RIDLEY HALL Cambridge
HISTORIC BUILDING AND AREA APPRAISAL
(September 2009) Revised March 2011
Donald Insall Associates Limited Architects and Historic Building Advisors 48 Sidney Street, Cambridge. CB2 3HX 01223 303111. www.insall-architects.co.uk
CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Location and Description
3.0 Policy Framework
4.0 Historic Context
4.1- 4.9 Summary of Development (Historic Maps)
5.0 Historical Analysis of Ridley Hall
5.1 Overview of the Development of Theological Colleges 5.2 Ridley Hall Building Phases 5.3 Architects associated with Ridley Hall 5.4 Pattern of Development (Actual and Intended) 5.5 Development of land use and landscaping
6.0 Area Appraisal
6.1 Character Analysis 6.2 Street Edges 6.3 Views 6.4 Routes 6.5 Landscape 6.6 Scale 6.7 Grain
7.0 Site Appraisal
7.1 The Site 7.2 Setting 7.3 Buildings 7.4 Significance of Interiors
8.0 Assets and Detractions
9.0 Summary and Conclusion
Appendices
A Ridley Hall : Significance of Interiors B Architects Lists of Works C Architectural & Historical Notes, Sources and Background references
Revisions
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1.0 Introduction
Ridley Hall is a theological college founded in the 19th century and continues this use to the present day. Its site has evolved to meets its needs over this period and will continue to do so into the future. The College is seeking to establish a long term development framework within which its changing needs can be met.
This framework will be expanded upon and set out within an overall development plan which will form part of a planning application for the first phase of the future development of the College.
This study is intended to inform that Development Plan, and is an assessment of the historic development of the College, its site and its context and the local area.. It concludes with a suggestion of the direction that the historic development night have taken had it continued.
2.0 Location and Description
Site Name + Address : Ridley Hall, Cambridge CB3 9HG
Use: Theological College
Grid Reference: TL4457
Listing Description: Grade II
Conservation Area: Within the Central Conservation Area of Cambridge
Planning Authority Cambridge City Council
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3.0 Statutory & Policy Framework
To develop and alter buildings within the College Site, the College must obtain Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent because the existing buildings are listed Grade II and the whole site is considered to be their setting. Planning Consent considers a range of criteria including for example: effects on employment, transport, the environment, parking, trees, aesthetic matters and cross refers to the historic environment which is the concern of Listed Building Consent. Since the two consents have shared requirements, it is usually necessary to obtain both consents.
Development within the historic environment is regulated by the planning policies of local and national government, which are informed by the guidance given in the Government's Planning Policy Guidance Note 15 (PPG15) and forthcoming PPS15. Cambridge City Council also works to a number of statutory obligations regarding Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas, such as the need to preserve or enhance their character and appearance.
Local Planning policies which will apply in respect of the Historic environment will be as follows: East of England Plan 2008
Policy ENV6 – The Historic Environment
Requires local authorities to identify, protect and conserve and where appropriate enhance the historic environment of the region, its archaeology, historic buildings, places and landscapes including historic parks and gardens and those features and sites (and their settings) especially significant in the East of England. This includes Cambridge.
Local Plan 2006 – Key Relevant Policies
3/6 – Ensuring Coordinated Development
The development of a site or part of a site will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that due consideration has been given to safeguarding appropriate future developments on the remainder of the site or adjacent sites.
4/4 – Trees
Development will not be permitted which would involve the felling, significant surgery or potential root damage to trees of amenity or other value unless there are demonstrable public benefits accruing from the proposal which outweigh the current and future amenity value of the trees. When felling is permitted, appropriate replacement planting will be sought wherever possible.
4/10 – Listed Buildings
Development affecting Listed Buildings and their settings, including changes of use, will not be permitted unless:
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a - it is demonstrated that there is a clear understanding of the building’s importance in the national and Cambridge context including an assessment of which external and internal features and aspects of its setting are important to the building’s special interest; and b - the proposed works will not harm any aspects of the building’s special interest or the impacts can be mitigated to an acceptable level for example by being easily reversible; or
c - where there will be an impact on the building’s special interest, this is the least damaging of the potential options and there are clear benefits for the structure, interest or use of the building or a wider public benefit; and
d - features being altered will be reused and/or properly recorded prior to alteration.
Works for the demolition of Listed Buildings will not be permitted unless:
a - the building is structurally unsound for reasons other than deliberate damage or neglect; or
b - it cannot continue in its current use and there are no viable alternative uses; and
c - wider public benefits will accrue from redevelopment.
4/11 – Conservation Areas
Developments within, or which affect the setting of or impact on views into and out of Conservation Areas, will only be permitted if:
a - they retain buildings, spaces, gardens, trees, hedges, boundaries and other site features which contribute positively to the character or appearance of the area;
b - the design of any new building or the alteration of an existing one preserves or enhances the character or appearance of the Conservation Area by faithfully reflecting its context or providing a successful contrast with it; and c - a new or intensified use will not lead to traffic generation or other impacts which could adversely affect the Area’s character.
Outline applications will not be accepted in Conservation Areas.
Other Relevant Policies
- 3/1 Sustainable Development - 3/4 Responding to Context - 3/6 Ensuring Coordinated Development - 3/7 Creating Successful Places - 3/11 The Design of External Spaces - 3/12 The Design of New Buildings - 3/14 Extending Buildings
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There is a general presumption against detrimental change in the historic environment. PPG15 seeks to safeguard and ensure that all change is undertaken in an informed manner, is supported by appropriate evidence and in simplified terms, should not be permitted unless the benefits to the historic environment outweigh the disadvantages to the historic environment.
In order for the LA to be able to act within the strictures of the legislation and PPG15 and to support applications it is necessary to demonstrate to them how any development will benefit the historic environment. It is necessary therefore to
• Identify what is the historic environment and what constitutes its positive and negative aspects. • Demonstrate how any proposed change impacts on the above. • Quantify what net benefit to the above that this change brings.
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Relevant Conservation Area plans
Ridley Hall is included in the Central Cambridge Conservation Area
The West Cambridge Conservation Area wraps around the Ridley Hall, Selwyn and Newlyn Colleges which are included in the Central Cambridge Conservation Area
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4.0 Historic Context
Until the end of the 18th century the town of Cambridge covered an area approximately 1 mile long (north/south) and half a mile wide. Development was concentrated around Castle Hill and the Market Place; the town did not extend beyond the River Cam. Newnham was a small hamlet within the parishes of St Giles Cambridge and Grantchester until the area developed with the expansion of Cambridge across the River in the 19th century.
4.1 Enclosure Map 1804 (CRO Q/RDc6):
The 1804 Enclosure map the linear field plots primarily extends west to east, from the existing roads Grange Road to Queens Road and north/south from West Road to Barton Road. Plot 14 on the listed 'First Allotment at Newnham' is the present day site of Ridley Hall, located in the north eastern corner of the plot. A footpath (now Newnham Walk) extends east/west across the centre of the plot and connects Malting Lane with Grange Road. Ridley Hall Road is shown as a small tail of land east of plot 14. The northern field boundary of plot 14 is now Sidgwick Avenue. The area is rural in character and there are few buildings or sub division of larger field boundaries shown. West Road is the main route linking Grange Road and Queens Road.
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4.2 OS Map 1885 1:2500 (CRO XLV11.2):
By 1885 the area has experienced substantial development. Former field boundaries are still clearly defined but now large detached villas, the colleges of Newham, Selwyn and Ridley appear on the map occupying the sites amongst fields and the cricket grounds of Caius and Corpus Christi. The new villas along Queens Road and West Road are the result of new laws in 1882 permitting Fellows to marry; this encouraged the suburban development of college owned land outside the city.
The early eastern building phase of Ridley Hall is shown. Trees line the perimeter of the plot and the ground are laid out with paths and a tennis court in front of the Dining Hall entrance. The former field boundaries have become routes that reflect the road pattern today (Newnham Walk, Church Rate Walk). Sidgwick Avenue is not named and remains a secondary lane connecting to the Backs via Pightle Walk to the east.
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4.3 OS Map 1901 1:2500 (CRO XLV11.2):
By 1901, Sidgwick Avenue has been widened and merged with Pightle Walk to provide a main route for the new colleges and developments improving access to the City. Newnham, Selwyn and colleges grow and develop new buildings on larger plots. Ridley Hall retains the same plot size and divisions; the Chapel and E and F blocks appear on the Sidgwick Avenue side of the site. Wordsworth Grove appears following a former field boundary opposite Ridley Hall Principal’s Lodge.
The creation of Sidgwick Avenue as a main route into the City Centre may have changed the emphasis on the approach to Ridley Hall. Before the main route would have been via Malting Lane and Newnham Walk, entering from the south east corner of the site, whereas the formation of the main route to the north may have altered the emphasis of placing of buildings on the site, concentrating most development on the north side. (note re chapel relocation).
On Barton Road to the south appears the new St Mark's Church built in 1901. The parish was founded in 1916 formed from the parishes of Cambridge St Giles (in which Ridley Hall was situated until this time) and Granchester.
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4.4 OS Map 1925 1:2500 (CRO XLV11.2):
The streets surrounding Ridley Hall show minor changes, principally further development of plots on Wordsworth Grove. The map shows the extent of the tree avenues and soft landscaping in the villa gardens which remains a distinctive character of the area today.
Ridley Hall has simplified the geometry of the site through the acquisition of a piece of land in the south west corner. G & H block appears on the map, and the Chapel has been extended to the east.
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4.5 OS Map 1939 1:2500 (CRO XLV11.2):
No significant changes.
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4.6 OS Map 1948 1:2500 (CRO XLV11.2):
In Newnham College, some subtractions and additions to the eastern buildings appear. At Ridley Hall, building is extended on the west end of the Principal's Lodge and now aligns with the main building frontage. There is an increase in density of development along Barton Road.
On Newnham Road a roundabout appears at the junction with Fen Causeway. On the adjacent land at Sheeps Green, recreational facilities (a tennis court and bowling green) appear.
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4.7 OS Map 1953 1:2500 (CRO XLV11.2):
Further development of Newnham College buildings appear on the eastern plots between the main Newnham site and Ridley Hall. On the Ridley site, the small building addition to the Principal’s Lodge no longer appears.
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4.8 OS Map 1966-67 1:1250 (CRO XLV11.2):
A significant change occurs in the area by this date due to the development of the University of Cambridge Sidgwick Site between Sidgwick Avenue and West Road. Harvey Court appears on the plot of Thorpe House and Corpus Christi College Gardens; the Arts Faculties Site appears on the former Corpus Christi College Sports Ground. There is further development in Newnham College, west of Ridley Hall and Newnham Principal's Lodge on Newnham Walk.
Dashwood House appears in the north-west corner of the Ridley Hall site.
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4.9 Summary of Development up to the present day (from map analysis)
Current OS map overlaid with 1804 Inclosure boundaries
Within the Ridley Hall area of Newnham (bounded by Grange Road, West Road, Queens Road and Barton Road) the former field boundaries remain today and clearly define the division of land in this area. From the study of maps from 1804 to the present, the following observations can be made:
(i) From 1804 enclosure large rectangular fields on an east/west axis define the development of plots and routes. (ii) Division takes place in different forms from one plot to the next but is always contained within the plot boundary. (iii) Prior to 1804 Newnham was a small hamlet, part of the Parish of St Giles, Cambridge. Following enclosure land was acquired by the colleges and put to use for cricket and sports grounds, detached villas for fellows and college buildings. With few exceptions (Newnham village centre around the Mill Pit and Malthouse) this pattern persists. This use pattern is reflected in the area today and forms a particular character of college owned houses, alongside smaller private housing plots and high density college buildings. (iv) Post 1960's maps show a significant change. For the first time development breaks out of the enclosure boundaries at Newnham and Sidgwick. These later developments are disruptive to the historic grain.
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5.0 Historic Analysis of Ridley Hall
The History of Ridley Hall has been comprehensively covered in The History of Ridley Hall Cambridge (Vols I and II) by F W B Bullock and Fanning the Flames: The Storey of Ridley Hall Volume 3 by Michael Botting. The following description of the historical development is a summary of this development with reference to the buildings.
5.1 Overview of the Development of Theological Colleges:
In the mid 19th century the shortage of formal theological training for Anglican clergy was apparent to many church leaders. The initial move to link this training with the older universities came from the Evangelical Movement, particularly strong in Cambridge, where the traditions of Charles Simeon (in his ministry at Holy Trinity Cambridge) and his friends gathered strength.
The Jesus Lane Sunday School, at which undergraduate members of Simeon's congregation had become teachers, played a prominent role in the creation of Ridley Hall; one of Ridley Hall founders. E H Carr (1810-80) had taught at the School, and another Charles Perry (1807- 91) had been a friend of the school. They were present at a meeting in March 1876 at which it was proposed that two theological colleges be founded, one at Oxford and one at Cambridge. In April 1877 a joint trust was set up with two councils for Wycliffe Hall, Oxford and Ridley Hall, Cambridge. These names had already been selected by the Committee and reflected the theological approach against the dangers of ritualism and rationalism.
5.2 Ridley Hall Building Phases
5.2.1 Ridley Hall Initial Building Phase : 1879 – 1882
At Oxford, no freehold property was available so Wycliffe Hall was opened before Ridley Hall occupying existing buildings. In Cambridge the Trustees had acquired a two acre freehold meadow site in Newnham on which they were able to place entirely new buildings. Limited funds prevented the development of a masterplan for the site; however the completion of a quadrangle plan was envisaged ; "There is room on the site for a chapel and additional rooms to complete the four sides of a quadrangle" (Extract from The Cambridge Chronicle and University Journal, Isle of Ely Herald and Huntingdonshire Gazette: October 18th 1879). In the initial phase, the eastern side of the site was developed, taking the form of a planned college incorporating an Entrance Gateway, Porter's Lodge and Central Court. This section was built in two stages – the Principal's Lodge and adjacent Library followed soon after by the Dining Hall building because it was not anticipated that there would be sufficient money. The architect was Mr Charles L Luck of Regent Street, London. In these first two terms of 1882, because there was no Kitchen or Dining Hall, the small number of students dined with the Principal.
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5.2.2 Ridley Hall Second Building Phase : 1891-2
By 1890, the College Council investigated the cost of a new building (two staircases with six sets of rooms) and a Chapel, ' simple but good in all details'. Mr Luck had recently died, and architect, Mr William Wallace of Bond Street, London was commissioned for this second phase.
The two new buildings were built on the north, Sidgwick Avenue, side of the site. This was not the original planned location of the Chapel. The original design by Charles Luck places the Chapel near the West side of the Principal's Lodge, close to the garden wall. Subsequently, William Wallace's proposal places the Chapel in the centre of the grounds, opposite the Tower gateway, thus proposing the formation of a court, in the manner of earlier Cambridge colleges. The two new staircases, E and F, provided ten sets of rooms for students and a suite for the Vice-Principal. The attic space was converted in 2000 to provide additional student rooms, designed by Bland, Brown and Cole, Cambridge.
Original intention of Charles Luck placing the proposed Chapel next to the Principal's Lodge (Photograph reproduced in F W Bullock Vol 1, taken from The Illustrated London News of 28 May 1881)
5.2.3 Ridley Hall Third Building Phase : 1912-14
In 1910, to provide additional accommodation (the number of students had reached fifty in 1912) and the expectation of increasing the income to the College, William Wallace proposed a second accommodation block (Staircases G & H) be added in the north – west corner of the site (on the site of Dashwood House). One can speculate that the architect's intention was to continue the development of college buildings around the perimeter of the site producing a quadrangle plan with central court. However, the College Council decided that the new building be placed on the central East/West axis to the entrance gateway.
The new building, Staircases G & H was built in the style of the previous building of 1891 and provided ten additional student rooms. It was built on land to the west of the site previously conveyed to the Trustees from St Johns College in 1903 and was in use as a garden until the new building was constructed. The curved walls either side of the new block replaced the original garden wall (Letter from Wallace to Rev Tait dated 1 September 1911 enclosing conveyance plan of 14 August 1903).)
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Correspondence between Rev A J Tait at the time of the building of Staircase G & H, the Architect, William Wallace and Contractor, William Saint discusses the finishes to the new block, favouring timber staircase over stone to provide a more comfortable environment. Wallace in his description of the building indicates his awareness of the its axial importance. “ The style is somewhat after the Elizabethan manner, ornamented slightly more profusely than the old block, as the new block directly faces the main entrance to the Hall.”
Sketch by Wallace indicating alterations to existing garden wall to accommodate Staircases G + H (1 September 1911)
Conveyance Plan dated 14 August 1903 for land shown pink to the west of the site (now site of Staircase G + H block). The yellow shaded area is an agreement to construct a gravel road or footpath to form part of Newnham Walk.
At the same time the chapel was extended by 10 feet eastwards to provide an additional sixteen chapel seats; the extension narrowed the gap between chapel and common room building.
Chapel before enlargement (pre 1912) viewed across court with tennis court in foreground.
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5.2.4 Ridley Hall Fourth Building Phase : c 1962
Reverend Cyril Bowles was Principal during this time (1951-1962) Records from 1962 refer to a staff house (architect unknown), later named Dashwood House being built in the grounds, to be occupied by the Vice-Principal.
5.2.5 Ridley Hall Fifth Building Phase : c 1980
The accommodation at the College had originally been designed for single students. By the 1980s, two thirds of the students were married. A need was identified to provide purpose built accommodation on the site of the existing kitchen garden comprising five flats, a Day Room and a play room for the children. Following discussion on whether to develop the site or to purchase a building off site and concerns over fundraising, Architect Peter Hall was appointed in 1983 to progress the design on the south west of the site. The building, known as 'The Precincts' was completed in 1986 and formally opened on 26 September 1986 by Robert Runcie, Archbishop of Canterbury.
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5.3 Architects associated with Ridley Hall
5.3.1 Charles L Luck
Architect responsible for the design of the initial building phase of Ridley Hall (1879-1882) : the eastern entrance range with Principal's Lodge to the south and Dining Hall and Common Room to the north.
Charles Lock Luck (date of birth unknown-d.1890) was articled to George Smith from 1852- 59 and as an improver in the office of Benjamin Ferrey from 1857-9. He set up in private practice in 1859 at 12 Regent Street, London, and was made a Fellow of the RIBA in 1885. No records are held on him at the Church Commissioners' Archives.
His works include a number of churches in South West London/Surrey borders and in Kent; new wing to the Kingston Infirmary. Available photographic records show these to have been built principally in Gothic style and materials of red brick and stone dressings. Churches include Christ Church, Surbiton where C L Luck lived and was a member of the congregation (Pevsner: Buildings of England : London South). A full list of projects is given in Appendix
5.3.2 William Wallace
Wallace was the Architect responsible for the design of the Chapel and Accommodation Block E + F on the north side (1891-2); Chapel eastern extension and Accommodation Block G + H to the west built in Tudor style.
William Wallace worked between 1871 – 1912 (when he designed the additional accommodation block at Ridley Hall). He trained with Campbell Douglas and John James Stevenson, and went into partnership with William Flockhart in 1879. In 1871 he was involved in establishing Morris & Co in Langham Place London (no connection with William Morris' firm). In 1880 he worked with a former Campbell Douglas assistant, John McKean Brydon. His office was at 27a Old Bond Street.
His works include the Dining Room, Crathes Castle; Eastwell Park; Philiphaugh, Selkirk (now demolished); Chapel at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford and various residential projects in North and West London.
5.3.3 Summary
Within the historical context, they are not celebrated architects, and not significant within the 19th century period. If a subjective judgement were to be made, one would probably say Wallace is the better architect. Although he demonstrates a confident touch, he worked with the common idiom of the day and lacks any particular innovative skill.
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5.4 Ridley Hall : Pattern of Development (Actual and Intended)
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6.0 Area Appraisal
6.1 Character Analysis
The area of Newnham in West Cambridge retains a separate character from the urban city centre which is defined by the 'barrier' formed of The Backs, river and Queens Road (Ring Road). Open countryside is reached within 10 minutes walk west of the area, in contrast to the nature of development north, south and east of central Cambridge.
When originally developed the area was defined by:
(i) College buildings on rectangular fields of the inclosure period. (ii) Detached college owned villas on large plots, themselves subdivisions of these fields. (iii) College sports grounds, again subdivisions of these fields.
Today, the pattern is recognisably the same, except that college sites have become more densely developed, the detached villas are in broader ownership or have been replaced by college and university buildings and some sports fields have been developed.
There has been a general continuation of development since the 1870s but despite this higher density the area maintains the character of its original development.
The Inclosure boundaries are still evident and are signalled by red and gault brick boundary walls, street and footpath lines.
The Ridley Hall site and its immediate neighbours are included in the Central Conservation Area designation but in terms of character are wholly consistent with the Western Conservation Area and are better viewed in this context.
College development has mainly kept within the enclosure boundaries; however, within each plot, subdivisions and development has occured which is particular to the original enclosure and built relationships across former field boundaries do not occur. The exception to this appears in the development of the Arts Humanities buildings on the Sidgwick site where the emphasis of the original field boundaries loses definition.
Diagrams 6.1(a) and 6.1 (b) indicate that the pattern of development within enclosure field boundaries tend to be consistent within each parcel of inclosure but that there is no pattern or relationship from one inclosure plot to another.
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Diagram 6.1 (a) showing Pattern of Development within individual field plots and absence of relationship to each other (Sidgwick Plots c. 1966)
Diagram 6.1 (b) showing Pattern of Development within individual field plots and absence of relationship to each other (Newnham/Ridley Plots – current)
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6.2 Street Edges
The roads are defined by hedges, fences and brick boundary walls. The exception occurs in the middle of Sidgwick Avenue where the Arts Humanities site and Newnham College opposite break this continuity creating undefined forecourts for car and bicycle parking.
Ridley Hall Road Sidgwick Avenue Newnham Walk
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6.3 Views
The enclosed character of the area emphasised by boundary walls, trees and extensive planting means that views are restricted on axis along tree lined roads and bounded by walls. The impact of the buildings even in high density areas appears secondary to the prominence of the boundaries.
Newnham Walk towards East Sidgwick Avenue viewed N E Corner of Ridley Hall Road and Sidgwick Avenue junction
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6.4 Routes
Main routes through and around the area for pedestrians and traffic are Grange Road and Queens Road (North/South) and Sidgwick Avenue and West Road (East/West). Secondary roads are Newnham Walk, Ridley Hall Road; Wordsworth Grove ends in a cul de sac.
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6.5 Landscape
Landscape character of the area is generally defined by tree lined routes (Sidgwick Avenue), grassed verges (Grange Road), brick boundary walls, railings and fences with well planted gardens or open grassed areas behind. (Newnham Walk) During summer, planting is very dense and partially obscures the building forms. The principal landscape elements to be considered in respect of the development of the Ridley Hall site are those of Sidgwick Avenue and Newnham Walk.
Sidgwick Avenue
The most prominent feature of Sidgwick Avenue is that both pavements are lined with mature plane trees. These form the dominant feature of the road in winter, but more particularly summer. They obscure direct views across the avenue from the buildings on each side and impose a strong linearity of view down the road, terminating in Grange Road crossing it at the West end The reverse view is obscured by the slight Northern swing of the road towards Silver Street which closes the vista with the Caius Fellows Garden.
The buildings each side of the avenue are largely collegiate or university faculties with those of the Eastern end, beyond Ridley Hall, and those of the western half between the Faculty of Economics and Selwyn College being buildings of a more domestic scale.
Planting below the planes in the grounds each side of the road is sparse due to the heavy shading nature of the trees.
The college and faculty buildings maintain a strong enclosure of the street together with brick boundary walls, which breaks down in its central section where the wide and ill defined car parks and entrances of the Sidgwick and Newnham sites lie on opposite sides of the road.
It should be noted that the plane trees are not without problems causing substantial heave in the pavements and possibly damaging services below ground. It is possible that in the future Sidgwick Avenue may become part of the proposed one way system to this part of W Cambridge and a higher volume of buses and cars may use the road. Whether this will impact upon the trees is unknown, but it may be supposed that the long term future of these trees is not secure.
Street furniture is not prevalent in this road and pavement space is often limited by the Plane trees.
Views into and out from the Ridley site to the Classics Building are heavily modified by the presence of the Plane trees and the overall impression of the Ridley site when viewed from Sidgwick Avenue is of a densely developed court of buildings
Newnham Walk.
Newnham Walk contrasts with Sidgwick Avenue in that the pavements are free of trees. All of the planting is behind garden walls where it forms a dense screen of around 7-12m high interrupted only by buildings.
The road has a strong sense of enclosure but appears wider than Sidgwick Avenue due to the lack of trees within the road boundary.
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The original main entrance to Newnham College forms a dominant and strong focus to the West end of the road and at four storeys plus gables is very tall. This sets up a formal East- West axis which is commenced at the end by the four storey Principal’s Lodge of Ridley on one side of the road and the tall three storey house opposite. However the formation of Sidgwick Avenue relegated Newnham Walk to a secondary route which prevented this axis being developed to its natural conclusion by the introduction of the Ridley Chapel and further buildings. Thus the buildings to the west of the Principal’s Lodge on both sides of the road are much diminished in scale.
To the South of the road densely planted gardens are interspersed by the doctor’s surgery and four houses before Newnham. Whilst to the North the scale of buildings is larger with the Precincts and the Allies and Morrison’s Newnham accommodation building raising the scale of buildings up to the 1970s accommodation blocks, and thence to the original Newnham entrance building.
The presentation of the Gable end of the Allies and Morrison building onto the street interrupts the planting and this, together with the Pightle, frames the entrance to Newnham in a rather clumsy manner.
The undeveloped extent of Ridley’s Southern Boundary is not evident due to the dense planting of the Principal’s garden and the Precincts garden which are contiguous with the Principal’s Lodge at one end and the Precincts together with G&H block at the other. Views into Ridley hall are not possible through the planting and the sense gained is one of total enclosure.
The West-East axis is defined by the planting on each side of the street and is terminated by the trees and fence of the Caius Fellows Garden.
Street furniture is insignificant being mostly limited to small modern lamp standards.
The general landscape feel of Newnham Walk is of a wide road enclosed by tall planting which is tall and tight to the brick walls defining its boundaries. Architecturally it is unresolved and does not achieve its potential, the impressive frontage of Newnham seeming strangely out of place and the Principal’s Lodge of Ridley oddly isolated.
Ridley Hall
Ridley Hall itself makes a considerable contribution to the landscape area of the Conservation Area through the appearance of the perimeter and the influence this has on the surrounding streets. Internally it has a somewhat confused character.
Its contribution to the Conservation Area along Sidgwick Avenue and Newnham Walk is described in the above sections. It makes a further positive contribution along Ridley Hall Lane where established trees in its Eastern forecourt, together with shrubs along its walls, respond to the densely planted Gonville and Caius Fellows Garden opposite, to form a sheltered and shady lane. This is reinforced by the strong and dominant façade of the College and its Tower which does not permit any significant views into the College.
Conversely the Western boundary with Newnham College is less well structured and is not successful in defining the College boundaries or enhancing the setting. In the South West corner there is little planting of significance. G and H Stair and the Precincts are distant from the Allies and Morrison building of Newnham. Planting along the boundary is ill defined and patchy, particularly on the Ridley side.
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In the North West corner the planting around Dashwood House does little to define the boundaries with the exception of a fine Beech tree set behind the North end of G and H stair, which effectively closes views from Sidgwick Avenue to Newnham Walk along the boundary between the two College sites. This is an important element in the landscape and should be retained. Within the Ridley Hall Court the landscape is significant in its impact on the sense of place, but its elements are dispirate in nature and have evolved individually rather than by an overall design intent.
The early 1885 map of Ridley shows a formal landscape plan with tree lined paths, walled gardens, a marked tennis court and a formal network of paths which, it seems, provided a recreational perambulation as well as a means of access from one building to another (Refer Section 5.5). Over time these elements have lost definition evolving to form the present features. Of these the most impact arises from the contrast between the South side of the central East–West path which is filled by the densely planted Principal’s Garden, and the north side which is mostly laid to grass.
1885 OS Map showing formal landscaped plan Current W/E view of Court showing contrast in landscape
The northern grassed lawn is not entirely consistent however, and towards its Western end is a large Sophora tree and a series of small fruit and thorn trees, interspersed with some low level planting and long grass. The formality of the lawn breaks down with this and views to and from G&H blocks from the court are further obscured.
The layout of G&H stair was intended by Wallace to provide a formal axial and symmetrical backdrop to the College Court and to this end he provided curved wing walls which screened the vegetable gardens beyond and also served to enhance the presence of G&H block. That views of these have largely been obscured lessens the impact of G&H. Dashwood house was sited behind these wing walls and is thus notionally excluded from the composition, becoming an annexe.
The area in front of the Principle Garden (the S E corner of the Main Court), is laid to a formal lawn, in which sit two large Incense Cedars. The area behind the Principal’s Garden (the S W corner of the Main Court) fronts the Precincts building and is set out and planted in the manner of a suburban domestic garden. The loss of the walnut tree in front of the Chapel has delivered a smaller lawned garden.
The Principal’s Garden is the most dominant form within the Court and its tightly packed trees enclosed by hedges and dense under-planting give it a three dimensioned solidity, which is almost equivalent to a built form. It is this character in contrast to the lawned areas that has evolved since the late 1920s where the planting is seen to define the garden in photographs and in 1948 when it was separately identified on the OS Map.
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The planting evident on the 1929 photo indicates the incense cedars at about 9m or so high, which suggests that were some 15 years old (‘Gardening with conifers’, A & R Bloom). It may thus be supposed that the Principal’s Lodge planting and all of the surviving major trees in the Court were laid out from around 1914 (following the completion of G&H Stair).
Principal’s Garden 1929
The Principal’s Garden impacts on the Court in a number of ways in its present form: It disrupts the major E-W axis by approaching to the edge of the central path, it blocks views of the precincts, it blocks views of G and H Stair, it unbalances the Court and directs views from the Gate Tower down the Northern lawn towards the N.W. Dashwood House corner where they lack satisfactory termination, it isolates the rather gloomy Bursary lawn from the rest of the College.
The landscape character of the Court has thus developed in the same way as the buildings. i.e. at the outset a formal plan was pursued up to the construction of G and H stair. Following this, buildings have been added and the landscape has evolved together with them in an ad hoc manner. Thus the large central Court of Ridley is formed of at least five elements of differing character placed over a formal grid which creates a rather compartmented feel and belies the formality of the underlying architecture. The space is not successfully modelled by the buildings or landscaping particularly because the Southern Western Corners of the ensemble are too weak to maintain the space and the Principal’s garden is out of character with the underlying concept.
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6.6 Scale
Block plan showing scale of site within West Conservation Area
The West Conservation Area has a distinct character in terms of the scale of the buildings it contains and their disposition within the area. The disposition of buildings has already been discussed in terms of the enclosure boundaries and their development as being distinct, one parcel of land from another. There is also an increasingly common scale within each enclosure boundary, which is being reinforced as the years pass and development continues. There is a distinct pattern to the distribution of different scales. This is that the central part of the Conservation Area contains large scale collegiate and faculty buildings typically in the range of 12-14 meters with some buildings well in excess of 16 metres (the University Library, history and law libraries). These collegiate and faculty buildings comprise almost entirely the central area and are bounded to the West by Grange Road, to the East by the gardens of the Queens Road villas and to the south by Newnham Walk. Outside of this area the scale of buildings rarely exceeds 10-12meters, the predominant size to the East and West being 8-10 metres and to the South, 8 metres and below. Thus a central zone exists with a clear interface on the aforementioned surrounding roads. The buildings of Ridley Hall are
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mostly in the 12-14m range and demonstrably form part of the central zone. Thus the site is situated at the interface of two ranges of scale on Newnham Walk and clearly belongs to the collegiate/faculty range.
6.7 Grain
Block plan showing the grain of the West Conservation Area
The grain of the Central Conservation Area, that is to say the composition of its building typology follows similar lines as the distribution of scale. The difference being that the original development of the area fell mainly into two categories: Domestic scaled residential
Ridley Hall Cambridge, Historic Building and Area Appraisal 34 Donald Insall Associates buildings (villas), and large scale collegiate buildings (Ridley Hall, Newnham and Selwyn Colleges). The development of the University in the 20 th century around the Sidgewick Road / West Road area introduced large scale faculty buildings on the site of former residential villas. The development of the grain has, as in the case of scale, occurred within the enclosure boundaries, (a reflection of land ownership), where large scale buildings have subsumed domestic buildings and continue to do so. Thus the block plan shows a concentration of large collegiate and faculty buildings in the central zone surrounded by buildings of a domestic nature. Some domestic buildings remain within the central zone but these are quickly being replaced with large buildings, as in the case of West Road where three have been demolished since 2000.
The distinction between the two typologies follows the same boundaries as that of scale and demonstrates a very clear interface between the domestic typology and the collegiate/faculty typology along Grange Road, the Queens Road villas and Newnham Walk. Thus the application site is situated at the interface of two forms of grain and Ridley Hall clearly belongs to the Collegiate/Faculty type.
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Elevations and Sections showing the interface between characters along Newnham Walk and the consistency of relationships around the site.
These drawings illustrate the change in nature of the buildings along Newnham Walk demonstrating the change in scale and grain across the road, indicating that it forms an interface between the two characters of the wider Conservation Area.
The two street elevations are a mirror image along the street and show that the North side comprises the large scale collegiate buildings of Newnham College and Ridley Hall dominated by the Pfeiffer gate of Newnham College in the west (LHS). The South side by comparison is made up of much smaller and lower domestic scaled buildings.
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The small sections are taken around the site and are drawn through the buildings of Ridley Hall to the buildings which oppose it. Section 1 is to the West and they run anticlockwise through Section 6 which is to the East. They show that often buildings are situated opposite open space, but that when they do oppose each other the Ridley Hall buildings typically face larger buildings to the West and North, i.e. in towards the central zone and smaller buildings to the East and South i.e. across the Newnham Walk and Queens Road interfaces. There is a consistency demonstrated by the sections showing that those through the proposal (8,and 9) are not out of character with the existing relationships between Ridley Hall’s buildings and its’ neighbours.
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7.0 Site Appraisal
7.1 The Site
Ridley Hall site shares a former field plot with Newham College. It is situated on the eastern side of the plot and between Sidgwick Avenue, Ridley Hall Road and Newnham Walk. Sidgwick Avenue is now the main route past the site.
7.2 Setting
Ridley Hall College is contained within red brick boundary walls. These are two metres in height on the north and south sides and partially obscure the 19th century and modern buildings built around the perimeter of the site. The eastern range is bounded by a low brick wall with stone coping, originally set with railings. The lowering of the wall gives prominence to the entrance, although it is today heavily screened by trees and hedges.
7.3 Buildings
7.3.1 The first 19th century entrance range built in Tudor style is arranged as a continuous u-shaped building set around the eastern perimeter of the site, set back slightly behind a planted area and which today provides a very compact parking area. These earlier buildings are three storey, red brick with stone dressings. They are built in the college style with a central entrance, porters lodge, library, dining hall, Principal's Lodge. The original intention was to complete the buildings around the perimeter of the site to form a court or quadrangle development, reflecting other Cambridge colleges. However, this intention was restricted by funds.
The Listing Description is as follows:-
RIDLEY HALL ROAD 1.942. Entrance Block TL4457 17/638 11 1879-81. By C S Luck. In the Tudor style. Red brick with stone dressings. 3 stores. Reading from left, 2 gabled bays set forward (the Principal's Lodge), 4 windows, the entrance gateway with battlements, 4 small windows, large single gable with an oriel window. Mullion and transom windows. Tiled roof.
C. S. Luck Ph 1 C. S. Luck Ph 2
7.3.2 The next phase of building by Wallace (since Mr Luck the former architect had died) comprises the chapel and Staircases E and F. The chapel is smaller in scale and projects forward beyond the building line of the earlier buildings giving it prominence on Sidgwick Avenue. Block E and F is built in the style and materials of the earlier buildings, but are larger in scale and internal fittings are richer and reflect planning found in other Cambridge colleges.
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The Listing Descriptions are as follows:
RIDLEY HALL ROAD 1. 942 Ridley Hall Chapel TL4457 17/639 11 2. 1891-2. By W Wallace. Red brick with stone dressings. 5 bays buttressed. 2 – light windows with traceried heads. Battlements. Tiled roof. Chapel reredos by A E Richardson 1949.
RIDLEY HALL ROAD 1. 942 Ridley Hall North Block TL 4457 17/640 11 2. 1891. By W Wallace. Red brick with stone dressings. Tudor style. 6 bays. 1.1.2.1.1, bays 2 and 4 being set forward. 3 storeys. Mullion and transom windows with continuous drip mould over. Bays one and three are gabled. Battlements, tiled roof, tall stacks.
Chapel W Wallace 1891-2 extended 1912 E & F Stair. W. Wallace 1891
7.3.3 Block G & H built in 1912 provided additional accommodation and is built in the same style as Block E & F. It is on the axis of the entrance gateway and not in the Architect's intended location in the north west corner (on the site of Dashwood House).
The Listing Description is as follows:
RIDLEY HALL ROAD 1. 942 Ridley Hall West Block TL4457 17/641 11 2. 1912. By W Wallace. Similar to the North Block. Red brick, stone dressings. 5 bays, two and four are set forward and three forward of them. 3 storeys. Mullion and transom windows. Bays one and five are gabled. Battlements, tall stacks, tiled roof.
G and H Stair. W, Wallace 1912
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7.3.4 Dashwood House. c 1962. This is post 1948 and there is no indication that it is curtilage listed.
7.3.5 The Precincts. c. 1980. This building is post 1948 and post 1972 (date of listing) and is not curtilage listed.
Dashwood House 1962 The Precincts. C 1980
7.4 Significance of Interiors
We have made an assessment of the interior in historic and architectural terms. These are included as an Appendix.
8.0 Assets and Detractions
On following page
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9.0 Summary
Area
- The plot boundaries of 1804 still define the pattern of development in Newnham. - Development of plots is recognisably the same as the original developments, comprising college sites, college owned detached houses (and later private housing development), college sports grounds all subdivisions of the fields. - With the exception of the Sidgwick site, college development has mainly kept within the enclosure field boundaries. - The pattern of development within each enclosure field boundary does not form a pattern or relationship from one plot to another. - Character of the area is defined by strong boundaries (hedges, fences and brick walls) and extensive planting so as to give the buildings, even in high density areas, a secondary impact to the prominence of the boundaries. - Scale is characterised by large scale collegiate and faculty buildings within a central zone defined by Grange road Newnham walk and the Queens Road villas. Outside of this the scale is smaller. Ridley Hall lies within the central zone of large scale buildings. - Grain of the area (building typology) follows the same pattern as scale with predominantly large collegiate and faculty buildings inside the defining roads and domestic buildings predominantly outside. - Newham Walk forms an interface between the two characters of the area, thus Ridley Hall’s Buildings reflect the historic scale of Ridley Hall not the domestic buildings on the South Side of the road.
Ridley Hall College (historic)
- Although two architects were involved in the design of the original buildings at Ridley Hall there is a uniformity of style in the buildings. - Within an historical context, both Luck and Wallace are not significant architects within the 19th century period, although the later buildings by Wallace display an architecturally more confident style. - The original intention was to develop the site to complete a quadrangle. The subsequent siting of the original buildings along Sidgwick Avenue rather than Newnham Walk appears to be related to the formation of Sidgwick Avenue as the main through route.
Ridley Hall College (architectural)
- The uniformity of size, massing and materials of the Victorian buildings and their location behind boundary walls gives a strong sense of enclosure from outside and inside the site. The gaps between buildings offer important views into and out of the site. - The modern buildings at the north-west and south-west corners of the site are low in height and scale, or lack detail and are visually 'weak' corners on the site. Thety do not reflect the vision of the original architects - The areas of vision defined by the east/west axis between the entrance and G & H Stairs and from the entrance across to the Chapel, are important. - The landscaping of the courtyard lacks formality which is both an asset and detraction. However, the Principal's Garden which develops after 1914 is an
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awkward element in the court and obscures the east-west axis and obscures the original character of the Luck and Wallace development.
Possibilities of new development The following drawings are schematic diagrams of areas which the historic study has suggested might reasonably be considered for development in the future on the basis of established building lines, physical forms, and intentions.
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Conclusion
The development of buildings within the original enclosure boundaries in the Conservation Area is, to a large degree self contained and the impact of one site upon another significantly less important than in other, more typical, urban areas. The development of buildings within the Ridley Court need to respond to the underlying architecture of the Court, whilst development which impacts on areas common to the public, i.e. the surrounding roads and footpaths acts as a barrier between the public and the Court, and is not normally responsive to the developments within adjacent field enclosure boundary sites.
The Historic development of the Court combined with its early intentions, establish a pattern of development. This forms a ring of buildings around a central court with quite narrow gaps between them allowing glimpses in and out of the Court. The ring zone is not a pure form and various buildings step outside it: the Chapel, Dashwood House and the ancillary kitchen buildings to the North, the Precincts and Masters Lodge Garage to the South. This is shown in diagrams 1 and 2 ‘Possibilities of new development’ and provides a reasonable rationale for the continued development and re-development of the site. A further zone is indicated by diagram 3 which indicates the strong mass of the Principal’s Garden, which by its density of planting has in some sense the presence of a building. Consideration of development within this zone should be made on the basis of architectural judgement rather than historic precedent.
The built form of Ridley Hall consists of several elements of differing character which overlie a formal layout. This is echoed in the landscape of the courtyard to the detriment of the overall architectural character of the site, which has become ad hoc. A development which involves the loss of the Principals Garden and its trees will present an opportunity for an important architectural & landscape scheme which will re-define the character of the College. Thus this needs to be forward thinking and to set a framework which can be built upon. A further ad hoc addition could serve only to maintain the degenerate nature of the setting. If a proposal to develop on the Principal’s Lodge Garden were to anticipate further development including the replacement of sub standard and redundant buildings over time, the character and architectural quality of the whole site could be brought into line with the excellence of Ridley Hall’s function and purpose.
The site’s context and character should be important factors in the planning of a new building. This should respect both the historic, scale, form and intention of the 19 th C Ridley Hall development by echoing the pattern of the 19 th C buildings, their heights, scale and density. It should include glimpses through between buildings from outside of the College and importantly, follow the pattern of scale and grain of the wider Conservation Area, recognising and respecting the change in nature of the Area at the Newnham Walk interface.
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Appendix A
Significance of Interiors
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Appendix B
Architects associated with Ridley Hall early buildings.
Charles Lock Luck Works include (compiled from RIBA nomination papers, BAL and the ICBS database): 1842-44 – St John the Baptist, Bodicote 1863 – Christ Church, Surbiton 1863 – Parsonage and school, Surbiton 1865 – two houses 1867 – Kingston Workhouse and Infirmary 1868 – house at Tulse Hill 1872 – Parochial Schools, Kingston 1875 – Church and Vicarage, Shanklin 1875 – house at Dorking 1877-80 – St Mary’s, Barcombe 1878 – St Matthew’s, Borstal 1878 – Barcome church and rectory 1878 – Ridley Hall, Cambridge 1878 – Almshouses, Kingston 1878 – St Peter’s, Holloway (restoration) 1881 – house and stables, Weybridge 1881 – St John’s, Sandown 1881 – St Mary’s, Pluckley 1882 – St Mark’s, Peckham 1886 – Holy Trinity, Richmond
William Wallace: Graves, Algernon, The Royal Academy of Arts: A Dictionary of Contributors and Their work from 1769-1904 , 8 Vols, (London: Graves & Co with George Bell, 1905), p. 112: Wallace, William – Architect, 27a Old Bond Street 1880 – Dining room, Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire 1892 – Chapel, Ridley Hall, Cambridge 1894 – Eastwell Park 1895 – Philiphaugh, Selkirk 1899 – Chapel, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford
Wallace and Flockhart – Architects, 27a Old Bond Street 1881 – ‘The Lothians’, Fitzjohn’s Avenue 1884 – New Presbyterian Church, Richmond 1884 – House and Studio, Hampstead
Wallace and Gibson – Architects, 27a Old Bond Street 1903 – Entrance of Wallace Town Hall
The Builder Index to Architects, 1842-1892 (London: Survey of London Offices, nd.): 1879 – studio, 24 Cavendish Road, St. John’s Wood 1879 – studio, 22 West Cromwell Road, South Kensington 1880 – 204 Great Portland Street 1880 – 72 Bolsover Street 1880 – villa, Hampstead 1884 – new transept, St John’s Presbyterian Church, Richmond 1884 – alterations, 55 Porchester Terrace, Bayswater 1885 – remodeling 1 Abbey Road, St John’s Wood 1886 – houses, Collingham Gardens, Kensington
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Appendix C
Architectural & historical notes, sources and background references
SITE SUMMARY
Ridley Hall is a Theological College of the Church of England situated in Cambridge. It was founded in 1879, though its origins can be placed prior to this date. Its establishment and early progress is closely linked to Wycliffe Hall, its sister Evangelical college in Oxford. The major phases of building are:
Initial phase: 1879-1882 (Charles Lock Luck) Second phase: Chapel and new block 1891-2 (William Wallace) Third Phase :West block and chapel extension 1912-14 (William Wallace) Fourth Phase c 1962 Dashwood House (architect unknown) Fifth Phase c 1980 The Precincts
Research has focused on the first three phases. While it is clear that Ridley Hall placed high importance on its architectural demonstration of institutional legitimacy by adhering to traditional elements of the Oxbridge college plan, the Hall has been built up in several phases which have not always been sympathetic to one another. There is no master plan as such, and works have been done as necessary and as funding has become available. The first three phases of building are Grade-II listed and the chapel was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1892 and as it was built by the same architect – William Wallace – who would go on to design the Wycliffe Hall chapel in 1899.
There has been insufficient time to situate Ridley Hall’s architectural history within the wider context of British theological and secular colleges, but it can be stated with reasonable confidence that the Hall’s development, form, and details are typical of its date, purpose, and situation.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Bullock, Frederick, The History of Ridley Hall, Cambridge , 2 Vols (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1941-53):
Volume 1
43 – Thanks to [William] Farish, Magdalene was the first Cambridge College to attract Evangelicals [in the 1780s].
49 – As is well known, [Charles] Simeon and his friends suffered for many yeas hostility and ostracism, but gradually they won their way, so that by the time of his death in 1836 the general position of Evangelicals in Cambridge was utterly different from what it had been when he started his ministry in 1782. The greatly increased strength of the Evangelical Movement in Cambridge and the contrast between Simeon’s earlier and later years, [was] not only a personal triumph for him, but also an outstanding example of the growth of Evangelicalism as a whole…
53 – It took longer for the CMS which had been founded in 1799 to start its ‘Association’ in Cambridge. Like the Bible Society, it was regarded as a dangerous innovation by many, and there was much prejudice in the early part of the nineteenth century in Cambridge, as well as in other places, against these and similar Evangelical societies.
55 – In 1877 the Jubilee of the Jesus Lane Sunday School was celebrated…individuals who became prominent in the history of Ridley Hall had, while undergraduates or young graduates, been teachers in the Jesus Lane Sunday School.
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65 – Evangelical Churchmen had…begun to take a keen interest in the education of the clergy and, as we shall shortly see, they bestirred themselves further in the matter soon after 1875. We note here that this coincided with a concern for Public School teaching, for they founded Trent College in 1866, and, a little after our dividing date, what is now called St Lawrence College at Ramsgate in 1879, and Dean Close School at Cheltenham in 1886.
72 – The foundation of Ridley Hall, Cambridge is intimately associated with that of Wyclife Hall, Oxford. These Theological Halls of residence in the two ancient university towns were designed for ordination candidates of the Evangelical school of thought in the Church of England…the idea for the project originated in the mind of Revd. Edward Henry Carr.
83 – [Carr:] The requisite institution (established, let us say, at Cambridge) should not be on an insignificant scale. It should not comprise material accommodation of small dimensions, nor teachers few in number…
118 – By 30 April 1877 a ‘Deed of Trust’ for the ‘Theological Halls at Oxford and Cambridge’ had been drawn up, and the names ‘Wycliffe Hall’ for that at Oxford and ‘Ridley Hall’ for that at Cambridge had already been selected by the Committee.
143 – No freehold property was easily obtainable [in Oxford], so Wycliffe Hall was opened a considerable time before Ridley Hall, for there was not the same opportunity for erecting new buildings, and it did not take very long to adapt existing premises to the new purposes. At Cambridge, the Trustees had been fortunate in being able to acquire a freehold site of two acres, upon which they decided to place entirely new buildings. This had very great advantages, making possible the creation of a properly planned College, with Entrance Gateway, Porter’s Lodge, Central Court, and buildings round the greater part of four sides – though in the early years the erection of a portion only of these buildings was possible, and even the plan of the whole was not complete. At the outset, the space available and the freedom to create an architectural unity was a very great benefit, but it made a heavy demand on the funds collected. The land at Newnham, which the Trustees purchased, was at that time a meadow with a few tall trees standing on it; the walnut trees which still stand in the grounds of Ridley Hall are of course older than any of the buildings…[The cornerstone was laid on Friday 17 October 1879.]
151 – The amount spent by the end of 1882 for the building and furnishing of Ridley Hall was approximately £25 000.
156 – The architect who had been chosen was Mr. Charles L. Luck, of Carlton Chambers, Regent Street, London. The builder was Mr. G. Dobson, of Colchester. Mr Luck had designed the main building with the Principal’s house at the South end; the Carr Memorial Library next to it, with four sets of Students’ rooms above; next, the Tower, including the Entrance Gateway, with three sets of rooms int eh Tower, and two more between it and the Library (these last two sets being now the Guest Room with two bathrooms, and the Housekeeper’s rooms) – the whole nine sets of rooms being afterwards known as ‘A’ staircase; then, the Porter’s Lodge and ‘B’ and ‘C’ staircases; and finally, the Dining Hall, Kitchens, Common Room, and apartments for the Vice Principal (‘D’ staircase) at the North end. At first, only half of this original plan of building was to be carried into effect, because it was not anticipated that there would be sufficient money…
179 - …during the first two terms…As there was no Dining Hall and no College Kitchen the members had their meals…with the Principal in his dining room…The week-day services were held in the Library.
187 – On the exterior of the Dining Hall, in a position corresponding to that occupied by the five coats of arms on the front of the Tower, there are six similar shields. These are, reading from left to right, as one faces them:
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1. The arms of Revd. Edward Henry Carr… 2. The present arms of the Ridley family… 3. The arms of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Saltmarshe… 4. The arms of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gamble… 5. The arms of the University of Cambridge… 6. The arms of Bishop Charles Perry.
190 – The buildings were still continuing to rise…during July and August 1882.
243 – The question of further building at Ridley Hall, tentatively raised by the Principal in his report on 1 May 1889, remained in abeyance for a time, but it was still under consideration…7 May 1890 the Council resolved that it was desirable to erect both a Chapel and also a new building of two staircases, ‘each with six sets of rooms, as soon as the cost is provided’…The donor was anxious that the Chapel ‘should not be too lofty’, lest it should appear cold; he hoped it would be ‘bright and warm’ and also ‘simple but good in all details’. He deprecated ‘much ornamentation’. In consequence of this the Council resolved unanimously that [the donor’s £2000 be accepted towards a chapel]…they also decided that an effort be now made to raise the £3600 necessary for the erection of the new block (staircases ‘E’ and ‘F’ as they came to be known)…Mr William Wallace of 27A Bond Street and also of Marlborough Road NW [was selected as architect]. Mr Luck, the architect of the older part of the Hall, had recently died.
244 – Mr Wallace had already submitted two alternative drawings for the chapel…the Council accepted most of the suggestions of [the donor] though they over-ruled his ideas as to site and seating, for he had proposed that the Chapel be erected opposite the main Tower entrance gateway in the centre of the grounds, and that the seats should face the Communion Table.
251 – The Council decided that about £4000woudl be needed in all for the new block of two staircases together with its furniture and also some replacement of furniture in the old buildings and certain somewhat extensive and costly repairs. The drainage of the Hall and the Principal’s house had to be completely overhauled.
252 - …two new staircases ‘E’ and ‘F’ were ready by October 1891…the New Building contained ten sets of rooms for students, and a suite for the Vice-Principal who now vacated the apartments on staircase ‘D’ Messrs Holloway Brothers of Battersea were the builders.
259 – The architect’s description of the chapel is as follows: ‘The style of the Chapel is late perpendicular. It is built of red brick, with Ancaster stone dressings ,and roofed with reddish-brown tiles. In the east wall is a five-light window, with rich tracery; the two-light windows in the North and South walls have tracery also. A striking exterior feature is an oaken ‘corona’ surmounting the octagonal turret which contains the spiral stair to the organ loft and clock chamber. The internal fittings of the chapel, the paneling, the stalls, and the front of the organ-loft, are of selected oak. An oaken screen divides the Ante-chapel from the chapel, and within the chapel the paneling extends to the height of the window-sills. The woodwork behind the Communion Table contains the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer, and above the table appear three carvings in relief; corn, grapes, and, in the centre, the Lamb. Above these is carved in bold letters, ‘Till He Come’. These carvings are thrown out by a ground of dead gold. The Table stands on a platform of polished grey marble, approached by two steps.
265 – Of the general effect of the new buildings…the Principal, writing in July 1892, says: ‘The Garden has been, of course, considerably reduced. But it is still large enough to form a beautiful “setting” for the buildings. It is more uniformly green than ever, for the ash-court of the tennis-ground has been turfed, and the turf is carried unbroked almost to the Western wall. The space between the new buildings and the Northern wall is also covered with turf.’
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356 – I may mention that in the original design for Ridley Hall by Mr Luck a Chapel appears near the West side of the Lodge, close to the garden wall.
Volume 2
2 – 34 Theological and Missionary Colleges of the Church of England [were] founded between 1816 and 1902 inclusive in England. Of these, 29 were in action in 1907.
4 – The tendency towards some degree of central control was greatly advanced by the work of a small committee appointed in 1907 by the Archbishop of Canterbury, which in June 1908 issued its Report, entitled The Supply and Training of Candidates for Holy Orders .
23 – In regard to the fabric of the Hall: 1. The buildings had not been painted for about 8 years and the wood and ironwork greatly (24) required it, the estimated cost being £75. 2. The heating apparatus of the Dining Hall is in a most unsatisfactory state [in 1908]…3. The bicycle shed was much too small. 4. The ventilation of the Chapel was insufficient.
27 – In March 1909, Mr Sidney A Court was appointed as engineer in charge of the scheme for installing electric light in Ridley Hall, and it was decided that the whole job should be done forthwith, and not a part of it only, as had been previously suggested.
36 – [in 1910] Nothing had been done to the fabric of the Hall during the past year, beyond necessary repairs, but the paths had been new-graveled throughout. The question of additional building required consideration. The disadvantages were: 1. That it would take up a good deal of ground which was in good use at present, and 2. That an overflowing Hall produced a favourable impression on the public mind. The advantages were: 1. The completeness of training gained by the unbroken corporate life, 2. A financial gain of roughly £20 per annum for each set of rooms, and 3. The possibility of adding to the number of bathrooms, which at present numbered only two…A rough plan for a new block of buildings to be added at the northwest corner of the Hall was produced.
38 – [William Wallace presented his plan to the Council for new accommodation block in January 1911. The Council decided:] 1. That the proposed new block be erected forthwith on the site at the west end of the grounds (and not at the northwest corner as had been previously suggested in accordance with the plans, elevation and drawings prepared by Mr Wallace; 2. That the rooms now used by Mr Whately be converted into 3 bathrooms in accordance with Mr Wallace’s plan; 3. That Mr Wallace’s recommendations with regard to the kitchen range and hot water apparatus be adopted; 4. That Mr Wallace be the architect; 5. That tenders from builders be invited [Messrs Saint of Cambridge were hired – their estimate was £5094.]
41 – On Monday 15 January 1912 the new block, henceforth known as staircases ‘G’ and ‘H’ was dedicated…
47 – [William Wallace’s description of the new block:] They follow the general plan of the block erected in 1891, providing ten sets of rooms besides a suite for the Chaplain. The style is somewhat after the Elizabethan manner, ornamented slightly more profusely than the old block, as the new block directly faces the main entrance to the Hall. Suffolk red brick has been used with facings of Ancaster stone and copings of harmonious Stamford stone. In the centre a large bay window runs up the whole height of the building, so arranged that the living room sin the centre of the building are each lighted by half the bay. This feature lends great attraction to these rooms. On the outer side two oriels are built springing from the wall at the fist storey. In the basement there are commodious bathrooms and lavatories. The staircases are handsomely designed in teak. The principal ornament is a large tablet in the centre of the exterior between the ground floor and the first storey. It is surmounted by a carved shield of Bishop Ridley’s arms, surrounded by a florid border, and it bears the following inscription from the pen of the Bishop of Durham: AULAM RIDLEIANAM
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AS MDCCCLXXXI DEDICATAM HOC DENIQUE AEDIFICIO AUXIMUS AS MDCCCXII MARTYRIS ET FIDEI MEMORES.
55 – [1914] The Council decided that the Chapel should be extended eastwards ‘as far as the edge of the grass plot, so as to secure at elast 16 additional seats similar to those already existing’.
61 – The length of the extension of the Chapel eastwards was 10 feet. The work was so very well done that it is difficult from the Court or from inside the Chapel to detect the point where the new and the old portions join. Mr William Wallace, of London, generously gave his services as Honorary Architect, and was only paid his expenses, which amounted to £24.16s. The work was carried out by Mr William Saint, of Cambridge…
117 – [report from the second inspection of the Hall by the Central Advisory Council of Training for the Ministry, 1923:] The buildings…are solidly built, dignified, and thoroughly well adapted to their purpose. They enclose a pleasant garden with well kept lawns. Chapel, Hall, and Library are excellent. The Students’ Common Room adjoins the Hall. It is a good room, but none too large. Lectures are given in the Library and we do not consider this so ill-adapted to the purpose as the authors of the first report seem to have thought.
232 – [In 1949 chapel modifications were done according to what had been approved in 1946. New windows were designed by Joan Howson. Old furnishings at the east end were removed and replaced by classical-style fittings designed by A. E. Richardson. The lower step of the sanctuary was extended.]
‘Chapel, Ridley Hall, Cambridge’, The Builder , Dec. 10, 1892, p. 460: This chapel was erected last year (along with a students’ block) from the designs of Mr. William Wallace, the style being the same as the original buildings at Ridley, which were designed by the late Mr. Luck. Stalls are provided for 54 students and the principal and vice-principal. All the internal fittings and roof are of wainscot oak. Red Ipswich bricks are used for the walling, with Ancaster stone dressings. The corona of the angel staircase turret is executed in English oak, with a copper covered cupola. All the windows are filled with stained-glass representing the Early Teachers of the Church. The whole of the works in connection with the chapel and students’ block were carried out by Messrs. Holloway Brothers. The stained glass was by Mr. Newberry. The drawing was exhibited at the last RA exhibition.
Little, Bryan, Cambridge Discovered (Cambridge: W. Heffer & Sons, 1960), p. 144: [Re. new developments c.1960:] ‘Decisive for Cambridge west of the Backs are the first elements of Sir Hugh Casson and Mr. Neville Conder’s great nexus of courts and individual blocks on the Sidgwick Avenue site. These will provide libraries, lecture halls, museums, and parading space for those who study economics or more traditionally ‘artistic’ subjects. The designers explain that “the architecture of the surrounding buildings (Newnham, Selwyn, and Ridley Hall) set no stylistic theme which it would be ill-mannered to ignore.”’
Pevsner, Nikolaus, Cambridgeshire (New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2002), p. 234: ‘RIDLEY HALL. (Church of England Theological College; Evangelical), Ridley Hall Road (E). 1871-81 [1871 is too early; the project commenced in 1879] by C. S. Luck [his middle initial was L]; chapel and new block 1891-2 by W. Wallace. W block 1912. Red brick and stone dressings; the style Tudor. Of no special architectural interest. In 1949 the chapel received a new reredos by Professor A. E. Richardson.
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SOURCES (** indicates not seen or used)
Unpublished:
RIBA BAL Bio Files (C. L. Lock & W. Wallace)
Goodhart-Rendel Index of Victorian Church Builders (BAL)
The Builder Index to Architects, 1842-1892 (London: Survey of London Offices, nd.)
Published:
**Berk, Dennis Bryan, College and Cloister: Exploring Their Community Ethos (Oxford: Parchment, 2001).
Bullock, Frederick, The History of Ridley Hall, Cambridge , 2 Vols (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1941-53).
**The Cambridge Chronicle , 21 October 1882.
‘Chapel, Ridley Hall, Cambridge’, The Builder , Dec. 10, 1892, p. 460
** The English Churchman , 11 December 1890.
Felstead, Allison et al, Directory of British Architects, 1834-1914 , 2 Vols, (London: Mansell, 1993).
Graves, Algernon, The Royal Academy of Arts: A Dictionary of Contributors and Their Work from 1769-1904 , 8 Vols, (London: Graves & Co with George Bell, 1905).
Gray, A. Stuart, Edwardian Architecture (London: Duckworth, 1986).
**Herbert, Charles, Theological Colleges and the Universities, Or What Special Training Should Be Given to the Clergy , 1859.
** The Illustrated London News , 28 May 1881.
**Jackson, John, Rest Before Labour: The Advantages and Dangers of Theological Colleges (London: Skeffington, 1859).
Little, Bryan, Cambridge Discovered (Cambridge: W. Heffer & Sons, 1960).
Pevsner, Nikolaus, Cambridgeshire (New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2002).
**Ridley Hall, Ridley Hall: The Book of the Jubilee (Cambridge: Ridley Hall, 1930).
** The Rock , 12 February 1892.
**Seaton, James Buchanan, The Training of Clergy in Theological Colleges (London: Mowbray, 1918).
**Wycliffe Hall and Ridley Hall, Theological Halls and Oxford and Cambridge: A Deed of Trust , 1877?
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COLLECTIONS
British Architectural Library British Library Cambridgeshire Records Office (Their online catalogue has been down, so I’ve emailed requesting a summary of their relevant holdings) Church Commissioners’ Archives (A thorough search of their database yielded nothing on Ridley Hall, William Wallace, or Charles Luck) English Heritage/Images of England Incorporated Church Building Society Archives Lambeth Palace Library National Art Library
REVISIONS
March 2011- Sections 6.6 and 6.7 added on scale and grain of Conservation Area including sections across site boundary and along Newnham Walk. Summary amended to include reference to Conservation Area scale, grain and the Newnham Walk interface. Conclusion amended to reflect this addition.
Ridley Hall Cambridge, Historic Building and Area Appraisal 63 Donald Insall Associates