field survey comprised a walk-over inspection of the site to map and classify the habitats present. The survey included a search for two legally controlled species, Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed.
Protected species 508) The following investigations were undertaken in respect of the presence of legally protected species:
• A search for signs of badger activity including setts, tracks, snuffle holes and latrines. An offsite search for badger setts within 30m of the site was not possible due to a lack of land access permission.
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• An assessment of the site’s potential to support water voles and otters. A search for evidence of water vole activity on the Warmley Brook and Echo pond, such as the presence of burrows, feeding stations, faeces and latrines;
• An assessment of the site’s potential to support roosting bats. This included an internal inspection of the grotto, ice house, and buildings to identify potential entry and exit points, and any evidence of past or present use by bats including droppings and/or staining and corpses.
• An assessment of the site’s potential to support breeding birds;
• An assessment of the site’s potential to support protected reptiles and amphibians
Survey Limitations 509) Ecological surveys are limited by factors which affect the presence of plants and animals such as the time of year, migration patterns and behaviour. The ecological survey of this site has not produced a complete list of plants and animals. Nevertheless, the results of the ecological survey allow an appropriate input to the development of the Conservation Management Plan.
Nature Conservation Evaluation 510) The nature conservation value of features on site will be assessed in terms of the following five point evaluation:
• international importance (Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, Ramsar sites)
• national importance (Sites of Special Scientific Interest)
• regional/county importance (Local Nature Reserves, Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation, ancient woodlands)
• local (parish) importance (significant ecological features such as old hedges, woodlands, ponds)
• negligible importance would usually be applied to areas of built development, active mineral extraction, or intensive agricultural land (however under certain circumstances such areas can support species of ecological importance).
511) National and local BAP species and habitats have also been taken into account in the nature conservation evaluation.
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Existing condition
Site Description 512) Within the Registered Historic Landscape are areas of industrial buildings, residential housing, a mobile home park, and areas of semi-natural habitat. The site includes a number of Grade II listed buildings including Warmley House (TN 5), the Clock House and Clock Tower (TN 6), The Warmley Museum and Warmly Tower (windmill tower) (TN 10), Summer House (TN 23) Ice House (TN 12) and Grotto (TN 14).
513) Warmley gardens are in the centre of the site. The gardens consist of 18th century walled gardens, areas of amenity grassland, and the Echo pond. Within the walled gardens is a grotto.
514) The Registered Historic Landscape also includes areas of semi-improved grassland, secondary broadleaved woodland, scrub, mature trees, stone walls and part of the Siston Brook.
Designated sites 515) There is one Local Nature Reserve (LNR) approximately 2km south of Warmley Gardens. This is Willsbridge Valley LNR.
516) There are nine Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI’s) within 1km of the site. These are listed in Table 2.
517) Part of the Siston Brook Valley is also a proposed RIGS (see Table 1). This is located approximately 0.5km north of the site.
Table 2: Non-statutory designated sites within 1km Warmley Gardens Name Site Description Distance from Site Warmley Forest Park Calcareous grassland, neutral grassland and Approximately 0.3km north- scrub. Grassland part unimproved, part semi- north-east improved. The Marshes North Unimproved neutral grassland and marshy Approximately 1km south- grassland east-east Bridgeyate Common Unimproved and semi-improved neutral Approximately 1km east grassland and marshy grassland Earth Embankment at Planted broadleaved woodland and semi- Approximately 0.2km east Warmley improved neutral grassland. Brooklea Open Space Semi-improved acid grassland Approximately 1km south (sidelands) Cock Road Ridge Semi-improved neutral grassland and scrub Approximately 0.5km west Siston Common Unimproved acid grassland and unimproved Approximately 0.6km north South and semi-improved neutral grassland Warmly Brook Flowing open water and bankside vegetation Approximately 0.7km north Part of Dramway Semi-natural broadleaved woodland and pond Approximately 0.3km east
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Records of protected and noteworthy species 518) Notable species records within 1km of the site include badger (Protection of Badgers Act 1992, Avon BAP), hedgehog (Avon and South Gloucestershire BAP), slow worm (Schedule 5 WCA (s9.1 only), Avon and South Gloucestershire BAP) and viviparous lizard (Schedule 5 WCA (s9.1 only), Avon BAP). There are also historic records of great crested newts (Schedule 5 WCA, Annex II Habitats Directive, UK and Avon BAP) from 1987 but no recent records in the vicinity of the site.
519) Notable bird records within 1km of the site include redstart (Avon BAP, BoCC amber listed), linnet (UK and Avon BAPs, BoCC red listed), yellowhammer (Avon BAP, BoCC red listed), bullfinch (UK, Avon, and South Gloucestershire BAP, BoCC red listed) and kingfisher (Schedule 1 WCA, Avon BAP, BoCC amber listed).
520) Bat records within an extended search area of 5km include records of 10 bat species (Schedule 5 WCA, Annex II Habitats Directive, UK, Avon, and Gloucestershire BAP), including one record of a pipistrelle bat at Warmley Tower (1998) and a brown long- eared bat on Tower Road South, Warmley (1993). It is unclear whether these are records of flying bats or bat roosts.
521) Confidential records within 1km of the site include records of two badger setts (Protection of Badgers Act 1992) and 13 bat roosts.
Habitat and flora 522) Principal habitats within the site boundary are indicated on the Phase 1 Habitat Map (Figure X.)
523) No Japanese knotweed or giant hogweed (Schedule 9 WCA 1981) was found on site.
Amenity grassland 524) Warmley Gardens is composed primarily of closely mown amenity grassland with planted borders and/or scattered planted trees (TN 16). The privately owned land surrounding the Summer House to the north of the site (TN 23) and private land to the east of the site (TN 1) is also closely mown amenity grassland. These areas are largely used for recreation.
Semi-improved grassland 525) Only a small area of the council owned land supports semi-improved grassland (TN 11 and 22). However, within the site boundary there are a number of additional areas of semi-improved grassland on privately owned land.
526) Within council owned land, the small area of semi-improved grassland to the south of the site (TN 11) is managed as a meadow and appears to have relatively good species diversity. There is also a narrow band of semi-improved grassland along the
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footpath going north-south in the centre of the site (TN 22). This grassland is largely dominated by ruderals (plants which colonise disturbed ground) and includes the dried out canal which is connected via a culvert to the Echo pond.
527) There is a large area of semi-improved grassland to the east of the site (TN 24) on privately owned land. This grassland appears to be relatively species rich although diversity could not be determined due to restricted access to this area.
528) The semi improved grassland to the north of the mobile home park (TN 19) and to the west of the residential home (TN 13) is regularly mown making assessment of its diversity difficult.
Broadleaved woodland 529) In the north-west of the site is an area of semi-natural broadleaved woodland (TN 21). Dominant species include ash, sycamore, elder, and hazel with occasional willow, hawthorn, lime and elm. The understorey vegetation is dominated by ivy, and common nettle with occasional wild garlic, hedge woundwort, and lords and ladies. There are large open areas within the woodland, dominated by common nettle.
Scrub 530) Areas of dense scrub are found to the south of the woodland (TN 20) and to the south and south-east of Warmley Gardens (TN 8). A small area of scrub is also growing over the top of the grotto (TN 14). These areas of scrub were largely inaccessible.
Reed and sedge bed (swamp) 531) Echo pond is located within Warmley Gardens (TN 18) and is largely overgrown with greater pond-sedge, common reed, and bramble with frequent willowherb, hemlock water dropwort, and yellow flag iris (Photo 5, Appendix B). There is a small area of standing open water to the north-west of the pond. The pond is bordered by vertical stone walls and is linked to the dried out canal via an overgrown culvert to the north of the pond.
Brook and Ponds 532) Warmley Brook flows north to south along the western boundary of the site. The brook has been canalised along the length adjacent to the site and has little riparian bankside vegetation.
533) Within the Grotto (TN 14) are two small ponds. One of these ponds is within the roofed area of the grotto, is heavily shaded, and has no vegetation. The other pond is within an old chamber with a collapsed roof. This pond is partially shaded and has some overhanging vegetation and duck weed (Photo 6, Appendix B). Both ponds have vertical stone sides and a concrete base.
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Mature trees 534) The site supports a number of mature trees, both within council owned and private land:
• There are a number of planted mature trees within the area of parkland to the east of the site (TN 3) including beech, lime, willow, sycamore, and horse chestnut.
• To the north of the residential house there are two mature conifers and a mature ornamental beech tree (TN 4).
• Within the amenity grassland of Warmley Gardens is a large grass mound with a number of mature oak trees (TN 9).
Stone Walls 535) There are a number of stone walls within the site boundary, most notably around the walled gardens (TN 15). There are also stone walls along the access road leading to the residential home (TN 2) and along the entrance to the clock house (TN 7).
Buildings, the grotto, and the ice house 536) Warmley tower is a windmill tower attached to the northeast of the museum. It is an 18m tall, spherical brick structure with putlogs around the perimeter and a well-sealed flat roof. Inside the structure is open from floor to roof and there is no roof void. Within the tower is a tall chimney that is thought to be open at the roof of the tower.
537) The remains of the old Boat House is located to the southwest of Echo Pond (TN 18) within Warmley gardens. The derelict building is approximately 5m x 5m in size. The roof of the boathouse is open and the remaining walls are crumbling and covered with ivy (see photo 2, Appendix B).
538) In the south east of the site is the Grade II listed clock house with clock tower (TN 6). The main building is three storeys high with a pitched roof (see photo 3, Appendix B). There is only a small roof space above the majority of the main building but a larger roof space behind the clock tower.
539) In the east of the site is Grade II listed Warmely House (TN 5), which is now used as a residential home for elderly people. The main building is three stories high with a flat roof. Permission to access the building had not been granted at the time of survey.
540) In the north west of the site is the Summer House (TN 23). The house is built across the Siston Brook and is Grade II listed. Permission to access the building had not been granted at the time of survey.
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541) The icehouse is located in the south west of the site (TN 12) and is also Grade II listed. It is a sandstone circular structure partially buried in the ground and vegetated with grass and scrub (see photo 4. Appendix B). There is one large opening in the roof of the icehouse. The interior of the structure is approximately 10.6m in diameter and 6m deep, the lower 3.5m is below ground level.
542) Within the walled gardens is a large grotto. The grotto is an extensive network of underground passages and chambers associated with water features.
Fauna
Badgers 543) A large badger sett was found to the south west of the residential home within and on the edge of a large area of scrub (see Figure X). The badger sett has 13 well-used holes and is considered to be a main sett.
544) Tracks lead to the east and west of the sett through the area of scrub (see Figure X). Signs of badger activity were also found within the woodland to the northwest of the site but no additional setts were found on site.
Water voles and otters 545) Warmley Brook is not considered suitable for water voles. The artificial banks limit opportunities for burrowing and there is a lack of bankside vegetation for food and cover. No signs of water voles were observed during the survey.
546) No sign of water vole activity was found on Echo pond during the survey. The pond is not connected to other water bodies limiting the opportunities for water voles to colonise the pond from areas outside of Warmley Gardens
547) Warmley Brook is not considered suitable for otters due to the lack of bankside cover and its position within a wider suburban setting.
Bats 548) There are numerous opportunities for roosting bats within the mature trees on site:
• A mature horse chestnut tree to the east of the parkland and a mature beech tree to the west of the parkland (TN 3) have features of value to roosting bats such as rot holes, loose bark and dense ivy.
• To the north of the residential house are two mature conifers and a mature ornamental beech tree (TN 4). These trees have features of value to roosting bats including a number of woodpecker holes.
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• Within the amenity grassland of Warmly Gardens is a large grass mound with a number of mature oak trees (TN 9). Some of these oak trees have cracks and crevices that may be of value to roosting bats.
549) The museum building has limited potential to support roosting bats. The building was re-roofed around 1995 and there is no roof void. There are no obvious entrance/exit points into the building and the interior is light and is in regular use. Gaps under roof tiles on the extension to the main building (to the north east) have the potential to support a small number of roosting bats.
550) The chimney in windmill tower has the potential to support roosting bats, although no evidence of bats was found at the time of the survey.
551) The interior of the clock house is light and well used and is unsuitable for roosting bats. There is only a small roof space above the majority of the main building which was not accessible at the time of survey. There is a larger roof space behind the clock tower, which was accessed during the survey. The roof space was dark and warm but there were no obvious entrance/exit points and no evidence of past or present use by bats. The clock tower is light and drafty and is not considered suitable for roosting bats. Gaps under roof tiles have the potential to support a small number of roosting bats. A small number of bats may roost in gaps in the brickwork of the derelict boathouse.
552) The icehouse is considered to have high potential for roosting bats, although no evidence of past or present use by bats was found during an internal inspection. Icehouses are known to be of value to bats, particularly as hibernation roosts because they maintain a constant cool temperature. The icehouse at the Warmley site is cool and dark, despite the large opening in the roof. Inside the icehouse there are a number of gaps in the brickwork and a partially blocked tunnel leading to the brook that could be used by roosting bats. It is largely undisturbed due to restricted public access.
553) The grotto is considered to have high potential for roosting bats, although no evidence of past or present use by bats was found during the survey. There are anecdotal records of bats using the grotto in the 1980’s from volunteers working at the site. Inside the grotto is very dark and there are a number of potential access and exit points through small barred windows and open archways. A bat pipe (a stretch of pipe installed as an access/exit point for bats) has also been installed in one of the external walls leading into the grotto.
554) Suitable foraging habitat on site for bats includes the Echo pond, mature trees, and woodland edge. Bats may also use the stone walls as dispersal routes and for foraging.
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Birds 555) All trees and shrubs, the buildings, and the grotto have the potential to support nesting birds.
556) The Warmley Brook has limited potential for nesting kingfishers due to the artificial banks and lack of bankside vegetation.
557) Kestrels have been found to be nesting in the putlog holes in Warmley tower. In urban areas kestrels feed over parks and gardens, so Warmley gardens are likely to be an important foraging ground for the kestrels nesting in the tower.
Reptiles 558) The site has the potential to support common species of reptile including grass snake, adder, slow worm, and common lizards.
559) Areas of semi-improved grassland, woodland, scrub, and stonewalls have the potential to support foraging and sheltering reptiles.
Amphibians 560) The site has the potential to support amphibians, including great crested newts.
561) Areas of semi-improved grassland, woodland, scrub, and stonewalls have the potential to support foraging and sheltering amphibians.
562) The Echo pond and the less sheltered pond within the grotto have the potential to support breeding amphibians, including breeding great crested newts.
Nature conservation value, ecological constraints, and opportunities for enhancement 563) This section outlines the nature conservation value of habitats and species on site. It also highlights key constraints for maintenance and improvement works and opportunities for habitat enhancement. This is summarised in Table 3.
564) The key ecological constraints are the presence of a badger sett, and the potential for roosting bats and great crested newts. Should great crested newts be found on site, this will have implications for all works carried out within 500m of breeding ponds. The site also has the potential to support nesting birds and common species of reptile and amphibians.
565) Opportunities for habitat enhancement includes the management of grassland as hay meadows, the provision of additional nesting and roosting opportunities for bats and birds, and the creation of additional ponds.
566) Dredging Echo pond would enhance the habitat for amphibians (including great crested newts) by increasing the area of open water. Leaving a fringe of marginal
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vegetation would benefit amphibians by providing cover and egg laying media (aim for 80-90% open water).
567) There are opportunities for encouraging water voles back to the site. De-canalising the stretch of the brook on the site boundary could provide suitable habitat for water voles. Dredging the canal (feeding into Echo pond) could also provide additional habitat for the species.
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Table 3: Nature conservation evaluation, opportunities for enhancement, and constraints
Habitat Associated Species Relevant Legislation/ Conservation Nature Conservation Enhancement Constraints Status/BAPs Value Opportunities
Semi-improved The areas of Common species of reptile are High nature Manage the grassland Presence/ potential grassland, (some grassland which are partially protected under the WCA conservation to the east of the site presence of legally areas relatively not closely mown 1981 (s9.1 only). The slow worm is value in the (TN 24), and the small protected species: species rich) are potential habitat also a priority species on the South context of the site patch of grassland to Badgers (sett for foraging and Gloucestershire local BAP. the south-west of the present) sheltering reptiles site (TN 11) as hay Great crested newts are fully Reptiles and amphibians, protected under Schedule 5 WCA meadow to encourage including great and Annex II Habitats Directive. species diversity. Great crested newts crested newts. Great crested newts are also Allow the closely (terrestrial habitat). Potential foraging priority species on the UK, Avon, mown grassland (TN habitat for badgers, and Gloucestershire BAPs. 13 and 19) to grow to bats, and birds of Badgers are protected under the provide foraging prey (kestrels). Protection of Badgers Act 1992 habitat for reptiles, Badger sett located (see Table 1). amphibians and birds of prey (kestrels). within semi- All species of bat are fully protected improved grassland on Schedule 5 WCA and Annex II (See Figure 2). Habitats Directive. All bat species are also UK, Avon, and Gloucestershire BAP priority species. Kestrels are BoCC amber listed.
Amenity grassland Potential foraging Kestrels are BoCC amber listed. Negligible nature None habitat for birds of conservation prey (kestrels) value. Semi-natural Potential habitat for Common species of reptile are High nature Creation of log piles Presence/ potential broadleaved foraging and partially protected under the WCA conservation within the woodland to presence of legally woodland and sheltering reptiles 1981 (s9.1 only). The slow worm is value in the provide refuges for protected species: scrub and amphibians, also a priority species on the South context of the site. amphibians and Reptiles including great Gloucestershire local BAP. reptiles. crested newts. Great crested newts Great crested newts are fully Erection of bird boxes (terrestrial habitat). Potential foraging protected under Schedule 5 WCA to offer additional
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Habitat Associated Species Relevant Legislation/ Conservation Nature Conservation Enhancement Constraints Status/BAPs Value Opportunities habitat for badgers and Annex II Habitats Directive. opportunities for Nesting birds and bats Great crested newts are also nesting birds. Potential habitat for priority species on the UK, Avon, nesting birds and Gloucestershire BAPs. Badgers are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. All species of bat are fully protected on Schedule 5 WCA and Annex II Habitats Directive. All bat species are also UK, Avon, and Gloucestershire BAP priority species. All birds are protected under WCA 1981.
Reed/sedge bed Potential nesting Reed and sedge beds are UK, Avon High nature Habitat management Presence/ potential (swamp) bird habitat and Gloucestershire BAP habitats. conservation to prevent presence of legally Potential habitat for However, the area of this habitat on value in the encroachment by protected species: foraging and site is very small. context of the site bramble scrub and Great crested newts willow. sheltering All birds are protected under WCA Nesting birds amphibians, 1981. including great Great crested newts are fully crested. protected under Schedule 5 WCA and Annex II Habitats Directive. Great crested newts are also priority species on the UK, Avon, and Gloucestershire BAPs.
Mature trees Potential for nesting Schedule 5 WCA and Annex II High nature Erection of bird and Presence/ potential birds and roosting Habitats Directive. All bat species conservation bat boxes in mature presence of legally bats are also UK, Avon, and value in the trees to encourage protected species: Gloucestershire BAP priority context of the site use by roosting bats Bats species. and nesting birds Nesting birds All birds are protected under WCA
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Habitat Associated Species Relevant Legislation/ Conservation Nature Conservation Enhancement Constraints Status/BAPs Value Opportunities 1981. Ponds Potential to support Standing open water is a UK, Avon, Local (parish) The creation of new Presence/ potential breeding great Gloucestershire, and South nature ponds to provide presence of legally crested newts. Gloucestershire BAP habitat. conservation additional breeding protected species: Great crested newts are fully value. habitat for amphibians Great crested newts protected under Schedule 5 WCA (including great (breeding habitat) and Annex II Habitats Directive. crested newts) and Great crested newts are also foraging habitat for priority species on the UK, Avon, bats. The creation of and Gloucestershire BAPs. ponds is a Gloucestershire BAP target. Dredging Echo Pond to increase the proportion of standing open water will enhance breeding habitat for amphibians (including great crested newts). A fringe of marginal vegetation (reed and sedges) should be left around the perimeter of the pond. Warmley Brook Streams are priority habitats on the Negligible nature Investigate scope for Follow Environment UK and Gloucestershire BAPs and conservation de-canalising Agency Pollution all watercourses are priority habitats value in the Warmley Brook to Prevention on the Avon BAP. However, within context of the site encourage Guidelines (PPG) the site Warmley Brook is canalised Outside the site, colonisation by water and has no bankside/riparian the brook is likely voles. vegetation. to be of higher Dredging the canal conservation (connected to Echo value and is an Pond) may also SNCI less than provide new habitat 1km north of the for water voles.
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Habitat Associated Species Relevant Legislation/ Conservation Nature Conservation Enhancement Constraints Status/BAPs Value Opportunities site. Stonewalls Potential habitat for Boundary and linear features, High nature Maintain and extend Presence/ potential foraging and including stonewalls, are priority conservation stonewalls where presence of legally sheltering reptiles habitats on the UK BAP. value in the possible. protected species: and amphibians Common species of reptile are context of the site Great crested newts Potential habitat for partially protected under the WCA (terrestrial habitat) nesting birds 1981 (s9.1 only). The slow worm is Reptiles also a priority species on the South Potential dispersal Nesting birds corridors for reptiles, Gloucestershire local BAP. amphibians, and Great crested newts are fully small mammals. protected under Schedule 5 WCA and Annex II Habitats Directive. Great crested newts are also priority species on the UK, Avon, and Gloucestershire BAPs. All birds are protected under WCA 1981 Buildings/grotto/ice Potential for nesting All species of bat are fully protected Negligible nature Partially cover the Presence/ potential house birds and roosting on Schedule 5 WCA and Annex II conservation entrance to the ice presence of legally bats Habitats Directive. All bat species value. house to provide more protected species: Pond in grotto has are also UK, Avon, and constant temperatures Great crested newts potential to support Gloucestershire BAP priority for roosting bats whilst (breeding habitat) species. maintaining access for great crested newts Bats Great crested newts are fully bats. protected under Schedule 5 WCA Provision of additional Nesting birds and Annex II Habitats Directive. roosting points within Great crested newts are also the grotto and ice priority species on the UK, Avon, house for bats. Most and Gloucestershire BAPs bat species prefer to All birds are protected under WCA roost in cracks and 1981. crevices. Successful devices include planks of wood leant against the walls, loose piles of bricks,
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Habitat Associated Species Relevant Legislation/ Conservation Nature Conservation Enhancement Constraints Status/BAPs Value Opportunities bat bricks or building blocks (JNCC, 2004).
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Recommendations for further survey 568) Table 4 outlines recommendations for further ecological surveys including seasonal constraints.
Table 4: Recommendations for further survey
Recommended Locations Seasonal Constraints Survey Bats The ice house and grotto Survey in autumn (September – November)
Buildings and mature trees Survey spring and summer (March – August)
Great crested Echo pond and pond within grotto Survey March - June newt Breeding birds Warmley Gardens, parkland, and broadleaved Survey March - June woodland Botanical Areas of semi-improved grassland (TN X and Survey May – August X).
Summary 569) Champion Brassworks and Warmley Gardens is a registered historic landscape. The site is also within a Conservation Area.
570) A walk-over ecological survey was undertaken on 30th and 31st May 2006 broadly following the ‘Extended Phase 1’ methodology as set out in Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment (Institute of Environmental Assessment 1995). The area under consideration includes all land within the boundary of the Registered Historic Landscape. However, access was only gained to those areas owned by South Gloucestershire Council.
571) The Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey included a search for legally controlled species giant hogweed and Japanese knotweed, a search for signs of badger activity, and an assessment of the site’s potential to support water voles, otters, roosting bats, breeding birds, and protected reptiles and amphibians (including great crested newts).
572) Principle habitats on site include: amenity grassland, semi improved grassland, broadleaved woodland, scrub, reed and sedge bed, brook and ponds, mature trees, stone walls, and buildings.
573) A large main badger sett was found to the south west of the residential home within and on the edge of a large area of scrub.
574) The site has the potential to support roosting bats, nesting birds, common reptiles, and amphibians (including great crested newts).
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575) The nature conservation value of features on site was assessed using a five point evaluation.
576) The semi-improved grassland, broadleaved woodland, scrub, reed and sedge bed, mature trees, and stone walls are considered to be of high nature conservation value in the context of the site. The ponds are considered to be of local (parish value).
577) The site has the potential to support a number of protected and noteworthy species. A number of simple habitat enhancement methods have been recommended which could further improve the value of the site for wildlife. For example, management of the grassland areas as hay meadows, provision of additional roosting and nesting sites for birds and bats, and the maintenance of existing and creation of additional ponds.
578) Further botanical, bat, great crested newt, and breeding bird surveys are recommended to identify whether these species present ecological constraints to site maintenance/improvement work and to provide background information to measure the success of habitat improvement measures.
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