FORMER STABLES, THELWALL HEYS CLIFF LANE, WARRINGTON HERITAGE STATEMENT
Kathryn Sather & Associates Heritage Conservation Consultants 87 Oldfield Road Altrincham WA14 4BL
Tel: 0161 941 1414 E-mail: [email protected]
May 2016
Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
Contact Address
Heritage Conservation Consultants: Kathryn Sather & Associates Heritage Conservation Consultants 87 Oldfield Road Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 4BL Tel: 0161 941 1414 [email protected]
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Introduction ...... 5 Section 2 Description of the Site and Structure ...... 6 2.1 The Site ...... 7 2.2 Thelwall Heys ...... 7 2.2.1 Plan and Form ...... 7 2.2.2 Exterior ...... 7 2.3 The Grounds and Site Boundaries ...... 11 2.4 The Outbuildings ...... 13 Section 3 History of Thelwall and Thelwall Heys ...... 22 3.1 History and Development of Thelwall and Grappenhall ...... 22 3.2 History of Thelwall Heys ...... 23 3.3 Development of the Grounds, Boundaries and Outbuildings ...... 24 3.4 Sequential Development of the Site ...... 25 Section 4 Significance of the Site ...... 29 4.1 Significance of Thelwall Heys House ...... 29 4.1.1 Historical: Illustrative Value ...... 29 4.1.2 Historical: Associative Value ...... 29 4.1.3 Communal: Social Value ...... 29 4.1.4 Aesthetic: Design Value ...... 29 4.1.5 Summary ...... 29 4.2 Significance of the Coach House and Stable Block ...... 29 4.2.1 Historical: Illustrative Value ...... 29 4.2.2 Historic: Evidential Value ...... 30 4.2.3 Historical: Associative Value ...... 30 4.2.4 Aesthetic: Design Value ...... 30 4.2.5 Summary ...... 30 Section 5 The Contribution of the Setting to the Significance of the Listed Building ...... 31 5.1 The Physical Surroundings of the Listed Structure ...... 31 5.2 How the Listed Structure is Experienced ...... 31 5.3 The Associative Attributes of the Listed Structures ...... 31 Section 6 Proposed New Development ...... 32 6.1 Repair and Conversion ...... 32 6.2 Removal of the Glasshouse and Rebuilding a Sunroom ...... 32 6.3 Enclosure of the Canopy ...... 32 6.4 Repairs to the Roofs ...... 32 6.5 Insertion of New Windows and Doors ...... 33 6.6 Conversion of the Interior for a Residential Use ...... 34 Section 7 Assessment of the Effects of the Proposed Works to the Former Stables on the Listed Structure and the Setting ...... 35 7.1 The Location and Siting of the Former Stables...... 35 7.2 The Form and Appearance of the Former Stables ...... 35 7.3 Other Effects of the Development ...... 35 7.4 Permanence of the Development ...... 35 7.5 Longer Term or Consequential Effects of the Development ...... 35
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
7.6 Heritage Impact Assessment Table ...... 36 Section 8 CONCLUSIONS ...... 38 8.1 Significance of the Existing House and Outbuildings ...... 38 8.2 Impact of Proposed Works to the Significance of Thelwall Heys and its Setting ...... 38 8.3 Heritage Asset Considerations ...... 38 Section 9 Sources ...... 39 Section 10 Appendices ...... 40 10.1 Appendix 1: Listing Description ...... 40 10.2 Appendix 2: Residents of Thelwall Heys and Stable Buildings ...... 41
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
Section 1 Introduction
This Heritage Statement accompanies the application for the proposed development of the outbuildings, specifically the Stable Block, within the grounds of Thelwall Heys, Warrington, Cheshire. Thelwall Heys is a grade II listed building, situated in open fields, with Thelwall to the north and the village of Grappenhall to the south. It is located approximately 5 miles southeast of Warrington.
This Heritage Appraisal has been prepared in accordance with the NPPF. It has been prepared by Kathryn Sather & Associates, Heritage Conservation Consultants. It should be read in conjunction with the proposal plans and the Design and Access Statement.
This Heritage Statement aims to provide sufficient information specific to the proposal site and its immediate surroundings. To this end the statement provides a summary of the history and development of Thelwall Heys and the villages of Thelwall and Grappenhall and a description of the exterior of Thelwall Heys, the grounds and outbuildings. The Appraisal also describes the proposed works, sets out the desirability of the proposed works and assesses the impact of the new development upon the setting of the listed building.
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
Section 2 Description of the Site and Structure
Existing Site Plan Ground Floor
Existing Site Plan First Floor
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
2.1 The Site
Thelwall Heys is a private residence situated in open fields between the residential settlements of Thelwall to the north and Grappenhall to the south. It is approached along a drive from the south off Cliff Lane.
The site is approximately rectangular in plan, on a southwest-northeast axis; the buildings are grouped in the centre of the site. The main house faces southwest down to the Laskey Brook with its main entrance on the northeast side, where there is a large area of hard standing. The terrace to its southwest and southeast is marked by a stone balustrade. The outbuildings, including the stable block and glasshouses, form a group to the northeast of the main house. There are a few mature trees on the site, principally to the northwest, but the main character is of parkland; there is a large grassed area to the southwest and there is also a large lawn to the northeast of the house, including a section of walled garden with glasshouses, beyond a beech hedge. Topographically the site slopes down slightly to the southwest to the Laskey Brook beyond the boundary of the property.
The outbuildings comprise a rectangular building to the north of the house which has probably originally contained the laundry, dairy, coach house and stables, with living accommodation and a hayloft on the upper floor. Abutting at right angles to the east is a smaller block containing a loose box and possibly a tack room, as well as a toilet to the rear which is adjacent to the access to the greenhouses. These buildings are partially in use as living accommodation, storage and garage. One greenhouse abuts this building on two sides; the second larger greenhouse is across a path to the northeast. To the west, near the site boundary is a small brick single-storey hut with a chimney. In the north corner of the property is a further building, let out as a residential property.
The site is accessed via a long driveway leading from Cliff Lane, with iron railings on either side. The boundaries of the plot vary, including a brick wall with brick piers on the northeast and a windbreak of leylandii.
2.2 Thelwall Heys
2.2.1 Plan and Form
Thelwall Heys was originally rectangular but asymmetrical in plan. The main range extends northwest-southeast with a lower range extending northeast. What was originally a separate building across the service courtyard has been extended by a range connecting in to the original northwest elevation of the house. The house is of two storeys with attics and the main range is somewhat higher than the northeast range; the L-shaped service range to the north is single storey. The main range has gables at either end, with cross gables on the southwest and northeast elevations over the extending bays and ranges. The main entrance of the building is on the northeast elevation. A single storey conservatory has been added to the southeast.
2.2.2 Exterior
Materials
The building is of red-brown brick with yellow and blue brick banding and decoration, ashlar sandstone dressings, some of which are carved and slate roofs. Windows are timber and glass, including timber and brick panels under some windows; doors are timber. There is a decorative tiled area under the porch to the front door. The terrace of stone flags to the south west and south east is finished off with a low brick retaining wall, and brick plinth surmounted with a stone balustrade with decorative stone balls.
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
The Northeast Elevation
The Northeast elevation is the principal elevation, facing onto the entrance drive. It contains the main entrance to the property, a shallow arched porch with a decorative tiled floor and a vertically- planked door with strap hinges. The porch is positioned off-centre in a two-storey stack with a stone cornice and a low stone parapet above the second storey. This has a two-light window and a carved square ashlar block with the initials “WL” (for William Long, the first owner). To the left of the porch the otherwise blank wall of a gable with incorporated chimney breast is enhanced by four bands of yellow brick and an ashlar panel in the form of a crest with the date 1864 carved; this is set into the chimney breast within a carved stone architrave, surmounted by an arch of decorative brick. To the right of the porch under a lead lean-to roof is a decoratively glazed and leaded single storey entrance passage, with decorative brick panels in a timber frame below the carved window frames of the range of six lights. Above and set back is a tall 3-light mullion and transom stair window with leaded glazing. The wall is further enhanced with diaper-work patterns of decorative blue brick set between bands of blue and yellow brick and dog-tooth brick decoration under the eaves.
Further right the stepped 2-storey northeast range is characterised by a canted oriel at first floor level above a single light at ground floor. Adjacent to the corner is enhanced with decorative stepped stone corbels, which are repeated on the outer corner of the same range. Facing northeast the gabled two-storey elevation has a blind twin arches beneath the apex, decorated with polychrome brick detail above paired sash windows at first floor and ground floor. The northeast end of the wing has a hipped roof from which a hipped gablet extend over paired sash windows at first and ground floor level.
The Northeast (Main) Elevation of the Main House
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
The Southwest Elevation
The southwest elevation is asymmetrical and features a canted 2-storeyed bay window to the centre with a faceted pitched slate roof and iron finial. To the right a narrow gable surmounts paired sash windows with stone sills and banded brick mullions at ground and first floor. Between the two projecting gables is a narrow doorway beneath a lean-to slate roof. Above the latter is a decorative brick arch and a carved stone quatrefoil. The wall is further enhanced with decorative bands of polychrome brick at window head and sill levels with diaper-work decoration between the bands at first floor level. A conservatory has been added to the southwest corner, projecting south east and southwest. To the left of the centre gable is a further stack of paired sash windows and an expanse of wall enhanced by the same decorative bands. The balustraded terrace runs the length of this façade.
The Southwest (Rear) Elevation of the Main House
The Southeast Elevation
This elevation features a gable to the left with a central chimneybreast between single sash windows at first floor and ground floor levels, although the latter are incorporated into the conservatory now. To the right of the chimneybreast is a single storey bay window beneath a low brick and stone parapet; above this is a pair of sash windows.
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
The Southeast Elevation of the Main House
The Northwest Elevation
The northwest elevation overlooks the service yard. Despite this it is characterised by the same decorative details: three horizontal bands of polychrome brick stretch across the various elements of the elevation, with decorative brick patterns between the two upper bands, there is a dog-tooth brick band under the eaves of each gable and bands of blue brick under the steep gables. On the right is the higher gable of the main range; above the sash window at first floor level is a pointed arch of brick above stone lintels. At ground floor level there is are paired sash windows to the right of the back door. This is recessed under a porch with a high round arch, to the left of which is a single light with a sash window; at first floor level are paired single light windows, and a dormer window set back at second floor level. A small section projects slightly forward to the left of the kitchen door section; surmounted by a gable above a single sash window on each floor, this forms the centre of the elevation. Further left a second gable sits above paired lights with sash windows; at ground level a single-storey section under a hipped roof extends north with leaded sash windows with decorative glass on two walls. The double timber gates of the service yard are flush with the northwest corner of this section; the northern of the two gates hangs from a high square brick pier with a stone coping stone. The inside of the service yard was not surveyed. To the rear of the courtyard a single storey range with a hipped roof provided additional service accommodation. It has been altered at the right hand end, perhaps by the bricking up of an entrance or door. The rear elevation of this outbuilding has three windows a two double lights and one single light. The shorter range which forms an L- shape on the west side of the courtyard does not quite abut the main house. There is a skylight in the roof and one window and what appears to be a bricked up opening. Flagstones have been laid to the north and west of this structure which run to the base of the terrace balustrade.
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
The Northwest Elevation of the Main House
2.3 The Grounds and Site Boundaries
The grounds are comprised of separate elements including the main driveway and arrival courtyard to the northeast of the house, which includes the L-shaped stable block; the terrace on the southwest and southeast elevations which overlooks the extensive area of grass sloping downwards to the brook; a grassed area to the right of the drive which may once have included a tennis court, the area to the immediate west of the house, separated by a beech hedge, which constituted the kitchen garden with glasshouses and walled on two sides. Finally to the north of this is an area with a separate house in the north east corner, approached by a drive.
The long driveway is of tarmac and has a white iron fence on the western side, grass on the eastern side. Large areas of the arrival courtyard retain the original setts; other areas have been covered in tarmac. The terrace and the paths around the property are primarily stone flagstones. Hedging, mainly beech, has been used to form visual boundaries between the arrival courtyard and the kitchen garden area and to the rear of the stable block. A number of mature trees have been planted along the northwest boundary but otherwise the view extends out to the fields beyond as it does to the southwest and south. The kitchen garden, which is largely grassed over apart from the raised beds on the northeast side, is characterised by its high brick walls on the northeast boundary and connecting into the glasshouses; there are a few trees and in the western corner a small brick hut with a chimney. Beyond the brick wall the boundary is a high windbreak of leylandii. To the north of the property, the drive of tarmac curves round behind the stable block with grass to the west and a hedge to the east, leading to the house in the north corner.
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
There are numerous attractive views within the grounds, these include Looking north towards the house from the drive and the lower slope of the garden, seeing the southwest and southeast elevations of the house; Looking west towards the house, from the western boundary; Looking west, southwest and south from the house to the open fields beyond.
View of House from the Drive View of the House from the Western Boundary
The house is located at the centre of the site. There is a service courtyard with ancillary facilities to the north of and attached to the house. In addition there is a separate group of outbuildings to the northeast of the house. The group of outbuildings comprises the Coach House and Stable block to the northeast; the glasshouses and raised beds are to the northeast of the Stable Block. The largely grassed kitchen garden extends to the southeast.
Relationship of the Outbuildings to the Main Relationship of the Outbuildings to the Main House Taken From the East House Taken From the West
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
Track Leading to Property at Rear of Brick Boundary Wall With Ploughed Fields Beyond Outbuildings
2.4 The Outbuildings
To the north side of the arrival courtyard is a group of buildings in an approximate L-shape, with glasshouses extending beyond into the kitchen garden. The largest is the two-storey three-bay structure which is built on a northeast-southwest axis with a short cross range extending to the northwest (called “Coach House” below). To its southwest is a single storey section under a lean-to roof while to the northwest the main roof extends down on one side of the gable; to its left is lean-to roof over the single-storey section. In recent times the main structure has been altered through the addition of a double garage rollover door under a small slate lean-to roof. Forming the L-shape is a second two-storey structure with a single roof and to its southeast a single storey section under a lean-to roof and to its southwest an open porch under a lean-to roof (called “Stable Block” below). This appears to have been added between 1874 and 1898. To the northeast the first of the glasshouses abuts this building. The second, larger glass house is a separate structure on the other side of a path.
The buildings are of brick with slate roofs, both stone and terracotta sills, timber doors and window frames. The glasshouses are of timber and glass, with brick rear walls and floors of tile and earth. Iron ventilation grills point to the early heating system. With the exception of the dog-tooth band under the eaves and use of blue brick in the door and window arches, there is none of the decorative detail which characterise the main house, such as polychrome brick, carved stone and decorative glass.
The Coach House
The main southeast elevation faces on to the entrance courtyard and features a wide, low pointed arch which gives access to the timber plank door and adjacent 6 over 6 sash window. This recessed area also features the timber box for a fire hose and a timber plank door to the garage. The cobbled courtyard floor gives way to square stone setts and flags under the arch. Directly above this is one of a pair of dormer windows, each with 6 over 6 panes. Thus over what is now the double garage (with added brick walls jutting out slightly) was the living accommodation for the gardener. To the right of the door the elevation features a round arched window to what was probably the hay loft; it appears to be unglazed. Below this to the right is a further sash window. To the west in the single- storey section under the lean-to roof is a small-paned modern casement window under a segmental
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement arch and with a terracotta sill. The southwest of the extension has two similar windows and a timber plank door. Above the lean-to roof the chimney stack extends upwards, adjacent to which is a modern six over six window with the upper section an opening light, with a stone sill and a segmental brick arch. There are ventilation bricks in the apex of the gable.
The modern fenestration includes only part of the rear of the Coach House (northwest elevation) indicating that the western half of the building, from the lean-to section up to and including the central cross-gable, now forms a single residential unit. The name plate on the plank door under the lean-to roof, “Laundry Cottage”, may indicate a previous usage. There are two further chimney stacks, one in the centre of the main range and the second to the west of the cross-gable; there is also a bricked up door opening next to the cross range and evidence of other alterations in the brickwork. The eastern half of the elevation, beyond the cross-range, comprises two sections. In the centre a plank door, featuring a horse’s head and horseshoe knocker and letter-box, is situated under a segmented arch with alternating blue and red brick. Above this is a section of dog-tooth ornamentation and a low brick parapet with rounded terracotta coping stones, behind which is the lean-to roof. Otherwise there is no ornamentation. Above this, close to the cross-range, is a wide bricked up opening. To the north is a single storey section under the lean-to roof with a plank door in between two original casement windows with opening upper lights. Above these at first floor level is a square timber door with metal strap hinges, suggesting this was a hayloft.
The northeast elevation of the Coach House is characterised by a plank door and window under the lean-to and a chimney breast with brick corbelling at the base on the gable; the upper portion of the wall under the gable appears to have been rebuilt. A single-storey, flat-roofed timber shed is situated at the bottom of this wall.
Coach House Southeast Elevation Coach House Southwest Elevation
Coach House Northwest Elevation Coach House Northwest Elevation – East End
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
Coach House Interior
Only the eastern part of the interior of the coach house was viewed internally. At ground floor level the door under the arch opens into a workshop. The walls are tongue and groove timber panelling with some original timber cupboards and later added shelving. At the rear, under the lean-to roof with its skylight is a narrow recess used for storage. The floor is timber and there is a brick fireplace in the chimneybreast on the southwest side of the room. Adjacent to the door to the workshop a separate door leads into the looseboxes. This area has whitewashed brick walls, a painted plaster ceiling and the floor combines square setts in the looseboxes with stone flags in the open area. There is an old timber door with iron strap hinges to the northeast. The two loosebox dividers are of timber and curve down from the rear wall to the open area where they end in a cast-iron pillar. On the rear wall are timber chutes for delivering feed from the upper hayloft into the mangers. The space is currently used as a store room. To the rear of this room, accessed through a door of the northeast elevation, is another workshop/storage space. The sloping ceiling is of timber planking, the walls are partly whitewashed and partly timber panelled. There is what appears to be base for an engine – this may have been associated with the heating system for the glasshouses.
At first floor level the west end is an open space under a steeply pitched roof with rafters and brick walls exposed. It is currently used for storage. It is accessed with a ladder – there is no evidence of a staircase.
Workshop: Interior of Coach House Rear of Workshop, Coach House
Interior of Former Stables Engine Base in Northeast corner of Coach House
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
Interior of First Floor of Coach House Interior of First Floor of Coach House
Interior of First Floor of Coach House Interior of First Floor of Coach House
The Stable Block
At an L-shape to the coach house, the stable block main elevation faces the courtyard. The two storey building is square in form with a pyramid roof, which has a weathervane at its apex. Below the eaves there is a repetition of the dog-tooth decoration on the Coach House. To the south west is a single story section under a gable roof with an open roofed area on the courtyard side which has a hipped roof.
The southwest, courtyard-facing elevation has a plank door with a light above, set into the segmental arch above the door opening. To the left above a stone sill is an eight over eight sash window with a curved top under a segmental arch. There is a similar window and opening at first floor level on this elevation and on the southeast elevation. To the northeast is a timber door with the remains of some form of timber gantry below, suggesting this too may have been an area for storage, possibly for feed.
The single storey section to the southeast is also square in form. The courtyard elevation has high double timber doors and the southeast elevation, which faces the kitchen garden, has a large 8- paned window set under a segmental arch. The northwest elevation abuts the smaller of the two glasshouses.
The open roofed section of the stable block is supported by a cast iron pillar in the northeast corner and has a brick wall on the southeast side, the lower section of which is in herringbone bond, with headers facing out. Higher up, in the corner is a small section of dogtooth decoration. The floor is of modern heavy duty tiling. The timber doors give access to a storeroom/garage, used for tools and storing the lawnmower. Kathryn Sather & Associates Page 16
Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
Coach House and Stable Block Stable Block Southwest Elevation Southeast Elevation
Stable Block and Glasshouse from Northwest Stable Block from Northeast
Stable Block and Coach House Stable Block and Glasshouse Northeast Elevation Northeast Elevation
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
Stable Block Interior
The ground floor of the stable building has wall of brick, whitewashed from half way up and a plastered ceiling. At the rear of the room the lower half of the wall is of panelled wood sloping up to a shallow bell-jar shaped curve. Above this is an inserted timber frame attached to the ceiling; the brickwork around it on the rear wall appears to have been altered and is not whitewashed, suggesting it is a later insertion, possibly relating to something in the room behind. The first floor is accessed by ladder through on opening in the ceiling in the northwest corner; this opening has a timber surround at ceiling level. The first floor was not viewed as the floor is unsafe. From photographs taken earlier this space is has a lath and plaster ceiling (partly open to the rafters due to the deteriorating condition) above sloping timber panelling on all four sides. The walls are of whitewashed brick. The interior of the single-storey square room to the southeast has a floor of stone setts. The walls are panelled on two walls to a little way up the window, in dark-stained wood. Above this and on the other walls, they are of lime washed brick. The ceiling is of exposed rafters and timber behind. The space is used as a gardener’s tool and equipment store.
Interior of Stable Building Interior of Former Tack Room
Interior of First Floor of Stable Block Damaged ceiling of Stable Block First Floor
Glasshouses
To the north east of the single-storey section of the stable block is the smaller of two glasshouses. These both appear to have been added between 1874 and 1898, when the original wall of the garden was already in place (1874 plan). The western glasshouse is characterised by its long, sloping roof which is almost but not quite a lean-to glass and timber structure. From the ridge of the roof a short section (of corrugated plastic) slopes back to the rear wall which is the wall of the original walled garden, which was surmounted by rectangular coping stones, some of which are still evident. The building has whitewashed brick walls to the west and north, while the other two walls
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement have a brick base upon which the timber and glazed walls and sloping roof of the glasshouse is based. There is a timber and glass door (patch-repaired) in the east wall and an inserted door and opening in the centre of the north wall to the potting shed to the rear. The floor is partly quarry tiles in a red and black diamond design; there is a raised bed along the south wall and other sections of the floor are patched with modern flagstones. Some of the early cast iron window mechanisms are in place and there is a timber suspended shelf running the length of the glasshouse.
Stable Block with Western Glasshouse Existing Glasshouses with Stable Block and Taken From the Southeast Coach House to Rear
The potting shed to the rear is situated outside of the original kitchen garden. It has whitewashed brick walls and a sloping timber roof with exposed beams and rafters, many of which are replacement. Access from the outside is through a plank timber door in the east wall. There is a workbench along the north wall, in which there is a single window. At the far end a toilet has been installed; there is a timber dividing this from the main shed, but no door. The floor is concrete screed.
Existing Path Alongside Glasshouses, Interior of Western Glasshouse Looking Northeast
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
The second, larger eastern glasshouse is divided from the first by a path, leading to an opening in the kitchen garden wall with a segmental arch. There was previously a further glasshouse filling the space, as can be seen by the expanse of whitewash on the kitchen garden wall between the brick opening, the brick plinth to the south, with iron heating pipes still attached, and areas of red and yellow quarry tiling and the remains of raised beds and heating grilles in the floor.
The eastern glasshouse is similar in height and structure as the western one. It has a single brick wall, that of the kitchen garden, which supports the roof of the structure. From the ridge of the roof a small section slopes back down to the top of the wall, while a much longer section slopes from the ridge down to rest on a brick plinth on the southern elevation. The west and east ends are of glass in a timber frame, based on a brick plinth, with a timber and glass door inset. Adjacent to the door on the eastern elevation is a clock with a bell suspended below it. The roof has been provided with support more recently with the addition of poles set into circular concrete supports. It appears that the front section of this glasshouse had a large growing bed running the length of the glasshouse, separated from the central path by a low curb. The path is primarily formed by a wide cast iron grid allowing for the circulation of hot air, heated by cast iron pipes, set between red quarry tiles. To the rear of the glasshouse is an iron bedding bench, containing gravel, for growing plants, with storage below.
Area of Demolished Glasshouse Interior of Eastern Glasshouse
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
Detail of Grilles and Floor of Greenhouse Eastern Elevation of Eastern Glasshouse
In front of and to the east of the glasshouses are further raised beds, now disused. The walled garden is surrounded on two sides by a high brick wall with brick piers set at regular intervals. The kitchen garden itself is grassed over and at the western end has some trees. In the far southeast corner is a small single-storey, one-roomed brick hut. The northern elevation has a square chimney breast in the corner. The west elevation has casement window with two opening lights, there is a timber door in the eastern elevation and the southern elevation has a later inserted large window with two large panes. The ceiling and interior walls are of timber board and there is a small range fire in the corner; the floor is concrete screed.
Brick Hut Interior of Brick Hut
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Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement
Section 3 History of Thelwall and Thelwall Heys
3.1 History and Development of Thelwall and Grappenhall
The historic environment record for the immediate area indicates early human presence through two findspots for the following objects: a prehistoric spindle whorl (SMR 511) and an early Bronze Age flat bronze axe, found near the Dog and Dart Inn in 1860 (HE Pastscape 73253). Aerial photography identified the cropmark of what may have been a ploughed out round barrow (SMR 2169/1).
Thelwall lies on the south bank of the River Mersey and has both historically and to this day been an important crossing point of the waterways between Manchester and Liverpool. Over time the river Mersey was supplemented by the Bridgewater Canal in the 18th century and the Manchester Ship Canal in the 19th century. Today the village of Thelwall lies between the Bridgewater Canal and the Manchester Canal. A bronze age hollow log boat was found in the area, as early evidence of this role and in modern times, even when there was an important motorway viaduct bearing the name Thelwall, a daily ferry service was still maintained by the Manchester Ship Canal Company.1
Thelwall’s documented origins lie in construction of a “burh” or fortified structure at Thwl Wael or wall of stakes (“thelle” Saxon for stakes, “wael” for wall). This was to be repaired and manned as a defence against the incursions of the Danes, as part of Edward of Mercia’s wider defence of the area in 918, recorded in the Anglo Saxon chronicles.2 No archaeological evidence for the fort has been found but it points to the location’s significance as a strategic point.
The neighbouring village of Grappenhall is on slightly higher ground; its church, St Wilfrid’s dates from the 12th century, whereas the church in Thelwall dates from 1843 (it is built on the site of a former chapel, probably 18th century).3 Medieval documentation of Thelwall is primarily associated with land ownership and rights but refers in several places to the fishing rights, reflecting the proximity to the river.4 Salmon were common in the river and a salmon fisher’s house and smokehouse can still be seen on Ferry Lane, dating from the 16th century. From the 17th century some substantial houses were built, including Thelwall Old Hall in 1618, a half-timbered house on the corner of Laskey Lane with a plaster frieze dated 1658 which had an ice house in the garden as well as cottages.
During the 1760s the Bridgewater Canal was cut just south of Thelwall and running though the area of parkland around Thelwall Heys. This connected the Duke of Bridgewater’s coal mines in Worsley to Manchester and, in a second stage approved by Act of Parliament in 1762, on to Runcorn to connect with the port of Liverpool. This brought new prosperity to the area, evidenced by a grain warehouse and house built in Grappenhall for the official overseeing the construction. This significantly enhanced transport links for the area. Two humpbacked bridges connect the village of Grappenhall with Thelwall.
Although a new church has been built in 1843, the next phase of Thelwall’s development involved the construction of the Stockport and Warrington Railway line, authorised in 1853 and completed in 1854. Thelwall station was opened in June 1854, located on the line between Lymm and Latchford.
Thelwall’s population fluctuated from 458 in 1871, to 774 in 1891, and 509 in 1931. Although nearby Grappenhall was larger and grew more rapidly (from 734 in 1871 to 1945 in 1911), when the Runcorn parish was deemed too large, it was at Thelwall that the new parish was established in 1870 and an Elementary School in 1871, to complement the school which had been opened in
1The Cheshire Village Book, (Chester: Countryside Books, 1990), 214. 2ibid, 214. 3 Ibid,103. 4 G. Ormerod, History of the County Palatine and City of Chester (Chester: Routledge, 1882), 747. Kathryn Sather & Associates Page 22
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Grappenhall in 1846. Grappenhall did not have its own station. The area remained predominantly arable with the chief crops being wheat, oats and potatoes but the two tanneries in Grappenhall would also have been important businesses and indicate the proximity of cattle. One remained known as the Cliff Lane Tannery, while the Bellfield Road tannery became known as the Knutsford Road Tannery; this was close to the village crossroads which also feature the Dog and Dart Inn and the Police Station.
The area underwent more change in the late 19th century with the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal. Manchester industrialists had been growing more critical of the charges levied by the Port of Liverpool; it was cheaper to import some goods via Hull. The Bridgewater Canal and the railways were inadequate to carry the tonnage involved and goods travelling on these were subject to fees for clearing the Port of Liverpool. There was considerable opposition, not least in Liverpool, but the Manchester Ship Canal Act was passed in 1885. The 36-mile canal was finally opened to traffic in January 1994, and became the third busiest port in Britain, carrying over 20,000,000 tonnes at its peak in 1958. The route runs in an almost straight line from the River Mersey at Runcorn to the port area just south west of Manchester city centre. A minor local detail of its construction involved construction of iron pipes under the ship canal to carry the small river local to Thelwall, the Laskey Brook.5
In the later 20th century Thelwall’s population rose to about 3,000, with denser modern housing providing accommodation for those working in the nearby town of Warrington.
3.2 History of Thelwall Heys
“Heys” suggests that the land was used for pasture or the production of hay. Even today the house is surrounded by an expanse of grassland and the house was designed for a parkland setting. The Tithe Map shows only fields in the area, the Bridgewater Canal running south east and the Laskey Brook to the west, with the road beyond. The Knutsford Road Tannery lay southwest of Knutsford Road.
It was against the background of Thelwall’s growing prosperity in the mid nineteenth century that William Long Junior’s association with Thelwall began. Born in Manchester in 1834, he joined his father in the family tanning business. They had owned a tannery in Cliff Lane, Grappenhall since the 1850’s (it appears on the first edition of the OS map) and another in Bellhouse Lane. William Long Jr met his wife-to-be Emily in Grappenhall and in the early 1860s he purchased a large piece of land at Thelwall Heys and commissioned his friend Alfred Waterhouse to design a house for them which was built in 1864. Their descendents continued to live there until 1996.6
Born in 1830 to a Liverpool Quaker family, Waterhouse was educated at a Quaker boarding school in Tottenham before being articled to P.B. Alley, a Quaker architect in Manchester. On qualification he travelled extensively on the continent before opening his own practice in 1854. At only 29 he won the competition to design the Manchester Assize Courts in 1859. Waterhouse was based solely in Manchester until 1865 when he opened an office in London. He is primarily known for his public buildings and Gothic revival style, designing over 600 during the period 1865-1885 and including such prominent and lasting commissions such as Manchester Town Hall, the Natural History Museum in Kensington and University College Hospital.7 Thelwall Heys was the first house that Waterhouse designed; he designed only four, two of which were for himself.8
Census and Directory data confirms that William Long lived there in 1869 to at least 1914 and his occupation is recorded “tanner”, associated with the Cliff Lane and Grappenhall tanneries. He was also a keen horseman and enjoyed riding to hounds as recorded in his diaries,9 supporting the need
5 Kelly’s Directory of Cheshire (London: Kelly’s Directories Ltd. 1892). 6 Michael Taylor, No Mean city: A Local History of Thelwall in Cheshire, (Chester: Marlston Books, 2010), 118. 7 James Curl, Dictionary of Architecture (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999), 723. 8 Taylor, 120. 9 Ibid, 119. Kathryn Sather & Associates Page 23
Former Stable, Thelwall Heys, Warrington : Heritage Statement for Thelwell Heys to include stable facilities. His daughter Marion had married and become Marion Shipman by 1901. She and her husband Walter had three girls and continued to live at Thelwall Heys until at least 1939.
The 1875 OS map shows a substantial house with garden to the southwest and northeast; there are outbuildings and a pond to the north. These are all surrounded by grounds and a long drive approaching from the south. Thelwall Heys remained surrounded by fields and at considerable distance from the village.
Subsequent OS maps show few alterations in the outline of the main house until in 1968 a small block to the northwest appears, connecting a previously separate building to the north of the rear courtyard. .
3.3 Development of the Grounds, Boundaries and Outbuildings
The coach house block appears on the 1874 OS map, with the same outline as today, suggesting that it was built contemporaneously with the house. Two other structures, the tack room and an outbuilding north of the tack room also appear on the 1874 OS plan. By 1898, the loose box, part of the stable block connecting the tack room to the coach house, has been built, along with the canopied structure to the front of the tack room. By this time extensive glasshouses had also been added to the northeast of the stable block and the landscaped grounds extended to the north, including a further two ponds. In 1920 a further “L”-shaped building appears in this area.
Census data (Appendix 2) shows that the stables also had residential accommodation. These were occupied between 1881 and 1901 by a succession of gardeners and their families.
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3.4 Sequential Development of the Site
1836-1851 Tithe Map
1875 OS Map of Thelwall Heys
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1898 OS Map of Thelwall Heys
1910 OS Map of Thelwall Heys
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1968 OS Map of Thelwall Heys
1875 OS Map of Thelwall Heys Stables and Outbuildings
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1898 OS Map of Thelwall Heys Stables and Outbuildings
1910 OS Map of Thelwall Heys Stables and Outbuildings
1968 OS Map of Thelwall Heys Stables and Outbuildings
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Section 4 Significance of the Site This section contains a statement of significance which addresses the significance of Thelwall Heys and that of the Coach House/Stable Block. The main house is listed Grade II and so is considered to be of national importance. The other buildings are not listed. This section has been compiled using the values outlined in English Heritage’s Conservation Principles, Polices and Guidance for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment. These values are evidential value, historic value, aesthetic value and communal value.
4.1 Significance of Thelwall Heys House
4.1.1 Historical: Illustrative Value
The site is illustrative of the desire of affluent Victorian entrepreneurs to build a country house on a representative scale to accommodate their growing family, while remaining close to their place of work.
The choice of architect also illustrates the process of finding professionals through a network of friends and known associates, showing that Long was well-connected.
4.1.2 Historical: Associative Value
Thelwall Heys is associated with Alfred Waterhouse, the architect better known for his grand public buildings. It is one of only four houses he is known to have designed.
4.1.3 Communal: Social Value
As a private house, the building played only a minor role in the lives of the local community, although Long was an important local employer. The fact that his descendants remained at the property for so long supports a feeling of local continuity.
4.1.4 Aesthetic: Design Value
Thelwall Heys is a good example of Gothic revival architectural design which has undergone very little change in the building or its setting. It has been classed as a building of national interest.
4.1.5 Summary
Thelwall Heys is nationally significant. Its association Alfred Waterhouse is of great interest, as is its comparative rarity within the body of his work as an example of domestic architecture. Aesthetically it is a good example of Gothic revival architecture by an important architect, and the northeast and southwest façades have retained numerous details of architectural interest. It remains as one of a few buildings dating to this period in the village and constitutes a strong link with the Victorian village community, through the continuity of ownership.
4.2 Significance of the Coach House and Stable Block
4.2.1 Historical: Illustrative Value
The addition of outbuildings (initially coach house and stable block and later glasshouses) illustrates the range of activities and scope of establishment which would be expected of a Victorian entrepreneur building a house in the country.
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The relative positions of the house, the service courtyard and the other outbuildings illustrates that the coach house, stable block and glasshouses were seen as separate and subservient to the main house.
4.2.2 Historic: Evidential Value
Much of the interior of the coach house has been altered to reflect both the switch from horses and carriages to cars, as well as away from providing accommodation for employees.
Large areas of the remaining buildings appear redundant, no longer being used for their original purposes and mainly being used for storage or garden. There are some fixtures and fittings which point to the earlier usage patterns, such as the box for the fire hose and the clock.
The hedge constitutes a formal boundary between the arrival courtyard and the kitchen garden and is evidence of the need for a separation of arrival area and productive areas.
4.2.3 Historical: Associative Value
William Long was known to be a keen horseman and the coach house and stable block represent an association with this aspect of his life.
While these buildings were built at the same time, there is a lack of design detail or decorative elements found on the main house. This suggests that these buildings were not the work of Alfred Waterhouse.
4.2.4 Aesthetic: Design Value
The coach house, stable block and glasshouses contribute to the setting of Thelwall Heys House.
4.2.5 Summary
The coach house, stable block and glasshouses of Thelwall Heys are not significant in their own right but only in so far as their location contributes to the setting of the main house. In addition the functions of these buildings, apparent in their form and layout, illustrates the scope and scale of the original establishment, documenting the need for stables, coach houses and staff accommodation. They have little or no communal or social value.
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Section 5 The Contribution of the Setting to the Significance of the Listed Building
5.1 The Physical Surroundings of the Listed Structure The attributes of the physical surroundings of the listed structure help determine the contribution the setting makes to the significance of the heritage asset. The house is located within historically agricultural land which is relatively flat. Areas of garden remain surrounding Thelwall Heys, characterised by open park-like settings and enclosed former walled gardens with remnants of glasshouses. The immediate setting of the house also contains small courtyards, small outbuildings and the former stables and coach house which demonstrate a former functional relationship. This relationship has been somewhat altered over time due to changes of use; although a residential use remains in part of the block, the coach house and stable block are now used for garaging and storage, and part vacant. The integrity of the former walled garden area has been significantly diminished by the loss of some of the glasshouses and the loss of the use as a walled garden, as the former area is now laid to lawn.
5.2 How the Listed Structure is Experienced The way in which the setting of a heritage asset contributes to the experience of the heritage asset can help establish the contribution made by the setting. Thelwall Heys is approached along a long drive with some planting alongside the drive. With the exception of the immediate outbuildings and a separate estate house to the north, the house is quite removed from any other structures and the setting gives a sense of remoteness or privacy. Due to planting and boundary walls, Thelwall Heys is best experienced from the southwest, where the prominent facade is visible from some distance. Due to the height of the roof and the much larger size, Thelwall Heys is the visually dominant structure compared to all of the other outbuildings and service or estate structures. This setting is not a rarity; comparable settings are the norm with prominent country houses set within large private grounds and subservient service structures located within easy access.
5.3 The Associative Attributes of the Listed Structures Thelwall Heys has an association with William Long, a prominent 19th century businessman, who commissioned the house. Elements of the setting that reinforce the status of the house include the grounds, the boundary walls, the existence of service buildings such as the former stable and coach house and the rural location of the house itself. Thelwall Heys also has an association with Alfred Waterhouse, the Victorian architect known for high profile public buildings.
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Section 6 Proposed New Development
6.1 Repair and Conversion The proposed works include the external repair of the former stables, tack room, workshop, hayloft, potting shed and glasshouse. All of these structures are currently vacant or partially used for storage. The structures are in fair to poor condition with signs of water ingress. The proposed works involve some demolition, new work, repair and conversion for residential use.
6.2 Removal of the Glasshouse and Rebuilding a Sunroom It is proposed to remove the existing unused glasshouse and replace it with a new sunroom. The new sunroom will use the same footprint but have a lower height and a gable roof. The new sunroom will be constructed from the same materials as the existing glasshouse; low brick walls, structural timber posts with painted timber frames and glass. The new roof will be constructed of new or reclaimed slates to match the existing stable structure. The existing modified parapet wall will have a new lead lined gutter inserted. Two paired conservation rooflights will be located centrally in the new roof structure.
Existing Glasshouse on Proposal Site
6.3 Enclosure of the Canopy The open sided canopy attached to the former tack room will be enclosed to provide usable internal space. The existing corner cast iron post will be retained freestanding externally; the new wall will be canted to allow sufficient space behind the post. The new walls will be built of brick to match the existing walls. New windows on the northwest and southwest elevations will have brick sill and header details to match the windows on the existing structure. A new brick chimney will be added. The existing canted corbel to the east corner will be removed, with new or reclaimed bricks used to square up the corner and the roof extended to the corner.
6.4 Repairs to the Roofs The roofs will be repaired as they are currently in poor condition. Two new conservation rooflights will be inserted to the southeast slope of the main gable roof and one to the northwest slope of the former potting shed/ workshop. Kathryn Sather & Associates Page 32
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6.5 Insertion of New Windows and Doors All of the new windows and doors are of painted timber in an appropriate style. In several places there are minor alterations to the existing openings proposed: on the northwest elevation a small pitching hole will be raised in height, with a new lead roof and cheeks installed. On the southwest elevation one window will have the sill lowered. In addition, two new windows will be inserted into the northeast elevation and one small window to the northeast elevation.
The Proposed Southeast Elevation
The Proposed Northwest Elevation
The Proposed Southwest Elevation
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The Proposed Northeast Elevation
6.6 Conversion of the Interior for a Residential Use The interior of the former stable will be converted to a new residential dwelling with two bedrooms. This will include the insertion and alteration of internal partition walls, the replacement of floors, the insertion and alteration of internal door openings and the insertion of a staircase.
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Section 7 Assessment of the Effects of the Proposed Works to the Former Stables on the Listed Structure and the Setting
7.1 The Location and Siting of the Former Stables The proposals involve the conversion of existing structures and there is no proposed alteration to the location and siting of the existing structures. The proposed development will not change the general character and land use of the garden; in fact the removal of the derelict glasshouse will be a benefit to the former walled garden area. Key views of Thelwall Heys are from the southwest and the drive, and these will not be affected by the proposed conversion of the former stable buildings.
7.2 The Form and Appearance of the Former Stables The proposed conversion of the former stables preserves the character of the setting of the listed building. The proposed design seeks to maintain the use of traditional building materials that reflect both the house and the existing outbuildings. Original windows, doors, door frames, roof slates to the exterior will be retained where possible. The conversion of the former stables will not alter the prominence, dominance, or conspicuousness of Thelwall Heys, or compete with or distract from the house. The dimensions, scale, massing, proportions, and materials will not be altered. The architectural style of the proposed external alterations; the enclosure of the canopied extension to the tack room and the rebuilding of the derelict glasshouse, both use traditional design features and styles which are contextual to the surrounding structures.
7.3 Other Effects of the Development As there is now, and have historically been, residential uses within the coach house and stable block, the conversion of the former stable building and potting shed/ glasshouse will not cause any harm to the setting of the listed building. The proposals will not cause any significant change to built surroundings and spaces or changes to general character of the setting of the house.
7.4 Permanence of the Development It is anticipated that the lifespan of the proposed works will be permanent. However, the vast majority of the proposed alterations are internal and could be reversible.
7.5 Longer Term or Consequential Effects of the Development The proposed conversion of part of the former stable building involves specifically the tack room, loose box and stables, along with the former hay lofts and former attached potting shed/ glasshouse. These rooms/structures are vacant, under used or derelict. Conversion will enable the long term preservation of these structures by providing a viable future use. There will be no changes to ownership arrangements.
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7.6 Heritage Impact Assessment Table The following table sets out the proposed works in detail, identifying the condition, significance, impact, and proposed mitigation for each element of the proposals.
PROPOSED WORK CONDITION OF SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL IMPACT PROPOSED MITIGATION FABRIC FABRIC OR VIEW OF WORK AFFECTED AFFECTED Removal of glasshouse Fair Neutral Neutral The new sunroom uses the same footprint, and rebuilding a sunroom but with a lower height and the same on the same footprint. materials of structural timber posts with painted timber frames and glass. The new roof will be of new or reclaimed slates. The existing parapet wall will have a new lead lined gutter inserted. New rooflights will be conservation rooflights. The low brick walls will be retained and repaired. Enclosure of the canopy Fair Low positive Neutral The corner cast iron post is retained freestanding externally with the new building behind. New walls are built of brick to match the existing walls. New windows on the northwest and southwest elevations will have brick sills and header details to match windows on the existing structure. A new brick chimney will be added. New windows and doors Poor to Fair Neutral Neutral New windows and doors are of painted timber in an appropriate style. Windows will be painted timber, double glazed either sash or casement as appropriate. Repair of roof and Poor Low positive Positive The roofs are currently in poor condition. insertion of rooflights The existing timbers should be repaired where possible and the existing slates re- used. Existing weathervanes to be re-used. New rooflights will be conservation rooflights.
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PROPOSED WORK CONDITION OF SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL IMPACT PROPOSED MITIGATION FABRIC FABRIC OR VIEW OF WORK AFFECTED AFFECTED Conversion of interior Poor to Fair Neutral Neutral Wherever possible existing elements such as original windows, herringbone bone brickwork, timber doors and door frames will be retained. Existing stone slabs removed during the alteration of the interiors will be retained and reused on site as will the hay feeders. However, the conversion of the interior does not affect the setting of Thelwall Heys.
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Section 8 CONCLUSIONS
8.1 Significance of the Existing House and Outbuildings As a grade II listed building, Thelwall Heys and the surrounding grounds and outbuildings are of national importance. Thelwall Heys is highly significant, its association Alfred Waterhouse is of great interest, as is its comparative rarity within the body of his work as an example of domestic architecture. Aesthetically it is a good example of Gothic revival architecture by an important architect, and the northeast and southwest façades have retained numerous details of architectural interest. The coach house, stable block and glasshouses of Thelwall Heys are not significant in their own right but only in so far as their location contributes to the setting of the main house. In addition the functions of these buildings, apparent in their form and layout, illustrate the scope and scale of the original establishment.
8.2 Impact of Proposed Works to the Significance of Thelwall Heys and its Setting The proposed scheme of works has been assessed against the significance of the features being affected and on the impact on the setting of the heritage asset. It was found that the proposed development will have an overall positive impact upon the significance of the structure and the setting. The proposed redevelopment of the former stable will not affect the views of the countryside from the house, or impact upon views of the house and will maintain the rural nature of the setting of Thelwall Heys. The proposed alterations and extensions to the former stable structure will be of an appropriate design and in appropriate materials. The proposed conversion will repair the building and provide a viable long term use for an underused and vacant structure.
8.3 Heritage Asset Considerations The National Planning Policy Framework states that in determining applications, Local Planning Authorities should take account of: The desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets and putting them to viable uses consistent with their conservation. The positive contribution that heritage assets can make to sustainable communities; and The desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness.10
In the case of the proposed works to the former stable building at Thelwall Heys, the proposed works will have a positive impact as they will repair a derelict outbuilding and convert it to a new viable use, and replace a derelict glasshouse structure.
10 Department for Communities and Local Government, National Planning Policy Framework (London: Department for Communities and Local Government, 2012) 31. Kathryn Sather & Associates Page 38
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Section 9 Sources
Published Works
Bagshaw, Samuel. History, Gazetteer and Directory of the County Palatine of Chester. Sheffield: George Ridge, 1850 Cheshire Federation of Women’s Institutes. The Cheshire Village Book. Chester: Countryside Books, Newbury and the CFWI, 1990. Department for Communities and Local Government. National Planning Policy Framework. London: Department for Communities and Local Government, 2012. English Heritage. Conservation Principles: Policies and Guidance for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment. London: English Heritage, 2008. English Heritage. The Setting of Heritage Assets. London: English Heritage, 2011. Kelly’s Directory of Cheshire 1939. London: Kellys Directories Ltd, 1939. Kelly’s Directory of Cheshire 1928. London: Kellys Directories Ltd, 1928 Kelly’s Directory of Cheshire 1923. London: Kellys Directories Ltd, 1923 Kelly’s Directory of Cheshire 1914. London: Kellys Directories Ltd, 1914 Kelly’s Directory of Cheshire 1892. London: Kellys Directories Ltd, 1892 Morris & Co’s Directory of Cheshire Towns 1880. Nottingham, 1880. Morris & Co’s Directory of Cheshire Towns 1874. Nottingham, 1874 Omerod, George. History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, 2nd ed. Routledge, 1882. Slater, Isaac. Directory of Cheshire and North Wales. Manchester: Slater, 1869 Taylor, Michael. No Mean City: A Local History of Thelwall in Cheshire. Chester: Marlston Books, 2010. Worrall. Directory of Warrington. Oldham: Worrall, 1871. Worsley, Giles. The British Stable. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2004.
Maps and Plans
1875 OS Map, Cheshire (Mid Division) sheet XVII.5 1898 OS Map, 2nd ed, Cheshire sheet XVII.5 1910 OS Map, Cheshire sheet XVII.5 1968 OS Map, scale 1:25000 Plan SJ 6486 & Plan SJ 6586
Archives and Libraries Consulted Cheshire Record Office, Chester Cheshire Historic Environment Record National Heritage List for England
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Section 10 Appendices
10.1 Appendix 1: Listing Description
GRAPPENHALL AND THELWALL
SJ68NW CLIFF LANE 311/1/10005 Thelwall Heys 27-APR-00
II
House, formerly house and offices. Dated 1864, with C20 alterations. By Alfred Waterhouse, architect for W. Long. Gothic Revival style. Red-brown brick with yellow and blue brick banding and decoration, ashlar sandstone dressings, and steeply pitched slated roofs with truncated ridge and gable stacks. PLAN: Asymmetrical form, the main range aligned north-west - south east, with lower attached range extending north-eastwards from entrance front, and single storey service court extending from north-west end. FRONT (north-east) ELEVATION: Asymmetrical facade, of 2 storeys with attics. Off centre two- storeyed entrance porch, possibly truncated, with shallow arched head to ashlar surround, and vertically-planked door with elaborate strap hinges. First floor 2-light window with shallow parapet above. To left, banded gable with projecting tapered chimney breast incorporating ashlar panel with the date 1864 and with a truncated stack above .To the right, glazed entrance passage with shallow lead -covered lean-to roof. Above, and set back, tall 3-light mullion and transom stair window with leaded glazing. Further right, stepped 2 storey wing advances north-eastwards, with canted oriel to inner face of taller part. Lower part of wing has gabled centre bay to inner face, with paired sash windows, and blind twin arches to apex with polychrome brick decoration. Hipped end to wing, with slightly advanced windows beneath hipped gablet. REAR ELEVATION: Canted 2 storeyed bay window to centre, with faceted pitched roof and iron finial. Narrow gable to right-hand end, and between, narrow doorway beneath lean-to roof Decorative coloured brick bands at window head and cill levels, with diaper- work decoration between the bands at first floor level. Left-hand end with stacked paired single light windows. The majority of window frames are undivided or 2 pane sashes. INTERIOR: Entrance passage with decorative leaded lights and encaustic patterned floor tiling. Stair hall with pitch-pine dogleg stair with carved newels, moulded handrails and diagonally-braced intermediate rails. Secondary stairs with turned balusters. Other contemporary features include hearths to some principal rooms, deeply- moulded skirting, architraves and plaster cornices, decorative wall-tiling and 4-panel doors. An early domestic commission by an architect of national stature, dated 1864, which retains much of its high quality interior, and much characteristic exterior deta il. Source: Cunningham. C. and Waterhouse. P. 'Alfred Waterhouse 1830-1905. Biography of a practice ' 1992.
Listing NGR: SJ6462886743
Selected Sources Cunningham, C, Alfred Waterhouse 1830-1905 A Biography of a Practice, (1992)
National Grid Reference: SJ 64628 86743
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10.2 Appendix 2: Residents of Thelwall Heys and Stable Buildings
Residents of Thelwall Heys
Source Name Occupation No. of servants Slater’s Directory Long Mr Wm jun Resident of Cheshire and Long, William & son Tanner North Wales 1869 Census 1871 William Long Tanner 4 Emily J Long Wife Marion Long Daughter John M Long Son Worrall’s Directory Long, William jun., Esq. Resident of Warrington 1871 Long William & son, Tanners, Cliff Lane & Grappenhall Tanneries Morris & Co.’s William Long Esq. Directory of (The Hayes) Cheshire Towns 1874 Morris & Co.’s Long, William Esq., Directory of (The Hayes) Cheshire Towns 1880 Census 1881 William Long Tanner 4 Emily J Long Wife Marion Long Daughter Gertrude E Milner Niece Kelly’s Directory of William Long J.P. Resident Cheshire 1892 Long, William & sons Tanners & curriers, Cliff Lane & Grappenhall Tanneries & at 10 Hardman Street, Deansgate, Manchester Census William Long Housekeeper 5 1891 Emily Jane Long Wife Marion Long Daughter Gertrude Ellen Milner Niece Census William Long Tanner 7 1901 Emily J Long Wife Marion Shipman Daughter Edith M Shipman Granddaughter Beatrice J Shipman Granddaughter Brenda M Shipman Granddaughter Kelly’s Directory of William Long J.P. Resident Cheshire 1914 Long, William & sons Cliff Lane & Grappenhall tanneries Kelly’s Directory of Walter Shipman Resident Cheshire 1923 Kelly’s Directory of Walter Shipman Resident Cheshire 1928
Kelly’s Directory of Walter Shipman Resident Cheshire 1939
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Residents Associated with Thelwall Heys
Census date Building Residents Occupation 1881 Thelwall Heys - Edwin Hough Gardener Rooms over stables Elizabeth Hough Wife Edwin Hough Son 1891 Thelwall Heys – James Clark Gardener Domestic Stable Yard Mary Maud Clark Wife 1901 Thelwall Heys Richard Poulton Gardener Domestic Annie Poulton Wife Mary Poulton Daughter Richard E Poulton Son
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