18-20 Silvergate Heritage Statement Issue 03 July 2017

18-20 SILVERGATE BROADLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL HERITAGE STATEMENT 18 Oct 2018 20181713 ISSUE 03 PLANNING CONTROL JULY 2017 Rowenna Wood/Hattie Mulhearn On behalf of Purcell ® 3 Colegate, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1BN [email protected] www.purcelluk.com

All rights in this work are reserved. No part of this work may be Issue 01 reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means June 2017 (including without limitation by photocopying or placing on a Katherine Mortlock, website) without the prior permission in writing of Purcell except National Trust in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Applications for permission to reproduce any part Issue 02 of this work should be addressed to Purcell at [email protected]. June 2017 Katherine Mortlock, Undertaking any unauthorised act in relation to this work may National Trust result in a civil claim for damages and/or criminal prosecution. Any materials used in this work which are subject to third party Issue 03 copyright have been reproduced under licence from the copyright July 2017 owner except in the case of works of unknown authorship as North Norfolk defined by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Any District Council person wishing to assert rights in relation to works which have been reproduced as works of unknown authorship should contact Purcell at [email protected].

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RW/tro.001-237382 18-20 SILVERGATE: HERITAGE STATEMENT CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 05 3 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 38 5 HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT 45 1.1 Purpose and Approach 05 3.1 Criteria for Assessment 38 5.1 Criteria for Assessment 45 1.2 Structure of the Document 05 3.2 Summary Statement of Significance 39 5.2 Proposed Works 45 1.3 Existing Information and Resources 06 3.3 Assessment of Heritage Values 39 5.3 Heritage Impact Assessment for the Proposed Works 46 1.4 Gaps in Knowledge 06 3.4 Significance Plans of The Built Fabric 42 5.4 Conclusion 48

2 UNDERSTANDING THE SITE 07 4 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK 43 6 BIBLIOGRAPHY 49 2.1 Site Overview 07 4.1 Legislative Framework 43 2.2 Setting 09 4.2 Heritage Guidance 43 2.3 Views 10 APPENDICES 2.4 Heritage Context 12 Appendix A: Listing Description 52 2.5 Site Description 15 Appendix B: Built Fabric Analysis 53 2.6 History of the Site 25 [THIS PAGE HAS INTENTIONALLY BEEN LEFT BLANK]

04 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 PURPOSE AND APPROACH A Statement of Significance with Recommendations was produced 1.2 STRUCTURE OF THE DOCUMENT in September 2016 to inform decision-making on the future of Nos. This Heritage Impact Assessment has been produced to support The report is structured as follows: an overview of the report, 18-20 Silvergate following severe damage caused by the fire. This the planning and listed building consent applications for proposals including its overarching aims and conclusions. was based on desk-based and archival research, a site visit and to 18-20 Silvergate. A fire in April 2016 destroyed the thatched discussions with the National Trust. This report has formed the roof and caused significant structural damage and damage to the • Introduction (Section 1): This outlines the scope of the basis for Sections 2 to 5 of this Heritage Statement. interiors of the cottages. To prevent further loss of fabric and make report, why it has been written, its structure and how it the site safe, the chimneys and gables were taken down and a should be used. This Heritage Statement has been produced to assess the impact temporary roof erected over the cottages. The initial works were of the final proposals for the repair and refurbishment of the • Understanding (Section 2): This describes the site, summarises the subject of a retrospective listed building consent application in cottages on the significance of the Grade II listed buildings and the its history, its relationship to the streetscape and wider December 2016 (Reference Number: 20162130). The current conservation area. It has been formulated using the assessment heritage context. application is for works to bring the cottages back into use methodology contained within the National Planning Policy • Significance (Section 3): This provides an understanding of including works to reinstate the thatched roof, internal floors and Framework (NPPF) (paragraphs 131 to 134) and local planning what makes the site important, why and to whom. partitions, rebuild the upper parts of the external walls and gables policies. It also takes account of the relevant Historic England and replace the windows and doors where the existing cannot be • Legislative Framework (Section 4): This outlines the relevant guidance, most notably their best-practice guidance document, repaired or to improve the thermal performance of the cottages. national and local planning policies and guidance relating to Conservation Principles (2008). heritage. Nos.18-20 Silvergate is a range of three red brick cottages, two of • Heritage Impact Assessment (Section 5): This summarising This report has been prepared for the National Trust by Purcell, a which date from the late seventeenth century whilst the other is the proposals and assesses their impact on the significance of practice of conservation architects and heritage consultants. This later (eighteenth or early nineteenth century). The cottages are the listed buildings and conservation area using the relevant document has been specifically prepared by Rowenna Wood situated in the hamlet of Silvergate and form part of the Blickling planning policy and guidance. MA(Cantab) MA, Senior Heritage Consultant, and Hattie Mulhearn Estate, acquired by the National Trust in 1941. The range of BA(Hons) MA(Hons), Assistant Heritage Consultant. cottages is Grade II listed and is located within the Blickling Rural Conservation Area.

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2.1 SITE OVERVIEW Nos.18-20 Silvergate comprise a row of three cottages situated in Silvergate, a hamlet located at the south of the parish of Blickling, approximately two miles north-west of Aylsham. The site is located within the Blickling Rural Conservation Area. The cottages are set E back from Silvergate Lane and are largely concealed from the road by 12-17, Silvergate. The cottages are part of the Blickling Estate, which was gifted to the National Trust in 1941.

The site is accessed via a drive from Silvergate Lane and shares a gravelled yard with 12-17 Silvergate. Each cottage has its own front Blickling entrance in the east facade and rear entrances in the west Hall elevation.

Blickling

Silvergate Street

18-20 Silvergate Silvergate

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Blickling Silvergate Lane Silvergate

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2.2 SETTING The setting of a heritage asset is an important contributor to its significance as the asset will be affected by any changes within the setting. Equally any changes to 18-20 Silvergate may impact beneficially or negatively on the setting of other nearby heritage assets. Therefore any changes to the setting of 18-20 Silvergate will need to be taken into account during the design process and the impact assessed in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework.

2.2.1 WIDER SETTING The site is situated in Silvergate, a small settlement to the south of Blickling Hall. The character of the hamlet is defined by its red brick cottages, including Nos. 12-17, Silvergate, a range of eighteenth The rear of 12-17, SIlvergate The Grade II listed 31, Silvergate century cottages positioned directly to the east of the site along Silvergate Lane. Although the site is set back from the road, the hamlet of Silvergate is predominantly linear, with the majority of houses situated along Silvergate Lane. The only other thatched property in Silvergate is the Grade II listed 31, Silvergate, a red brick cottage built in 1858.

As well as the surrounding buildings, the setting of the site is defined by its natural landscape, particularly the open drained meadows to the north and west of the cottages, and the nearby arable farmland and woodland. The Estate’s development owes itself to the natural resources of the area, including Silvergate stream, a tributary of the River Bure which bounds the site to the north and continues north to feed the Hall’s pond. It was also in response to the abundance of timber on his estate that Lord Looking towards the meadow at the west of the cottages Looking south down Silvergate Street Lothian constructed a saw mill to the north of the cottages in the 1850s. Although largely concealed from the cottages by trees, the working saw mill continues to be a significant historical feature within the cottages’ setting.

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2.3 VIEWS The setting of the cottages is further understood through an assessment and analysis of selected views, as outlined within this section. Views aid in visualising the relationship between the site and E its natural and built setting and help to establish what, if any, ‘key views’ should be considered as part of the significance of the site.

The concealed position of the cottages behind the range of houses ¬ fronting Silvergate Lane means that they are not entirely visible from «02 the road. A tall hedge along Silvergate Lane blocks views of the cottages from pedestrians when approaching from the north, although the site may be visible from taller vehicles (Views 01 and 02). «¬01

The cottages are also shielded by a hedge that extends from the «¬05 «¬04 junction to the site entrance. The most complete view is from the opening to the drive itself, though only a framed section of 18, Silvergate is visible (View 03). The first floor of No. 20, Silvergate is visible from the end of the footpath leading off Silvergate Lane (View 04). This is also the site of the Grade II Listed 31, Silvergate, «¬03 from which part of the cottages can be seen (View 05).

Getmapping 2016

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View 1: Glimpse view of the cottages over the hedge that extends along Silvergate View 02: View of Silvergate when approaching from the north of Silvergate Lane View 03: Framed view into the site from Silvergate Lane Lane

View 04: View of the cottages from the end of the footpath to the south-east of View 05: Looking at the first floor of 20, Silvergate from 31, Silvergate the site

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2.4 HERITAGE CONTEXT 2.4.1 BLICKLING RURAL CONSERVATION AREA Silvergate is situated within the Blickling Rural Conservation Area, N an area first defined by Broadland District Council in 1991. The Conservation Area is centred on Blickling Hall, the village of Blickling and St Andrew’s Church but also includes Silvergate to the south and the surrounding farms, all of which contribute to the character of the area.’01

The majority of the Conservation Area falls within an Area of Landscape Value as defined in the Broadland Local Plan and is largely characterised by its arable landscape, grasslands and meadows situated south of the River Bure. As one of three villages and hamlets, Silvergate is defined for its unified character of seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth century estate cottages. The Conservation Area Appraisal remarks that ‘of particular note are Nos. 18-20 which date from the seventeenth century. Built of red brick in English bond under thatched roofs, the cottages hint at what the hamlet may once have looked like before pantile replaced thatch as the dominant roofing material.’02

The Conservation Area Appraisal states that it is the collective impact of the Hall, villages and surrounding rural landscape found within the Conservation Area ‘which lends a sense of unity through the consistent use of materials and design or historic connections, thus creating the special character of the area.’03 Plan showing the Conservation Area (base plan © 2016 DigitalGlobe and 2016 Getmapping plc)

01 Broadland District Council, Blickling Rural Conservation Area, Character Appraisal (December 2007), 3 02 Ibid 03 Ibid

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2.4.2 HERITAGE ASSETS ON THE BLICKLING ESTATE The most common building material found in Blickling is red brick. to have been the case at 12-17 Silvergate, which has at some point Corbridge’s map of 1729 shows a brickyard to the north-west of had its thatch removed and its roof lowered and tiled. Elsewhere Situated in the Broadland area of North Norfolk, the vernacular of SIlvergate and it is likely that there was a brickworks at the time of on the estate thatch does survive, including the Grade II cottage to the Blickling area is influenced both by the architecture of Norwich, the construction of the main house.05 On some buildings colour the north of The Buckinghamshire Arms, 8 Park Gates. with its red brick buildings and pitched pantile and thatched roofs, wash and render is used over the brickwork, whilst flint can also be and the buildings found in coastal towns and villages, typically found in plinths and dressings. Reflecting the wealth of the owners, As well as being the only thatched buildings within Silvergate, characterised by unknapped flint buildings with red brick dressings. In the materials found in Blickling Park are more diverse: the Grade II* Nos.18-20 Silvergate and 31 Silvergate are the only listed buildings Broadland the thatch is traditionally made with reeds harvested from pyramidal Mausoleum is of limestone ashlar and the Grade II within the hamlet. the Broads, although pantile replaced thatch as the dominant roofing Orangery has a copper roof whilst the Hall itself incorporates stone material in the mid-eighteenth century.04 The buildings in Blickling, dressings. Built in the eighteenth century with mid-nineteenth century with the obvious exceptions of the Hall and the church, are typical of additions, No. 31 is positioned adjacent to Silvergate Lane and was this Broadland vernacular style in their use of traditional Norfolk soft As well as its red brick construction, the steeply pitched gable roof formerly a pair of cottages. red brick, reed thatch and pantile. found on 18-20 Silvergate is also a common feature on other buildings on the Blickling Estate. Although the majority of estate The buildings on the Blickling Estate vary in age, with some, such as buildings now have soft clay pantile roofs, it is likely that many of the Silvergate Cottages, having been incorporated into the estate the steep gables where originally thatched with reed. This appears at a later date. Despite the fragmented evolution of the Blickling Estate, the buildings that now lie within its boundaries share a similar style. This continuity is reflected in the similarities between the Silvergate Cottages and the buildings that immediately serve Blickling Hall, in terms of being red brick buildings constructed in English Bond. Both the Hall itself and 18-20 Silvergate were constructed in the seventeenth century and make up some of the oldest buildings on the estate.

31 Silvergate 04 Nikolaus Pevsner and Bill Wilson, The Buildings of England, Norfolk 1: Norwich and North-East (Penguin, 1997), 29 05 NHER No.: 12550, ‘Blickling Estate Brickworks’, Norfolk Heritage Explorer

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The following table lists the heritage assets located near to the site.

01 18-20 Silvergate Grade II N 02 31 Silvergate Grade II 03 Ice House Grade II 04 Church of St Andrew Grade II* 05 Cottages immediately south-east of Blickling Hall Grade II 06 Stables about 35 metres north of Old Rectory Grade II 07 L-Shaped Range of Barns Grade II IING 08 Blickling Hall Grade I 08 HA 13 09 Buckinghamshire Arms Grade II 10 14 10 Cottage immediately north of the Grade II 11 12 07 Buckinghamshire Arms 09 06 15 05 11 Stables 40m west of Buckinghamshire Arms Grade II 04 16 12 Former Blickling School, attached School House Grade II IING and Service Yard 17 03 13 Service Range to south west of Blickling Hall Grade II 14 Service Range to south east of Blickling Hall Grade II ET RE ST 15 The Doric Temple Grade II* TE A RG 16 The Orangery Grade II E I 17 Blickling Hall Park and Garden Grade II* S

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Property: Blickling Scale: Not to Scale

Title: Silvergate Cottages Grid Ref: grid_ref Date: 06/05/2016 Filename: filename 2.5 SITE DESCRIPTION East of England: Westley Bottom Consultancy Hub Westley Bottom, Bury St Edmunds IP33 3WD Telephone 01284 747500

01 02

03 03 04 05 05 Garden for 03 05 12 Garden for 20

GROUND FLOOR Garden for 19 19

Garden for 18 15/16

Garden for 13 06 Garden for 15/16 07 In hand 08

FIRST FLOOR

Room Plan No.18 01 South Extension 05 Kitchen No.19 02 North Extension 06 Bathroom Site plan showing the Silvergate cottages and gardens (courtesy of the National Trust) No.20 03 Sitting Room 07 Bedroom One 04 Hall 08 Bedroom Two

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2.5.1 EXTERNAL This section provides an overview description of 18-20 Silvergate. A more detailed description and analysis of the range is included in the Built Fabric Analysis found in Appendix B. The photographs were mostly taken during a site visit in August 2016 with a few from a site visit in May 2017.

Nos.18-20 Silvergate is a range of three cottages constructed of red brick under a gabled roof; much of the roof structure was lost in the fire, along with the reed thatch which formerly covered the building. The range is two storey with a converted attic floor. The East elevation (August 2016) building reduces in floor area from the north to south so that No. 20 is the largest property and No. 18 is the smallest. A two storey brick extension with pantile roof is situated at the end of No. 18.

The east façade is divided by three historic timber plank doors over a brick plinth. The thirteen windows in the elevation are all timber casements and date from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, with examples of both two light and three light windows. North elevation (August 2016)

The north gable is plain with the exception of a small pantry window at ground floor level. The gable end was partially dismantled for safety reasons following the fire and the salvaged South gable (August 2016) brick moved to storage.

West elevation of 20, Silvergate (August 2016)

North elevation of extension (August 2016)

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The west elevation is divided by two extensions housed under lean-to roofs. No. 20 is entered via a twentieth century half-glazed timber door, to the left of which is a historic metal casement window and to the right a blocked door with timber surround. The other windows are all late twentieth century timber casements.

The rear entrance to No. 19 is situated in the single-storey extension which it shares with No. 18. Whilst the ground floor window is a modern casement, the first floor features a seventeenth century ovolo-moulded casement window with leaded glazing.

No. 18 is entered through a late twentieth century half-glazed timber door. There are twentieth century casement windows at ground and first floor level, alongside a nineteenth century South elevation of extension shared by No. 18 and 19 (August 2016) Rear of No. 19 (August 2016) casement and eighteenth century lap-glazed casement.

North elevation of extension shared by No. 18 and 19 (August 2016)

Rear elevation of No. 18 (August 2016)

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South elevation of extension shared by No. 19 and 20 (August 2016) North elevation of extension shared by 19 and 20 (August 2016)

Rear elevation of No. 20 (August 2016)

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2.5.2 INTERNAL No.18 Silvergate The interiors of the cottage are split over three floors. With the exception of No.18, only the ground floor of the properties were accessible during the site visit.

The ground floor of No.18 is divided between the Sitting Room, located in the nineteenth century extension, and the Kitchen, accessed from a twentieth century partitioned Hall. A chamfered spine beam runs through the partition wall with a tongue stop at its north end. The Kitchen has two cupboards in the south wall, the right hand door being of a considerably earlier origin than the twentieth century timber door to the left. The Sitting Room is at a lower floor level and features a twentieth century brick fireplace Looking into the parlour from the top of the stairs (August 2016) Stair Hall from the rear entrance of the property (August 2016) and lath and plaster ceiling.

A twentieth century staircase leads to the first floor. Bedroom One has painted timber floorboards and a blocked fireplace. A loft hatch provides access to the roof space which is lined with reed. The rest of the first floor is divided between the landing, Bedroom Two, and Bathroom, although all of these rooms have suffered considerable fire damage.

Chamfered beam (August 2016) Kitchen looking west (May 2017)

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Historic cupboard on right hand side First floor bedroom looking north-east (August 2016) Looking towards north of Bedroom Two (August 2016) of south wall of Kitchen (August 2016)

Bedroom Two looking south (August 2016) First floor bathroom (August 2016) First floor landing (August 2016)

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No. 19, Silvergate A chamfered spine beam runs across the ground floor of No. 19 and terminates in the Kitchen with a tongue stop. The plasterboard ceiling has partially been removed to reveal the lath and plaster ceiling. A twentieth century brick fireplace is situated on the north wall of the Sitting Room.

An eighteenth century winding staircase provides access to the first floor bedrooms, all of which have been badly damaged by fire.

Ground floor shower room in 1960s extension (August 2016) Kitchen looking west (August 2016)

Chamfered spine beam in Kitchen (August 2016) Parlour looking south-east (May 2017)

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No. 20 Silvergate The ground floor of 20, Silvergate is divided between the Kitchen and Sitting Room. A reused panelled timber door on the left and a modern door on the right provides access to the two rooms. The plasterboard ceiling of the Kitchen has been removed to reveal the ceiling beams whilst in the Sitting Room a large portion of the ceiling has been completely destroyed, revealing the reed and plaster construction.

A modern cast iron wood burner is situated in the south chimney breast of the Sitting Room, to the right of which is a winder staircase providing access to the first floor, which has been largely destroyed. The 1960s extension houses a Bathroom and Hall.

Parlour looking north-east (August 2016)

Winder stairs leading to first floor (August 2016)

Looking up partially removed staircase towards chimney stack (August 2016)

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Kitchen looking east (August 2016) Sitting Room looking south showing both ground and first floor (August 2016) Sitting Room looking north-east (August 2016)

Kitchen looking west (August 2016) Remains of first floor looking east, showing breeze block partition (August 2016)

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2.5.3 YARDS AND GARDENS Separating 18-20 Silvergate from the range of cottages in front is a gravelled yard, used mainly for parking. At the south end of the yard is a nineteenth century brick toilet block, now derelict and covered in ivy. Immediately to the rear of No. 18 is a small grass yard with paving stones leading to the rear entrance of the property. The yards behind No. 19 and 20 are both paved with concrete slabs. The boundaries of the gardens to the rear of the cottages is largely the same as those marked out on the 1886 Ordnance Survey map (shown on page 32), which shows three substantial garden plots extending to the west of the properties. The garden to No. 18 is Ivy covered brick outhouses in yard Looking towards the cottages from half way down the garden for No. 18 situated to the west of the cottage and backs onto the meadow, with views over the surrounding countryside. A nineteenth century brick outbuilding, formerly in use as an outdoor toilet, is situated half way down the garden.

The garden is bounded to the north by land belonging to No. 19. The boundaries of this garden is demarcated to the east and west by tall mature hedges. Views of the meadows are largely blocked out by deciduous trees and shrubs at the end of the garden.

The garden to No. 20 backs onto the saw mill to the north-west of the cottages, although the structure is concealed by deciduous trees and shrubs. Several modern and in some cases dilapidated timber Garden belonging to No. 19 Looking towards the cottages from the garden to No. 19 sheds are situated at the eastern end of the garden.

View towards the cottages from the end of the garden to No. 20

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2.6 HISTORY OF THE SITE extended to the north at some point and it is possible that The mid-seventeenth century has been given as the most likely Corbridge’s map depicts the cottage prior to this enlargement. time-frame for the cottages’ construction in Bill Wilson’s Vernacular This section provides an account of the historical development of Building Study and it is possible that the range’s iron ties, which are 18-20 Silvergate based on archival sources. It should be read in According to Corbridge’s plan, the Silvergate cottages were part of forged in the shape of the initials ‘I’ and ‘S’, refer to a member of conjunction with the built fabric analysis in Appendix B, which is a wider estate in the possession of J. Sayers, a Norfolk landowner the Sayers family. As the letter ‘J’ was often depicted as ‘I’ it is the intended to complement the analysis of the documentary sources. who originated from a family of Great Yarmouth mariners. It is not initials may refer to the J. Sayers mentioned on Corbridge’s map. clear when the Sayers family acquired the copyhold for the 2.6.1 EARLY HISTORY OF SILVERGATE Silvergate land, although a 1667 admission document records that A 1715 document describes an agreement between John Gay and The origins of the hamlet of Silvergate are unclear, although like multiple portions of land in Blickling including a ‘piece having the way Christopher Sayers regarding cottages and land in Silvergate, nearby Drabblegate and Moorgate, it is likely that the name derives from Silvergate to Ingworth East’ and ‘a piece of land in Silvergate’ suggesting that a transaction may have taken place between the from the settlement’s position at toll gates to Blickling or were to be inherited by Thomas Sayer, suggesting the family held two men.08 Later copyholds held in the Norfolk Record Office neighbouring estates. land there since at least the mid-seventeenth century. show the admittance of various family members to the Blickling land. A document dated 21 July 1761 titled ‘the The Archaeological and Historical Landscape Survey of the Blickling Conveyance of an Estate at Blickling and towns Estate by Kenneth Penn recorded several Roman find spots in an adjoining in Norfolk’ records the legal transfer arable field approximately 400 metres to the east of Silvergate of Blickling land from Mr Christopher Sayers cottages, although it is likely that these represent casual losses to the Earl of Buckinghamshire, the Lord of rather than a former settlement.06 Whilst there have been some the Manor of Blickling.09 This is the last record discoveries of prehistoric material on the estate, these finds are involving the Sayers family in Blickling and it is concentrated north of Silvergate.07 The online Historic possible that it records the sale of the last of Environment Record indicates that there is a Bronze Age ring ditch the family’s land in the parish. In the absence to the south of Silvergate, west of Abel Heath Farm. of more definitive archival information, it is reasonable to presume that it is at this point 2.6.2 THE SAYERS FAMILY the Silvergate Cottages became part of the Blickling Estate. The Silvergate cottages are first depicted in James Corbridge’s 1729 survey of the parish of Blickling (reproduced adjacent). Corbridge’s map shows a cottage set back from Silvergate Lane on the east side of the Silvergate stream, a tributary of the River Bure which fed into the Hall’s pond. The building is depicted as a single cottage and shows a two bayed property with a central chimney. Variations in the brickwork would suggest that the building was 08 Final Concord and counterpart. John Gay, esq., plaintiff. Christopher Sayers and Mary, his wife, deforciants. (Norfolk Record Office: NRS 14546, 29C4) 09 NRO: NRS 14548, 29C4, Abstract of copies of copyholds in Blickling purchased of Joseph Sayers by Lord 06 SNA64177 - National Trust Report: Penn, Kenneth. 2008. An Archaeological & Hobart (1704-1736) Historical Landscape Survey, Blickling Estate, 2008. Part 2, Inventory. 07 SNA64177 - National Trust Report: Penn, Kenneth. 2008. An Archaeological & Silvergate as depicted in James Corbridge’s survey of 1729 (FX 257/1, Norfolk Record Office) Historical Landscape Survey, Blickling Estate, 2008. Part 2, Inventory.

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2.6.3 NINETEENTH CENTURY Caroline, Dowager Lady Suffield was the heir to the 2nd Earl of Buckingham’s estate and inherited Blickling in 1793. It can therefore HISTORY OF THE BLICKLING ESTATE The next plan to depict the site is the 1840 tithe map, which offers a be assumed that the Silvergate Cottages fell within the Blickling more detailed view of the Silvergate cottages. Nos. 18-20 Silvergate The Manor of Blickling has existed since at least the eleventh Estate by this point. are depicted as a rectangular range of houses with a block extending century and was most likely centred in the area now known as from the rear of the building. The terrace shared a yard with the Moorgate at the north-west of the parish. However, a plan showing the boundaries of the 1880 Blickling cottages bordering Silvergate Lane; both buildings are described as Estate, produced for Kenneth Penn’s 2008 Archaeological & being owned by Caroline, Dowager Lady Suffield and occupied by A manor house has been situated on the site of the present Historical Landscape Survey suggests that the Silvergate cottages ‘Martha Parker and Others’ in the tithe map apportionment. hall since at least the fourteenth century when a rectangular were not part of the Blickling Estate in 1880, although Penn does moated house was constructed for the Lord of the Manor. not list his sources. The idea that Silvergate had been sold by the estate is substantiated by nineteenth century rental books, none of Sir Henry Hobart, Lord Chief Justice, purchased the house and which record any of the Silvergate residents as tenants.10 estate in 1616 and commissioned the popular surveyor Robert Lyminge to construct a new hall. Work began on Lyminge’s imposing Jacobean building in 1619, although construction was not completed until 1627. John Hobart, 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire made significant Georgian alterations to Blickling Hall.

The Estate passed to the 11th Marquis of Lothian, Phillip Kerr (1882-1940) who was Blickling’s last Lord of the Manor. Kerr intended for Blickling to be owned by the nation and following his death in 1940 the estate passed to the National Trust. The acquisition came at a time of great upheaval at Blickling. The Second World War saw the estate requisitioned for use by the RAF, with officers billeted in the Hall itself, the parkland dug over and parts of the estate’s woodland lost.

Under National Trust ownership Blickling Hall has seen considerable restoration work and alterations to enable it to be opened to the public, including the conversion of several outbuildings and the renovation of estate buildings for use as holiday lets. Many holdings within the large estate are rented to long-term tenants. Tithe map of 1840 (DN/TA 447, Norfolk Record Office)

10 NRO: MC 3/936-939, 726X8, Blicking Hall estate rentals, (1887-1902)

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1880 Estate Plan reproduced from Kenneth Penn’s 2008 Archaeological & Historical Landscape Survey

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From the 1886 Ordnance Survey map the basic form of the three 2.6.4 TWENTIETH CENTURY destroying several outbuildings. Mr Pooley, a Silvergate resident, is cottages appears to be much the same as it is now. Adjoining reported to have had ‘his cottage stripped of tiles and two large The most significant change to the cottages between the 1886 No.18 is an extension which was set back from the east frontage apple trees torn up’.11 Ordnance Survey map and the 1906 edition was the removal of and extended to the rear of the property. There was also an the earlier extension and construction of the current two storey extension at the rear of No. 19 and 20, which appeared to have The 1928 Ordnance Survey map (not reproduced) does not show brick building at the end of No. 18. Also shown is an additional comprised several small outbuildings. The layout of the gardens any major changes to the cottages themselves, with the only outbuilding between No. 18 and 19. appear to have followed similar boundaries to the current plots and change the loss of one of the small outbuildings in the garden of were relatively wooded. No. 19. A 1924 newspaper report from the Diss Express reported on a ‘windstorm of cyclonic severity’ which passed through Silvergate, Twelve years later, the cottages passed into the care of the causing considerable damage to buildings in the hamlet and National Trust as part of the Blickling Estate (See the adjacent information box, ‘History of the Blickling Estate’).

1886 Ordnance Survey Map 1906 Ordnance Survey Map (National Trust)

11 ‘Storm near Aylsham’, Diss Express, August 1924 (British Newspaper Archives)

Landmark Historical Map County: NORFOLK Published Date(s): 1886 Originally plotted at: 1:2,500 UNDERSTANDING THE SITE 2

2.6.4 MID-TWENTIETH CENTURY The earliest photographs of Nos. 18-20 are held in the National Trust archive and show the cottages in the late 1950s before major improvement works of the 1960s. The images depict the earlier fenestration of the windows, as well as the now demolished outshuts at the rear of the cottages. The yard at the front of the cottages was grassed over at this time whilst the garden at the rear appears to have been cultivated, possibly as a smallholding.

Photograph showing the west elevation of the cottages Photograph showing the front of the cottages

The east elevation of the cottages showing the communal yard Photograph showing the rear of the No. 20

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2.6.5 1960s ALTERATIONS The National Trust undertook a scheme of improvements to 18-20 Silvergate between 1963 and 1967. The architectural work was completed by Feilden and Mawson Architects, in the same year that the practice began on the new University of East Anglia Village. Two schemes were proposed, both with the intention of remodelling the interiors of the cottages. One of the main differences between the schemes was the approach towards the configuration of No.18 and the potential conversion of the attic floor of No. 19, including the insertion of an eyebrow dormer. The chosen plan saw the large-scale reconfiguration of the ground floor of No. 18 whilst the decision appears to have been made not to convert the attic of No.19.

West elevation showing the partial reconstruction of the extension between 19 and 20, April 1966

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Existing Plan for 18-20 Silvergate dated 1963

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Proposed Plan for 18-20 Silvergate dated 1963

32 UNDERSTANDING THE SITE 2

The alterations illustrated on the 1960s’ plans are listed below. • Width of window in Bedroom Two increased • Conversion of attic to third bedroom No. 18 • Insertion of dormer in attic bedroom. Ground Floor • The reconfiguration of the ground floor, including moving the No. 20 Sitting Room to the west extension and the creation of a Kitchen/Dining Room in the former Parlour Ground Floor • Removal of large larder partitions to allow for Kitchen/Dining • Removal of stairs connecting the new Sitting Room and Room Kitchen/Dining Room and replacement with a cupboard • New larder set in east wall • Removal of door in Sitting Room and replacement with window • Erection of new partitions in Sitting Room to form Entrance Hall • Lowering of the floor level in the new Kitchen/Dining Room • Installation of back boiler in Sitting Room • Insertion of staircase leading up to first floor level • The reopening of an old door opening in Sitting Room • New rear door • Insertion of new window in old door opening in Kitchen • New partition wall in Bedroom Two • Reopening of old window opening in Bedroom One • Insertion of bathroom at first floor level • Blocking up of doorway between Bedroom One and • Conversion of attic space to create third bedroom, accessed Bedroom Two from first floor level by a new set of stairs. • Insertion of new window in south elevation

No. 19 • New partition to create landing with staircase up to attic bedroom Ground Floor • Insertion of new rear door from new outbuilding to house • Conversion of attic floor to fourth bedroom and Landing. • Creation of larder in the west wall of the Kitchen East elevation, July 1966 Rear Extensions • Rehanging of door to Hall • The partial rebuilding of the extension at the rear of 19 and 20 • Installation of back boiler in Sitting Room to form a single-storey Hall, Bathroom and Store • Removal of old partitions and insertion of new partition walls • The partial rebuilding of the single storey extension at the rear to create first floor Landing and Bathroom of 18 and 19 to create a brick extension housing an outdoor • Creation of new window in Bathroom W.C, Fuel Store and Bathroom. • Repartitioning of Bedrooms One and Two

33 2 UNDERSTANDING THE SITE

The improvement works largely carried out were as proposed, with the exception of the rear door to No. 20, which was not moved. The external works were carried out between 1965 and 1967 and are recorded in a series of photos, some of which can be seen on this page. Repairs, including the reconstruction of the chimney stack over No. 18 and 19, were also made to the roof structure prior to rethatching.

Although fire damage has destroyed a large proportion of the roof timbers, making it difficult to assess the extent of the 1960s repairs, a Vernacular Building Survey carried out in 1990 described the roof timbers at the time of the survey: Repairs being carried out to roof structure Repairs being carried out to roof structure prior ‘The roof structure was also consolidated with much new prior to rethatching, April 1966 to rethatching, April 1966 timber, losing the original form, although this can be reconstructed from mortice holes in the surviving principal rafters.’12

Roof constructed ready for thatch, July 1966 Chimney stack over 18 and 19 being Thatching being undertaken by Farson’s of North Walsham, July 1966 reconstructed, July 1966breeze block partition

12 Bill Wilson, Vernacular Building Survey: Blickling Estate, (1990), 1

34 UNDERSTANDING THE SITE 2

2.6.6 LATER TWENTIETH CENTURY The footprint of the new extensions can be seen on the 1970 Ordnance Survey map. The description provided in the Vernacular Building Study suggests that subsequent change to the cottages between the 1960s. The only major structural change post-1990 was the removal of the chimney breast in the Kitchen of No.20.

The rear of the cottages following the construction of the new outbuildings in the The west elevation of the cottages following the 1960s early 1960s improvement works

1970 Ordnance Survey Map

Nos. 18-20 in 1990

35 2 UNDERSTANDING THE SITE

HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT PLANS GROUND FLOOR 17th century 18th century 19th century D 20th century D Pre-1963 1960s to present Removed fabric

A Breeze block partition B Possible blocked window C Location of a now demolished chimney D The spine wall and return to the 18th century wall may be 18th century also

FIRST FLOOR

C B A A

36 UNDERSTANDING THE SITE 2

17th century 18th century 18th/20th century 19th century 20th century Pre-1963 (potentially as early as 18th century) 1960s to present Fabric removed post-fire Appro ximate discernible lines representing changes in the brickwork D

A Chimneys reconstructed in 1960s B Rebuilt in 1960s, although the south wall has been partially retained C The end gable appears to have been rebuilt, SOUTH ELEVATION EAST ELEVATION possibly when the chimney was removed. The chimney was taken down, at least partially, as part of the 1960s alterations. A D No.20 is thought to have been the later third cottage though much of its brickwork appears to match the other cottages

These historic development plans show the building in its post-fire state. The roof timbers were a mixture of historic and 1960s replacements or reinforcements whilst the entire depth of the C D B thatch itself dated from the 1960s.

NORTH ELEVATION WEST ELEVATION

37 3 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

3.1 CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT The significance of the cottages has been assessed using a scale of significance ratings ranging from High to Detrimental. The Significance can be defined as the sum of the cultural, social and/or definitions of these levels are provided here. natural heritage values that make a place important to this and future generations. Understanding the significance of a place is vital High Significance is attributable to a theme, feature, built fabric or to inform sensitively managed change to ensure that the characteristic which has a high cultural value and forms an essential significance is maintained and, where possible, further revealed, part of understanding the historic value of the cottages, while reinforced and enhanced. greatly contributing towards its character and appearance. - This assessment of significance has been based on a site visit, Medium Significance is attributable to a theme, feature, built fabric archival research and desk-based research. It considers the or characteristic which has some cultural importance and helps to significance of the cottages and the contribution made by the define the historic value, character and appearance. These setting. elements are often important for only a few values, for example it may be either the survival of physical built fabric or association with an historic use, but not both. • Evidential - The potential of a place to yield evidence about past human activity. Low Significance is attributable to a theme, feature, built fabric or • Historical - The ways in which past people, events and characteristic which has minor cultural value and which may, even aspects of life can be connected through a place to the to a small degree, contribute towards the character and present. This can be both illustrative and associative. appearance of the cottages. • Aesthetic - The ways in which people draw sensory and intellectual stimulation from a place. Elements of Neutral Significance typically do not possess any • Communal - The meanings of a place for the people who heritage values which are important to the cottages. As such, they relate to it, or for whom it figures in their collective neither contribute to – nor detract from – its overall character and experience or memory. understanding.

Elements that are Detrimental to heritage value have characteristics which detract from the overall significance and character of the cottages.

38 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 3

3.3 ASSESSMENT OF HERITAGE VALUES In conjunction with the Historic Environment Record, Kenneth 3.2 SUMMARY STATEMENT OF Penn’s Archaeological & Historical Landscape Survey provides a 3.3.1 EVIDENTIAL VALUE SIGNIFICANCE comprehensive survey of archaeological discoveries within the The significance of Nos. 18-20 Silvergate lies primarily in their Internally, the building has undergone substantial alteration, Blickling Estate. Whilst Roman artefacts have been found in a field character as traditional vernacular cottages. Although not built including the remodelling of the interiors as part of the 1960s’ to the east of the site, Penn does not believe that these as part of the Blickling Estate, they are today amongst the scheme of improvements. The location of these later partitions can represented a settlement in the Silvergate area. Nor is there any oldest buildings on the estate in dating from the seventeenth be seen on the first floor where the wall finishes have been recorded evidence of Anglo-Saxon or Medieval activity within the century. The use of traditional construction methods and removed to reveal the breeze block partitions. The damage caused immediate vicinity of Silvergate, suggesting that the potential for materials reflect the vernacular style of this part of Norfolk. by the fire and subsequent building work has also revealed a large the discovery of further archaeological remains is small. amount of the historic material using in the building’s construction, Prior to the fire the external elevations and thatched pitched including surviving lath and plaster walls and reed ceilings, which are 3.3.2 HISTORICAL VALUE evidence of the traditional materials used in the construction of the roof were of highest significance and were notable both as The historic significance of the site is rooted in its survival as an cottages. defining historic features and for their aesthetic contribution example of traditional vernacular architecture. This is evidenced in to the Blicking Rural Conservation Area and the wider setting the building’s red brick construction and steeply pitched roof, Although much of the hidden fabric has been revealed as a result of the Blickling Estate. The cottages have historical value as typical of the Broadland area of Norfolk. Another significant of the fire, future opening up works within the building have slight examples of estate workers’ housing. feature was the building’s thatched roof, which prior to the fire had potential to uncover further historic fabric and enhance our been one of only two thatched roofs in Silvergate. Once typical in understanding of the building. Whilst the 1960s alterations are well The fire has destroyed much of the roof structure and caused Norfolk, reed thatch roofs were generally replaced with pantile in documented, there are no archival sources relating to earlier substantial damage to the interior and exterior of the the mid-eighteenth century, a change illustrated in the pantile roof alterations and therefore the building itself holds the most potential cottages. The loss of these features has significantly lowered found on the late nineteenth century extension to No. 18. the picturesque quality of the cottages and impacted on their for learning more about the development of the cottages. historical value. Despite these losses, the survival of the main The loss of this thatch, and its significance as a local vernacular However, the evidential value of the building has been significantly elevations, including the ovolo-moulded window in the west building material, has therefore been detrimental to the historic diminished by the damage caused by the fire and the subsequent elevation and the original brickwork, contribute to the overall value of the site. However other surviving features within the loss of fabric, particularly to the roof structure. Although the character of the building. The salvaging of some fabric, such as building, such as the ovolo-molded window in the west elevation, photographic record compiled during the 1966 rethatching of the the ironwork ties, offer the opportunity for reinstatement that original brickwork and eighteenth and nineteenth century windows, cottages provides some record of the former roof structure, the would enhance the heritage values of the site. continue to be of illustrative value as evidence of the building’s potential to learn first-hand about the building’s construction has original form and of subsequent alterations. Internally, the cottages have been significantly altered, including been substantially diminished. a major scheme of works in the 1960s which saw the rebuilding of the outbuildings at the rear of the range. Whilst For the above reasons, the site is deemed to be of low evidential these alterations have detrimentally impacted on the original value. layout of the buildings, the survival of the historic internal divisions between the three cottages has been retained. Of the cottages, No.19 has retained the most historic fabric.

39 3 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The most substantial structural alterations have been the The site’s main historical association is with the Sayers family, who 3.3.3 AESTHETIC VALUE construction of the three extensions; one at the south of No. 18 owned the cottages at the time of Corbridge’s 1729 map and who The significance of the site predominantly lies in its attractive and two adjoining the west elevation. The earlier building at the are possibly referenced in the ‘I’ and ‘S’ shaped iron ties formerly external elevations and in the aesthetic contribution it makes to end of No. 18 can clearly be read as an extension to the main found on the cottages’ gables. The Sayers owned large swathes of the character of Silvergate, and in wider terms, to the Blickling house, emphasised by its lower height and pantile roof. It was most land in Blickling in the early eighteenth century, although little is Estate. The building is an important surviving example of vernacular likely built in response to the need for additional living space, known about the family except their ties to Great Yarmouth. architecture, previously exemplified by its thatched roof and replacing an earlier extension that is shown on the 1886 Ordnance steeply pitched gables. However, the removal of the thatch, gable Survey map. The extension is therefore of some illustrative value as The site’s association with the Blickling Estate is ambiguous. Despite heads and shaped iron ties have significantly reduced the aesthetic evidence of the changing needs of the buildings’ tenants and of conveyances suggesting that the Sayers sold parts of their Blickling value of the building and detracted from its character. changes in local construction methods. Built in the mid-1960s to estate to the Earl of Buckinghamshire in the mid-eighteenth replace two earlier outbuildings, the two rear extensions are of less century, the Silvergate Cottages do not appear to have been part The east façade is the most significant elevation. Here the irregular historical significance, although the incorporation of eighteenth of the Blickling Estate until the early twentieth century. This is fenestration contributes to the character of the building and helps century brickwork into the extension between Nos. 19-20 suggests evidenced by the 1880 Estate Map, which shows the cottages in to illustrate the evolution of the cottages. Although many of the that there has been an outbuilding on the site for a considerable separate ownership, and in the Estate Rental Books, where there is window frames are twentieth century replacements, with new part of the building’s history. no mention of any Silvergate residents. window openings also added in the 1960s, the timber casements are generally in keeping with the style of the building and do not Internally the layout of the cottages is of less significance due to the The only documentary evidence tying the cottages to the estate is detract from its aesthetic value. Of particular aesthetic significance multiple alterations that have taken place over time, most of which census records, which suggest that several men worked on the is the diamond-leaded window on the first floor of No.20 and the are undocumented. Although the 1960s work is illustrative of the Blickling Estate as both gardeners and carpenters, possibly at the historic plank doors at the front of the cottages. type of improvement schemes carried out under National Trust estate-owned Silvergate Saw Mill. The long service of one No. 18 ownership, the alterations caused disruption to the internal layout resident, George Pooley, who worked as a gardener in the estate The west elevation of the range is of less aesthetic significance, of the building and resulted in the piecemeal removal of historic for much of his life, is a particularly strong example of these largely owing to the late twentieth century single storey extensions, fabric. This is particularly the case at No. 18, where the ground associations. which obscure the rear of the building. Despite being somewhat floor was completely reconfigured. detrimental to the overall aesthetic value of the cottages, these An ongoing association is with the National Trust, who own and outbuildings are generally in keeping with the red brick of the main Despite these recent alterations, some internal features of historic manage the cottages. Unlike some of the other properties owned range and can clearly be read as recent extensions. This is also the interest survive. These include the eighteenth century cupboard in by the Trust there is no identifying feature on the cottages to case for the extension to No. 18, which like the rear extensions if the Kitchen of No. 18, the winder staircases in Nos. 19 and 20, and strengthen this association. of low aesthetic value. the ground floor chamfered spine beam that runs in lengths throughout much of the building. For the above reasons the The cottages are deemed to be of low associative value. building is deemed holds medium illustrative value for its construction.

40 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 3

The picturesque quality of the cottages is mirrored in Silvergate’s 3.3.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF SETTING later buildings, particularly 31 Silvergate, an eighteenth century red The proximity of the cottages to 12-17, Silvergate and their position brick cottage with thatched roof. Prior to the fire, the significance away from Silvergate Lane is significant in contributing to the of 18-20 Silvergate as an early example of this vernacular style is understanding the historic development of the hamlet. The deemed to have been of high aesthetic value, for the most part approach to the site and the yard between the two ranges is also a owing to its thatched roof and steeply pitched gables. Without historic feature of the site’s setting and along with the surrounding these character defining features the cottages are currently meadows and farmland, helps to establish the site’s historical considered to be of low aesthetic value. context.

The interiors of the cottages are of lower aesthetic value than the To the rear of the properties the boundaries demarcating the exterior. The small proportions of the spaces and the presence of cottages’ gardens appear to have remained relatively unchanged the fireplaces, although these are not of historic value in since at least the mid-nineteenth century. The survival of some themselves, contribute to the character of the cottages. The fire mature trees within the gardens is also of significance to the setting has resulted in the removal of the plasterboard ceilings and of the cottages, which the 1886 Ordnance Survey map shows as exposed the historic timbers in No.19, which slightly enhances its being predominantly wooded. aesthetic value despite the fire damage which currently mars the appearance of all the cottages. The interiors of the 1960s Garden structures, such as the nineteenth century brick outbuilding extensions are of neutral aesthetic value. found in the garden to No.18 and the range of brick outhouses at the south-east of the cottages, are also of some historic value, 3.3.4 SOCIAL AND COMMUNAL VALUE although the large timber sheds in the garden to No.20 are Although concealed from the road by 12-17, Silvergate, 18-20 is detrimental to the setting. important in contributing to the sense of place. Its gables and roof are visible in glimpsed views from the main road and also from the The significance of the immediate setting of the house is currently public footpath near No.31. marred by site equipment and Heras fencing, erected following the fire. For the above reasons, the site’s setting is of medium value. As the site has always been a private residence its social significance is largely limited to its former tenants and for this reason the cottages are deemed to be of low communal value.

41 3 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

3.4 SIGNIFICANCE PLANS OF THE BUILT FABRIC

GROUND FLOOR High Medium Low Neutral

These plans indicate the significance of the built fabric and take into consideration the different heritage values and contribution to the historic plan form.

The values ascribed to the walls reflect the significance of the built fabric and the walls’ contribution to the preservation of the historic layout. The values ascribed to rooms reflects the significance of the interior finishes.

FIRST FLOOR

42 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK 4

4.1 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK 4.1.2 LOCAL PLANNING POLICY • townscape, including the city and the varied character of our market towns and villages; As Nos.18-20 Silvergate are a listed building and it is located in a The main policies covered within Broadland District Council’s • the use of sustainable and traditional materials; Conservation Area, they are protected by legislation and additional various local legislation and guidance which apply to any change planning policies and guidance at a national and local level. within the site (based on heritage and design issues) include the Development Management DPD (2015) following: 3.16 The built environment, heritage assets, and the wider historic environment will be conserved and enhanced through the protection of 4.1.1 NATIONAL PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK Joint Core Strategy (2011) buildings and structures which contribute to their surroundings, the The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (published March Policy 1: Addressing climate change and protecting protection of their settings, the encouragement of high-quality 2012) is the overarching planning policy document for England and environmental assets maintenance and repair and the enhancement of public spaces.01 provides guidance about how to implement the legislation which The built environment, heritage assets, and the wider historic environment covers the historic environment, the Planning (Listed Buildings and will be conserved and enhanced through the protection of buildings and 4.2 HERITAGE GUIDANCE Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Within Section 12 of the NPPF structures which contribute to their surroundings, the protection of their Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance (2008) – Conservation and enhancing the historic environment – are the settings, the encouragement of high-quality maintenance and repair and This document, published by Historic England, sets out the government’s policies for the protection of heritage. the enhancement of public spaces. principles for the management of the historic environment and also the process for assessing the significance of a site. The policies advise a holistic approach to planning and Policy 2: Promoting Good Design development, where all significant elements that make up the All development will be designed to the highest possible standards, historic environment are termed heritage assets. These consist of Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance differentiates between creating a strong sense of place. In particular development proposals will designated assets, such as listed buildings or conservation areas, works that are repairs, restoration and new works or alterations. respect local distinctiveness including as appropriate: non-designated assets, such as locally listed buildings, or those The following paragraph indicate the level of justification required • the historic hierarchy of the city, towns and villages, maintaining features which are of heritage value. The policies within the for the latter. important strategic gaps; document emphasise the need for assessing the significance of heritage assets and their setting in order to fully understand the • the landscape setting of settlements including the urban/rural historic environment and inform suitable design proposals for transition and the treatment of ‘gateways’; change to significant buildings. The document also requires that the • the landscape character and historic environment, taking account impact of development proposals which affect heritage assets is of conservation area appraisals and including the wider assessed. countryside and the Broads area;

01 The Development Management DPD (Local Plan) for Broadland (2015)

43 4 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

117. Repair necessary to sustain the heritage values of a significant 149. Changes which would harm the heritage values of a significant Good Practice Advice 3 – The Setting of Heritage Assets place is normally desirable if: place should be unacceptable unless: (2015) a. there is sufficient information comprehensively to understand the a. the changes are demonstrably necessary either to make the place This document, which supersedes The Setting of Heritage Assets impacts of the proposals on the significance of the place; and sustainable, or to meet an overriding public policy objective or need; (Historic England, 2011), provides guidance on how changes within b. the long term consequences of the proposals can, from experience, b. there is no reasonably practicable alternative means of doing so the setting of a listed building, conservation area or scheduled be demonstrated to be benign, or the proposals are designed not to without harm; ancient monument can affect the significance of the heritage asset prejudice alternative solutions in the future; and c. that harm has been reduced to the minimum consistent with itself. c. the proposals are designed to avoid or minimise harm, if actions achieving the objective; necessary to sustain particular heritage values tend to conflict. d. it has been demonstrated that the predicted public benefit Seeing the Heritage in the View (2011) decisively outweighs the harm to the values of the place, considering This looks specifically at the significance of a group of heritage 126. Restoration to a significant place should normally be • its comparative significance, assets from long range and short distance views. It sets out a acceptable if: • the impact on that significance, and methodology for assessment and for exploring the impact of a. the heritage values of the elements that would be restored e. the benefits to the place itself and/or the wider community or change within an important view. decisively outweigh the values of those that would be lost; society as a whole. b. the work is justified by compelling evidence of the evolution of the place, and is executed in accordance with that evidence; c. the form in which the place currently exists is not the result of an historically-significant event; d. the work proposed respects previous forms of the place; e. the maintenance implications of the proposed restoration are considered to be sustainable.

138. New work or alteration to a significant place should normally be acceptable if: a. there is sufficient information comprehensively to understand the impacts of the proposal on the significance of the place; b. the proposal would not materially harm the values of the place, which, where appropriate, would be reinforced or further revealed; c. the proposals aspire to a quality of design and execution which may be valued now and in the future; d. the long-term consequences of the proposals can, from experience, be demonstrated to be benign, or the proposals are designed not to prejudice alternative solutions in the future.

44 HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT 5

5.1 CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT 5.2 PROPOSED WORKS This section assesses the potential impact of the proposed development on the listed cottages and the The works proposed include: conservation area. • The taking down of the walls of the main range to first floor cill level and reconstructing them using salvaged and matching brick; The impact will be assessed based on the following criteria: • Removing the tiles and leadwork from the south extension of No.18 and reinstating the roof covering using salvaged tiles where possible; MAGNITUDE OF DEFINITION • Rebuilding the gables using salvaged and matching bricks and incorporating the salvaged iron IMPACT pattress plates; High Beneficial The development considerably enhances the heritage assets, views of the • Rebuilding the chimneys to the pre-fire profile using new bricks to match the existing; heritage assets, or the ability to appreciate their significance. • Reconstruction of the roof in softwood with thatch over;

Medium Beneficial The development enhances to a clearly discernible extent the heritage • Replacement of the front and back doors with new timber doors; assets, views of the heritage assets, or the ability to appreciate their • Replacement of all the windows to match the existing and incorporate slimlite double glazing significance. where possible; • Removal of the modern blockwork partition walls between the cottages and rebuilding them on Low Beneficial The development enhances to a minor extent the heritage assets, views of the same building line in new masonry; the heritage assets, or the ability to appreciate their significance. • Removal of the surviving internal partitions and reinstatement of these and the lost partitions; Negligible The development does not affect the heritage assets, views of the heritage • Reinstatement of the lost/damaged first and second floors; assets, or the ability to appreciate their significance. • Removal and replacement of all staircases to match those lost/damaged in the fire; Low Adverse The development harms to a minor extent the heritage assets, views of the • Replacement of the internal doors; heritage assets, or the ability to appreciate their significance. • Installation of three air source heat pumps at the rear of the cottages;

Medium Adverse The development harms to a clearly discernible extent the heritage assets, • Reorganisation of the gardens; views of the heritage assets, or the ability to appreciate their significance. • Enhancement of the area in front of the cottages; • Creation of a new car park in what is currently the garden of one of the unlisted cottages. High Adverse The development severely harms the heritage assets, views of the heritage assets, or the ability to appreciate their significance. For further information, see the submitted drawings, Design and Access Statement and structural engineer’s report.

45 5 HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT

5.3 HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE The gables were an important contributor to the aesthetic value of character of the building, will have a low adverse impact. The PROPOSED WORKS the cottages as well as to the conservation area. The reinstatement removal and replacement of the back doors will have a negligible of the gables including salvaged bricks and pattress plates will have impact on the significance of the cottages. The fire in April 2016 caused considerable damage to the cottages a high beneficial impact on the aesthetic value of the cottage and a and it is essential to undertake works to bring them back into low beneficial impact on the conservation area. Similarly the variety of the windows contributes to the character, repair. At this stage it is not possible to be certain about how much illustrative and aesthetic values of the cottages. All but four of the of the surviving fabric can be retained and therefore whilst this Similarly the rebuilding of the chimneys will contribute to the windows at the rear and all but six of those in the front façade are application allows for total replacement of many elements, it is reinstatement of the character and appearance of the cottages. The twentieth century and the replacement of these with new timber intended to take a conservative approach and retain or reuse chimneys in their pre-fire form dated from the 1960s works but framed windows detailed to match the existing whilst incorporating elements or materials wherever possible. The assessment below there have been red brick chimneys forming part of the cottages for slimlite double glazing to improve the thermal efficiency of the considers the impact on the significance of the building as it centuries. The reinstatement of the thatch roof using reed will cottages will have a negligible impact on the significance of the currently survives. substantially enhance the appearance of the cottages as well as cottages. Similarly, the replacement of the nineteenth century making them usable again. The replacement of the thatch offers the timber windows to match the existing, whilst resulting in minor loss External Works opportunity to incorporate a fireproof membrane to reduce the of historic fabric, will preserve the appearance of the cottages and The brickwork at the top of the walls of the main range of the risk of a similar disaster in the future. Below the thatch before the have a negligible impact on the significance. It is hoped that the rare cottages is bulging and unsound. The walls will be taken down the fire, at least some of the timbers had been replaced in the 1960s lap glazed window can be retained and the ovolo-moulded window minimum level required to ensure they can be rebuilt soundly to a whilst the rest were historic, though of unknown date. Whilst some can be repaired as their loss would have an adverse impact on the maximum of the first floor window cill level. The walls will be taken parts were salvaged after the fire, they are not capable of bearing significance of the cottages. The proposed replacement of the early down carefully to enable as many bricks to be salvaged as possible the weight of a thatch roof. The replacement of all the timbers in nineteenth century metal windows with timber windows to match and where additional bricks are needed, these will be selected to softwood provides a functional roof structure and enables funds to the pattern of the existing will also adversely impact on the match the appearance and hardness of the existing. The top of the be spent on more visible aspects of the cottages. The salvaged roof significance of the cottages. The changes are proposed in order to wall is uneven and when the wall is rebuilt, the wall will be built to timbers will continue to be stored and it would be desirable for bring the cottages back into use following the fire and have been a single height to form a better base for the new wall plate. The them to be dated to preserve their evidential value. Overall the designed to preserve the appearance of the cottages whilst loss of evidential value in showing where the walls have been built proposals will have a medium beneficial impact on the cottages and improving thermal efficiency. If the important historic windows are at different times can be mitigated through recording. Overall the a low beneficial impact on the conservation area. found to be irreparable, they should be recorded and analysed and, impact will be negligible. if possible removed to storage to preserve their evidential value. The external doors of the cottages are of a variety of dates. The The roof tiles and lead over the southern extension of No.18 have back doors are all from the 1960s works whereas the front doors Similarly it is proposed that soldier course lintels are introduced been damaged by the heat of the fire: the leadwork is failing whilst predate the 1960s. All the front doors are different internally with above one window at the front of No.19 and one window at the the roof tiles are delaminating. The proposed replacement of the No.18’s having the oldest hinges, which are certainly nineteenth back of No.18. The new lintel to the front of No.19 is essential leadwork to match the existing details and replacement of the tiles century if not older, whilst No.19’s door has some nineteenth because the fire has caused the brickwork above the large window to match the existing (and reusing those that can be salvaged) will century ironmongery. The retention of the historic ironmongery opening to sag. It is necessary to provide more structural support ensure that the extension is watertight and can be occupied again. would mitigate to an extent the loss of the front doors, which will above the window and this method has been selected to minimise The impact will be negligible. be replaced with more substantial timber doors of a different the impact on the appearance of the front facade. Although there design to improve the thermal efficiency of the cottages. The loss will be a low adverse impact on the illustrative value of the window of the historic front doors, which contribute to the variety and opening, the impact on the aesthetic value will be negligible and,

46 HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT 5

moreover, the adverse impact is outweighed by the necessity of replaced. The second floor of No.18 will be rebuilt using a timber cottages, which could be mitigated to an extent through the reuse preserving the rest of the historic fabric in this area from collapse. structure also to preserve the character of the cottages. The first of the ironmongery of the cupboard doors. It is intended that these At the rear of No.18, the same method is proposed above the lap floors of Nos. 18 and 19 require the replacement of all floorboards will be retained and reused if possible. glazed window in case the structural integrity of this part of the and the joists are also likely to require replacement as a result of wall is also found to have been affected by the fire. It would affect wet rot. The proposed rebuilding of the floors will reinstate the The water and fire damage has caused the failure of much of the the illustrative value in that the oldest windows appear to have no pre-fire arrangement of the cottages and facilitate bringing the plasterwork in the cottages. The proposed removal of this failed visible lintel over them. However, the aesthetic impact would be cottages back into use. There will be considerable loss of historic plaster is essential to prevent further loss of historic fabric, such as negligible and would preserve the window opening. It is possible floor fabric but any fabric that is removed will be that damaged the brickwork, behind the plaster due to the damp held in the that the alteration about the rear window will not be necessary, in beyond reasonable repair. The proposals to reinstate the floors failed plaster. The walls will be relined with plasterboard that is which case it will be omitted. will, however, restore the layout of the cottages. Overall, mitigated skimmed with lime plaster to ensure the aesthetic of the pre-fire by the value of reinstatement of the floors, the impact of the loss cottages is preserved whilst achieving the necessary fire rating. The Internal Works of fabric is low adverse. ceilings, however, will be replaced with lath and plaster. The In the 1960s, the partitions between the cottages were rebuilt in proposed impact of the loss of the historic plasterwork and the blockwork to improve the fire partitioning and, with the party wall The staircases in Nos.19 and 20 were historic but have been replacement with plasterboard on the walls and lath and plaster on between Nos. 18 and 19, the building line was changed. The severely damaged by the fire and need to be rebuilt to provide the ceilings will have a negligible impact on the character of the proposed removal of the blockwork walls will not involve the loss access to the upper floors. The staircase in No.18 was inserted in cottages. of any significant historic fabric. The impact will be negligible the 1960s and is not of heritage value. Its replacement is proposed provided that they are rebuilt to preserve the division of the to bring it in line with current regulations. All the staircases will be It is proposed that the sustainability of the cottages will be building into three cottages. replaced to match the existing and where possible, the staircases of improved through the installation of three air source heat pumps, Nos. 19 and 20 will incorporate salvaged timber. The proposed one for each cottage, approximately 500mm from the rear of the The partitions within the cottages were generally rebuilt, rebuilding of the stairs will necessitate the loss of historic fabric but 1960s extensions. Each pump will be set on a platform and occupy sometimes on the existing lines and sometimes in a different this has been damaged by the fire such that it can no longer fulfil its an area approximately 1m long by 0.5m wide by 1m tall. The configuration, during the 1960s. The proposed replacement of the function. The replacement of the stairs will allow the cottages to pumps will not impact on the historic fabric of the cottages and partitions, some of which were lost in the fire, will generally be brought back into use. Overall the impact is negligible. could be removed readily in the future. The pumps will have a low replicate the pre-fire arrangement with the principal exception of adverse impact on the appearance of the setting of the cottages at the addition of a corridor to the first floor of No.20. The new Most of the internal doors are modern flush doors installed in the the rear but will not affect the more significant views of the front partitions will be fire-rated to increase protection for future 1960s and their replacement with new timber doors will improve elevation and will have a negligible impact on the significance of the occupiers. The replacement of the internal partitions will have a the appearance of the cottages as well as improve the fire safety as cottages overall. negligible impact on the significance of the cottages. the doors will be fire rated. Their replacement will have a negligible impact. There are some historic internal doors of interest, which The air source heat pumps will be supplemented by gas powered The fire caused the loss of the first floor in No.20 and the second include in the main range of the cottages a six panelled timber woodburners in each cottage. This will allow tenants to have the floor in No.18 whilst the water penetration caused damage to the door, probably eighteenth century, in No.20 which must have been type of fire that is generally expected of a cottage but will be safer first floors in parts of Nos.18 and 19. The main spine beams will be reused from elsewhere; a cupboard door by the ground floor than the traditional woodburners, one of which is thought to have tested for structural soundness but it is likely that the spine beams fireplace in No.20; and a cupboard door on the ground floor of been responsible for the fire. The impact of the installation of the in at least Nos. 18 and 20 will need to be replaced. The remaining No.18 (the one further from the front door). The loss of these woodburners will be negligible. parts of the floor in No.20 will be removed and the whole floor doors will have a loss adverse impact on the character of the

47 5 HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Landscape The proposed creation of a car park on the site of the southern 5.4 CONCLUSION It is proposed that the gardens are reorganised so that No.19 has a garden (associated with one of the unlisted cottages) will facilitate The proposed works to the cottages are essential to repair the garden that is accessible from the cottage and to provide a garden the removal of cars from the front of the cottages. The proposed damage caused by the fire, improve the of the cottages appearance for No.17. The division of the gardens as it exists is shown on the site of the car park is concealed from the street by an existing tall, from their current damaged state and improve their contribution tithe map and therefore pre-dates 1840. The reorganisation of the dense beech hedge and from the cottages by an existing tall to the conservation area. Moreover, the works will bring the gardens represents a significant alteration of the setting of the hawthorn hedge, which retain their opacity throughout the year. cottages back into use and ensure they are maintained in the listed cottages but the impact of this has been mitigated by the There will be glimpsed views into the car park from the cottages future. If the works are not carried out, the buildings will rapidly preservation of the existing lines of division and the subdivision of only, which represents a significant improvement on the pre-fire deteriorate and more historic fabric will be lost. The proposed the existing areas, such that it would be reversible in the future. arrangement with cars parking outside the listed cottages. The car works will bring back salvaged brickwork and pattress plates and The gardens will still be associated with the cottages and remain in park will be compacted gravel to minimise its impact on the will preserve as much of the historic fabric that survives in situ as use as gardens. The impact on the setting of the cottages is low appearance of the conservation area and ensure it is not possible. Overall the works will have a beneficial impact on the adverse whilst the impact on the conservation area is negligible. impermeable to water. The impact on the conservation area will cottages and the conservation area. be negligible and the creation of the car park will facilitate the The area in front of the cottages is currently used for parking but improvement of the setting of the listed cottages so will have a low The vacancy of the three cottages after the fire provides an usual before the 1960s incorporated a green whilst there were small beneficial impact on the cottages. opportunity to alter the area around the cottages. The proposed gardens demarcated in front of the cottages, which provided a landscape works will affect the setting of the cottages and whilst better setting for the cottages. The proposed removal of car the reorganisation of the rear gardens will have a low adverse parking and reinstatement of small gardens in front of the cottages impact, the proposals for the area in front of the cottages will have will enhance the setting of the cottages. The proposed timber a low beneficial impact. The impact of the car park will be negligible bollards are necessary to deter vehicular access but will be on the conservation area and beneficial impact on the setting of removable. It is also proposed that the derelict brick outbuilding on the cottages. the south-west side of the area be refurbished for use as a bin store, which would result in the repair and future maintenance of this dilapidated structure. Overall the proposals will have a low beneficial impact on the significance of the cottages and a negligible impact on the conservation area.

48 BIBLIOGRAPHY 6

PRIMARY SOURCES AUD 27/21, DSD24, Interview of Cheryl Parkes, née Cox, by Bob Census Records Carter, 2007 Norfolk Record Office 1861 Census ACC 1997/196, Estate papers concerning Felbrigg, Blickling and C/Sce 2/3/3, Diversion of Highways. Plan attached., 1804 1871 Census Sheringham Halls FX 11/1, Sketch map of heaths, Blickling and Aylsham, based on an 1881 Census ACC 1998/1, Blickling estate additional records original dated 1622 held at the Public Record Office 1891 Census NRS 14548, 29C4, Abstract of copies of copyholds in Blickling FX 257/1, Photocopy from tracing of map of the parish of Blickling by 1901 Census purchased of Joseph Sayers by Lord Hobart James Corbridge showing park layout and naming pieces and occupiers, 1729 NRS 18206, 33A4, Bond for quiet enjoyment of the manor of Blickling. SECONDARY SOURCES Milleson Sayers of Great Yarmouth, mariner, to Christopher Sayers of the same, pulleymaker. National Trust Archive Broadland District Council, Blickling Rural Conservation Area, Album of photographs showing repairs to 18-20 Silvergate, Character Appraisal (December 2007) DN/INV 74A/166, Sayers, Christopher, mariner, of Great Yarmouth 1965-1967 (Norfolk) Clark, K. Informed Conservation (Historic England, 2001) Fielden + Mawson, Existing and proposed plans of 18-20 Silvergate, NRS 14556, 29C4, Manor of Blickling. Note of surrender by Samuel Historic England, ‘Domestic 1: Vernacular Houses’, Listing Selection 1963 Sayers to use of Robert Doughty of Hanworth, 1704, and admission of Guide (Historic England, 2011) Mr Sendall, 1735, note by Robert Britiffe, 1736. Annotated 1906 Ordnance Survey Map Historic England. Conservation Principles Policies and Guidance, NRS 17285, Gardening and carpentry accounts Bill Wilson, Vernacular Building Survey: Blickling Estate, (1990) (Historic England, 2008) NRS 14155, 28F11, List of lands held Kenneth Penn, National Trust Report: An Archaeological & Norfolk Heritage Explorer Historical Landscape Survey, Blickling Estate, 2008. Part 2, MC 3/936-939, 726X8, Blickling Hall estate rentals, 1887-1902 NHER Number: 12550, ‘Blickling Estate Brickworks’ Inventory (2008) AUD 3/1/19, Stanley Douglas, gardener, talks about Silvergate where Nikolaus Pevsner and Bill Wilson, The Buildings of England, Norfolk he lives and his life working in Hall gardens for 20 years (1920-1940). British Newspaper Archives 1: Norwich and North-East (Penguin, 1997) NRS 14546, 29C4, Final Concord and counterpart. John Gay, esq., Portsmouth Evening News, Monday 14 September 1936 The National Planning Policy Framework (2011) plaintiff. Christopher Sayers and Mary, his wife, deforciants, 1715 ‘Storm near Aylsham’, Diss Express, August 1924 The National Trust, Blickling Hall (The National Trust, 1998) MC 3/846, 715X7, Sketch map of Blickling Park

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50 APPENDICES

Appendix A: List Description Appendix B: Built Fabric Analysis

51 APPENDIX A: LISTING DESCRIPTION

18, 19 AND 20, SILVERGATE Grade: II List entry Number: 1372694 Date first listed: 28-Mar-1988

Range of three cottages. C17 and later, much altered. Red brick in English bond. Steeply-pitched thatched roof. Two storeys and attics, rectangular plan. East elevation has three entrance doors with segmental-arched openings; irregular fenestration of 2 and 3-light casements with glazing bars, openings re-arranged at north end. One first floor casement retains leaded glazing. Coped and parapeted gables, tumbling-in to north gable. 2-light attic window in south gable. Later lean-to’s on west side; one first floor 4-light ovolo- moulded mullion window with leaded glazing. Two rebuilt ridge stacks. Lower one-bay pantiled extension to south.

52 APPENDIX B: BUILT FABRIC ANALYSIS

BUILT FABRIC ANALYSIS extensions with any visible historic brickwork, appears to date At first floor level, there were a series of small bedrooms in each from the late eighteenth century. The cottages have therefore had cottage. The three in No.20 linked one to another with no corridor This section provides an analysis of the surviving fabric of the rear extensions for most of their existence. The rear extensions whilst Nos.18 and 19 had rooms that were not labelled as cottages and considers in turn the historical development of the were largely rebuilt in the 1960s with more of the extant bedrooms in 1963 so that they acted as lobbies but it is likely that plan form, the extant external built fabric, the internal fabric brickwork dating from the 1960s than appears for demolition on historically these too were used as bedrooms. including comparison with Bill Wilson’s 1990 description of the the 1960s proposed drawings, notably the west wall of the cottages, and the uses of the cottages. It should be read in northern extension. The 1960s alterations largely preserved the ground floor layouts of conjunction with the previous section, which describes the the main parts of Nos. 19 and 20 though an additional door was historical development of the site based on archival sources. Although there has been a very minor change to the principal added between the kitchen and sitting room in No.20. The rear divisions of the three cottages, it appears that they have always entrance of No.19 was partially blocked and converted into a PLAN FORM been three cottages and, significantly, that they have always varied window whilst a new rear entrance was created via the new The cottages are thought to date from the third quarter of the in size with No.20 as the largest and No.18 as the smallest. The extension to the area that had been occupied by No.18’s staircase. seventeenth century.01 The 1729 map by Corbridge shows a pair of nineteenth century extension to No.18 is likely to have been an No.18 was the most altered of the three cottages with the existing cottages on the site. The extant building shows a distinct change in attempt to redress the balance of this. stair removed and a new stair installed in the south-west corner. the brickwork between Nos. 18 and 19, which are English bond, The short flight of stairs linking the kitchen in the lower part of the and No.20, which is Flemish bond. This suggests that the pair of Internal house (south extension) were removed, the opening blocked and a cottages shown on Corbridge’s map were Nos.18 and 19. The There are no surviving internal floor plans for the cottages prior to new opening and flight created at the west end. The specification exact date of construction of the third cottage is unknown but it the 1960s, when internal floor plans were prepared in advance of also suggests the floor level was raised to minimise the number of appears that there were three areas of garden, and presumably the alterations. steps. The rear entrance in the south extension was blocked and a therefore three cottages, by the time of the tithe map in 1840. new opening created at the back of the main part of the house. The 1960s plans show an arrangement of two central The extension to No.18 is also of Flemish bond and is set lower chimneystacks, each serving both cottages either side of it with At first floor level, all the cottages were reorganised to create than floor heights of the other cottages. The archival evidence of further chimneystacks on the end walls of Nos. 18 and 20. This corridors or lobbies from which to access bedrooms and also to the two OS maps suggests that the extension was built between suggests that all the cottages had at least two rooms on the ground provide bathrooms. Although the plans show many of the existing 1886 and 1906. floor from the late nineteenth century. Nos. 19 and 20 had winder partition walls being retained, the recent fire has revealed that steps either side of their shared chimney stack whilst No.18 had many of them were rebuilt with composite blocks. This reflects the At the rear of the cottages are shown as having rear extension on steps to the west of its north chimney breast. As well as being concern in the 1960s for incorporating fire safety measures. the 1840 tithe map and the small section of historic brickwork in accessed from the front of property, all the cottages had doors in the one of the rear extensions of No.19, the only one of the their rear elevations. The outshuts to the rear appear to have provided storage space.

01 Bill Wilson, Vernacular Building Survey: Blickling Estate, (1990), 1

53 APPENDIX B: BUILT FABRIC ANALYSIS

EXTERNAL BUILT FABRIC Brickwork A considerable portion of the seventeenth century brickwork of Nos. 18 and 19 survives but there have clearly been phases of change that are evidenced in the building’s facades. However, the production of bricks on the Blickling Estate and a practice of reusing historic bricks from the site or elsewhere on the estate means that it is not necessarily possible to date the changes. The following images illustrate some of the main areas that illustrate change.

The most complicated area of brickwork is that between Nos.19 and 20. There is a change from No.19’s English bond to No. 20’s Flemish bond. There is also evidence of what appears to be a blocked door (see detail adjacent), which would have created an entrance opposite the chimney stack but if this were the case then Wilson’s assertion that the existing winder staircase is in the location of the original would be incorrect. There is, however, a change to the brickwork plinth that is consistent with there having Detail of what appears to be a blocked door at the north end of No.19. been a door in this location. Above the presumed blocked opening is a niche that looks as though it once bore a plaque, perhaps a house name or reference to an estate, although this seems a rather unusual location for it at what was the end of the building. To the north of the blocked door is a straight line in the brickwork between ground and first floor windows and which follows below the ground floor window and thorough the plinth. It is possible this represents the original end of the pair of cottages or alternatively may have been the result of repairs.

54 APPENDIX B: BUILT FABRIC ANALYSIS

South of the front door of No.20 are two phases of bricking up. There is one closest to the door, which probably represents the earliest ground floor window in this area, which is partly interrupted by the brick lintel and blocked window of a second, later window opening, which in turn was superseded by the existing window opening.

At the corner of the north and east walls Blocked window in the north elevation. there is a thicker line of mortar and some slight misalignment of the brickwork suggesting that the north wall may have been rebuilt at some stage. The brickwork of the north wall appears later. It also contains what appears to be a blocked window (see detail image adjacent) but prior to the 1960s alterations there was a chimney inside the north gable wall, which suggests the window either pre-dated or post-dated the chimney. It is possible that the end rooms of No.20, which were quite substantial for the cottages, had no source of heat at one time but this seems unlikely.

55 APPENDIX B: BUILT FABRIC ANALYSIS

Around several of the twentieth century windows it is possible to The rear of No.19 shows phases of brickwork changes and, equally discern newer bricks that have been inserted when the new areas, where known changes are not so clearly discernible. The windows were installed, as here on the first floor window in the original ovolo-moulded window at first floor level appears to have east elevation of No.19. been shortened in the nineteenth or early twentieth century. At ground floor level, the right hand window was a door until the 1960s and yet the use of historic bricks to infill the lower area disguises the change. Brickwork infill to the north of the front door of No.18 suggests that the doorframe has either been replaced and that some bricks were removed and replaced to accommodate this or possibly that the door was inserted in this position later.

56 APPENDIX B: BUILT FABRIC ANALYSIS

The upper part of the rear wall of No.18 has an upside down L-shaped area of newer brickwork that appears almost as though there were a door at this level previously. It is unlikely that there would have been a door in a domestic property in this location unless there had been a two storey extension at the rear. The 1886 OS map shows an extension in this location but does not indicate its height. It is possible that rather than being a blocked opening, it is an area of brickwork repair, possibly where the brickwork had The rear wall of the nineteenth century At the rear of No.20 is a wide timber door been damaged around an earlier window opening. extension to No.18 shows where the door frame that appears to have been bricked up was converted into a window in the 1960s. in the late nineteenth or early twentieth centuries. The doorframe is pegged and has a simple moulded detail that is similar to the seventeenth century architraves in the Estate Office at Blickling Hall..

57 APPENDIX B: BUILT FABRIC ANALYSIS

Windows INTERNAL BUILT FABRIC No. 18 Silvergate The windows vary in age throughout the cottages. The oldest In 1990, Bill Wilson provided a detailed description based on visual Ground Floor window is located in the west elevation on the first floor of No. 19. survey of the cottages in his Vernacular Building Survey. Given the ‘The kitchen has had a partition wall inserted to divide it from the new This ovolo-moulded casement window is most likely original, damage from the fire and loss of historic fabric, this survey provides hall area to the rear. C20 brick fireplace. A chamfered spine beam runs although the changes in brickwork below suggest that it has been the best comparable evidence for the cottages prior to recent through this partition wall: tongue stop to north, the south end shortened at some point. Another early window is the small damage. This section compares the post-fire building with the disappearing into the upper flight of the inserted west staircase. The eighteenth century lap-glazed casement with original L- hinges in 1990 description to determine which historic features have south side of the kitchen has two cupboards, of which the western one the rear elevation of No. 18. survived and also considers the fabric that has been exposed by has a C18 plank and muntin door on strap hinges. The other cupboard the fire and subsequent works. In each case, the relevant excerpt has a C20 door. The C17 staircase was a winder situated to the There are several nineteenth century windows in the range, from Wilson’s report is provided first in italics, followed by a north-west of the stack. A late C20 hollow door leads into the staircase including a first floor diamond-leaded casement in the east comparison of the surviving fabric today. hall. Stick baluster dog-leg staircase c.1970. The study is within the early elevation of No. 20. In addition there are three c.1830 metal C19 south extension, reached by a short flight of descending steps casement windows; two on either side of the front door to No. 19 relocated from the east side. The original entrance to it was through the and one on the ground floor at the rear of No. 20. The majority of eastern of the two cupboards. C20 brick fireplace.’ windows in the west elevation are twentieth century replacements, some having been added during the 1960s scheme of renovations. The ground floor of No. 18 Silvergate has been least affected by the fire, although there is evidence of smoke and water damage Roofs throughout the cottage. The retention of the small lap window in The 1960s modifications also saw large-scale repairs to the roof the Hall is a historically significant survival, as is the eighteenth structure and the insertion of replacement timbers. The chimney century kitchen cupboard. stacks over No. 18 and Nos. 19 and 20 were also rebuilt, which is likely to have been one of a series of rebuildings that probably The ceiling of the kitchen has been shown to be reed and plaster occurred during the building’s lifetime. apart from the western end where it is plasterboard. This corresponds with the area of the original staircase across to the partition wall. The ceiling of the sitting room is lath and plaster.

58 APPENDIX B: BUILT FABRIC ANALYSIS

First Floor ‘The first floor rooms are all entered through late C20 hollow doors. Blocked fireplace in south room. The east room has a late C19 plank cupboard door on strap hinges.’

The south bedroom has survived relatively intact, except for smoke damage. The stairs up to the attic room are no longer accessible and the roof structure has been destroyed. The C19 plank cupboard door does not survive.

Where the plaster has come off the top of the wall in the front bedroom, it appears that the upper courses of internal brickwork have been replaced, probably in the twentieth century. The failed plaster has also revealed that the west partition wall of the front bedroom is composite block.

The window in the rear lobby, which appears to be nineteenth century, has had all its glazing shattered by the fire. Similarly the photograph of the cottages in 1990 appears to show a nineteenth century window in the front bedroom but the frame is now charred and the glazing and mullions lost entirely.

At present, the floorboards survive throughout the first floor, except for the area of concrete to the west of the main stack, which has a screed floor over the area once occupied by the original winder staircase.

Rear elevation of No. 18 (from Wilson’s Vernacular Building Survey) The joinery (door architraves, skirtings and balustrades) appear to be modern and date from the 1960s. The timbers forming the floor above also appear to be modern.

Second Floor ‘Stairs lead up to an attic room which shows the principals of the C18 roof structure and a late C20 through purlin. Mortice holes remain for pegged taper-tenoned butt purlins and collars, so the roof was anyway an C18 replacement before C20 alterations. The two early west side windows have stays and catches.’

The second floor is not accessible and has largely been destroyed by the fire.

59 APPENDIX B: BUILT FABRIC ANALYSIS

No. 19 Silvergate that the earliest surviving ceiling is the lath and plaster one First Floor Ground Floor between the beams, that the ceiling was then lowered below the ‘From the sitting room access is gained to the first floor via a winder ‘The most original of the three houses. The sitting room has a chamfered beams in reed and plaster before having a plasterboard ceiling staircase to the east of the stack in its original position, though the stairs spine beam and a C20 brick fireplace. A C19 plank door leads into the erected in the 1960s or after. Some of the historic timbers in the themselves are late C18. Of the same date is the plank door on strap storeroom in the rear outshut and a C20 hollow door provides access to sitting room ceiling have been reinforced with later pieces of hinges which closes them. Three hollow C20 doors open into the first-floor the kitchen. The kitchen itself has lost its fireplace, but the chamfered timber. The ceiling visible in the kitchen is plasterboard. rooms. The rear south bedroom has the 4-light 17 mullioned window with spine beam continues from the sitting room to terminate in a tongue its leaded glazing. The upper catch is original, the lower one is a C20 stop. The pantry has a C20 hollow door as has the bathroom door.‘ The floor finish in the sitting room is screed laid over what are replacement. and the whole is set within chamfered jambs. The roof presumably the 1960s vinyl tiles. The kitchen floor is also screed. structure is of principal rafters and collars, formerly with collars and two The ground floor of No. 19 has survived relatively intact, the main tiers of butt purlins.’ damage having been caused by smoke and water. The nineteenth The east wall of the winder staircase is lath and plaster but the century plank door to the store room survives in good condition north wall, shared with No.20 is composite block. This suggests The first floor of No. 19 was not accessible during the site visit due although there is some probably pre-fire damage to the latch. The that the partition wall was either rebuilt or reinforced in the 1960s to the damage caused by the fire. The roof structure has been chamfered beam has also survived. as a measure to prevent the spread of fire. considerably charred and parts lost in the fire with remainder having been removed to off-site storage. However, photographs The removal of the plasterboard ceiling in most of the sitting room The c.1830 metal window in the east kitchen wall has cracked from c.2010 suggest that the roof contained relatively little historic has revealed an unusual arrangement of laths applied directly to glazing as does the nineteenth century metal window in the east timber. the boards above and then plastered over between the beams. sitting room wall. The other ground floor windows were installed There is also evidence of a reed and plaster ceiling, which suggests in the 1960s. There is secondary glazing to all the windows. The ovolo-moulded window has survived, although the glazing is damaged. The adjacent nineteenth century window has also lost its glazing. On the east elevation, the 1830s metal casement window has lost its transoms and its glazing whilst the twentieth century timber window has lost its glazing.

60 APPENDIX B: BUILT FABRIC ANALYSIS

Photograph of the roof over No.19 looking south c.2010 Photograph of the roof over No.19 looking north c.2010 Roof structure above No. 19 (from Wilson’s Vernacular Building Survey) (courtesy of the National Trust) (courtesy of the National Trust)

Ovolo-moulded window on first floor (from Wilson’s Vernacular Building Survey) The west elevation of No. 19 (from Wilson’s Vernacular Building Survey)

61 APPENDIX B: BUILT FABRIC ANALYSIS

No. 20, Silvergate In both rooms the 1960s vinyl floor tiles are in situ but very crisp ‘The kitchen has been opened out into one room and the fireplace has and curling in the wake of the fire. been blocked. The 6-panelled door leading from it into the sitting room is not in situ. The sitting room itself retains a chamfered spine beam and a The ceiling in the kitchen is plasterboard where it survives. The cupboard to the left of the C20 brick fireplace. ceiling in the sitting room shows a similar arrangement to that in No.19 with lath and plaster immediately below the boards above The other side of the fireplace is occupied by the staircase (a and a reed and plaster ceiling below the beams. A large area of the replacement) and a doorway has been created in the wall formerly ceiling has been lost when the floor above collapsed. dividing the house from the outshut to provide a second rear entrance. The roof structure is of large chamfered tie beams and rafters, but not all An area of lath and plaster has been exposed on the east side of is visible.’ the winder staircase. The south wall has been revealed to be composite blocks but with evidence of an older lath and plaster The majority of the fabric described in Wilson’s assessment of the wall on the north side. ground floor of No. 20 survives and the six panel door to which he refers has also been reinstated. There is, however, no blocked At first floor level, the partition has been removed with just a small fireplace in the kitchen. area of reed and plaster remaining where the partition abutted the east wall. Most of the windows at first floor level were twentieth The early nineteenth century metal casement window in the west century. The north-east window was a diamond leaded early wall of the kitchen has survived though its glazing is damaged; the nineteenth century casement, which seems to have survived with other window and the larder window are both twentieth century minimal damage to the glazing. in date, as are the windows in the sitting room. Secondary glazing had been installed to the ground floor windows.

62 APPENDIX B: BUILT FABRIC ANALYSIS

USES Archival research has not brought to light any specific early uses for the Silvergate Cottages. It is thought that they were incorporated into the Blickling Estate in the 1760s and were probably used to house estate workers. This is certainly the case by the late nineteenth century when census records show the direct connection between the occupants of the cottages and their employment on the Blickling Estate. It is possible that throughout the existence of the cottages, their female occupants in particular may have engaged in ‘cottage industries’, work that could be undertaken at home.

Prior to the fire all three cottages were rented to private individuals. Broadly, the National Trust is responsible for the Ceiling in sitting room of No.19 South wall of winder stair, shared with No. 19 maintenance of the exterior and built fabric of the cottages whilst tenants are responsible for the interiors.

West elevation of No. 20 (from Wilson’s Vernacular Building Survey)

North elevation of No. 20

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