EAST BERGHOLT, Proposal for EXTENDING THE CONSERVATION AREA

1821 1881 2021

Version v2.3.7, 23/08/2021 INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS

Introduction 3 Area 1 : The Donkey Track 10 Area 2 : Quinton’s Triangle 23 Area 3 : Hadleigh Road West Side 31 Area 4 : Gaston Street West 36 Area 5 : Mill & Flatford Lane 41

Document produced by Neighborhood Plan Group on behalf of East Bergholt Parish Council, May 2021

Contact Point: Nigel Roberts mailto:[email protected]

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 2 EAST BERGHOLT – WHY EXTEND CONSERVATION AREA? INTRODUCTION

For many people in Britain and around the world, East Bergholt is the quintessential cherished exemplar of the classic “English Village”. This sentiment has been established for at least 200 years because of the fame of and the celebration of his paintings. East Bergholt was his birthplace and where he continued to return throughout his life to paint and draw the landscapes and buildings. Constable’s work resides in prestigious museums and collections, both here and abroad, and continues to be published widely.

Before Constable’s time, our Suffolk village has had a fascinating history with archaeological and written records of prehistoric, Roman, Saxon, and Medieval developments in the landscape. Significant early periods of the wool “The Street” John Constable 1799 trade and corn milling typified the farm-based industries carried out in East Bergholt, leading to the establishment of some grand houses and smaller cottages, many of which are still standing today, with original church and school buildings.

The village “heart” is connected by lanes to what were small hamlets, or “ends”, like East End and Gastons End, which were spaced around a large Heath. Before “Enclosure” this was common land and it sits on a hilltop ridge or plateau overlooking the valley of the River Stour. Below, in what is now called Dedham Vale, sits Flatford, which is very much part of East Bergholt and is famous for its watermill, locks and mill-pond immortalized in Constable’s “The Haywain” in 1821.

View as of today (2021)

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 3 EAST BERGHOLT – WHY EXTEND CONSERVATION AREA? INTRODUCTION

Much of this landscape and infrastructure, together with many listed buildings in the locality have not changed in character since the early 19th century, while the village has grown in the past 50 years to accept some large and small groups of housing, new schools and a health centre. Somewhat surprisingly perhaps, many of the classic rural views that Constable painted can still be seen, without disruption, today.

While East Bergholt benefits from sitting within and between two AONB’s, the current Conservation Area is restricted to an L-shaped strip centred around St Mary’s Church, branching north up Gaston Street, and East along Rectory Hill.

This document has been prepared after extensive research. We have appraised the current Conservation Area (CA) which was designated in 1968 1816, Willy Lotts Cottage, Flatford, East Bergholt, and extended in 1975 and have assessed the potential for extending the area based on built environment and landscape considerations. Our proposal is to extend the current CA to include five contiguous Areas, each with their own important characteristics but which when taken together chart the development and rich history and heritage of East Bergholt. Their designation will help conserve, protect and enhance the important character of East a Bergholt for the benefit of future generations

View today (2021)

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 4 BACKGROUND RESEARCH INTRODUCTION

Much of the impetus and analysis for this work has been based on The Parish Council’s Dec 2020 document “Historic Landscape of East Bergholt and the Cultural Legacy of John Constable” which we commissioned from consultants Heritage Collective. The study enables us in the village to put forward, with strong justification, Constable’s paintings of the locality to help protect East Bergholt from inappropriate and large-scale development, while reminding everyone how special the landscape is. The study shows that Heritage Collective have raised the status of many of the open field sites to “High Sensitivity”, not just because of Constable’s work, but in consideration of the history and relatively slow evolution of this vibrant village.

We are very grateful for the continued support and advice from Babergh Mid-Suffolk’s planning and conservation team. Our dialogue with Philip Isbell, Samantha Summers and Jonathan Duck has been invaluable. This has involved virtual meetings (due to Covid), and a socially-distance walking tour of the village in December last year.

Dialogue and consultation with Historic on this application is also underway.

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 5 LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT, HISTORIC LANDSCAPE REPORT 2021 INTRODUCTION

This Map, taken from the Heritage Landscape Study Nov. 2020 identifies the significant views for the parish of East Bergholt, (more detail on important views follows in next sections)

Download a PDF copy from https://www.ebsoc.org.uk/images/hcuf-v5.pdf

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 6 THE AONBs INTRODUCTION

This map shows the village of East Bergholt as part of the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with its northern edge framed by the more recent extension of the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths AONB.

Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB

Dedham Vale AONB

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 7 EXISTING CONSERVATION AREA INTRODUCTION

The village heart includes cluster of listed buildings along the L-shaped route which forms the current Conservation Area. Significant large historic properties are picked out, such as St Mary’s Church, but many buildings are small cottages or former commercial premises, set into their original context. The East Bergholt Conservation Area encompasses an area of land bordering Gaston Street, The Street and Rectory Hill, between the two main settled parts of the village. The Conservation Area is wholly within the Dedham Vale AONB The historic core of East Bergholt was designated a Conservation Area in 1968. No Conservation Area Appraisal or Management Plan has been published. There are no scheduled monuments actually within the parish, although two lie close by: the site of the medieval Dodnash Priory, situated adjacent the north eastern parish boundary, and a group of up to a dozen ring ditches southwest of Reed Island, c.230m south of the parish boundary on the south bank of the River Stour. This area is defined by significant buildings that Gables Old Rectory form the historic origins of the village at Old Hall and is characterised by a more dispersed settlement pattern and varied building line compared to the village centre. The combination Stour of important historic buildings, historic boundary House walls and mature vegetation combine to create a Church special highly valued character. The south-western half of the parish lies within the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Old Hall Beauty (AONB), an area covering 117 square miles across Dedham Vale and the Stour Valley, an area registered battlefields within the parish.

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 8 PROPOSED EXTENSIONS BY AREA INTRODUCTION

Our research was much wider than just the 5 Areas proposed. We assessed the built fabric and landscape character across the Parish and initially identified 8 areas for consideration. We stress tested this work with officers from Babergh before determining the 5 Areas that on merit have the strongest credentials for Conservation Area designation and which are now the focus of this report. 4. Gaston 2. Quinton’s Street West Triangle The areas chosen embody strong characteristics of the historic landscape and East Bergholt’s early development. They also include many places where John Constable celebrated the natural 1. The Donkey 3. Hadleigh Road Track environment, which is still evident today. West Side These five areas have different qualities and justifications:

1. The Donkey Track – remains of the Heath, where Constable painted some famous landscapes

2. Quinton’s Triangle – an ancient village green still surrounded by listed houses and cottages

Existing 3. Hadleigh Road West Side – important tree-lined entrance to Conservation Area the village with large listed houses 5. & Flatford Lane 4. Gaston Street West – another important entrance route to the village where only the East side has CA status protection

5. Flatford Mill and Flatford Lane – a candidate for a World Heritage Site application, and surprising it has not got CA status already, due to the many Constable paintings here.

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 9 AREA 1 – THE “DONKEY TRACK”

AREA 1 THE “DONKEY TRACK” Chapter Contents Definition 11 Views 12 Historical Importance 14 Historical Maps 15 Assessment of Special Interest 16 Constable Views (A,B,C, D & E) 17-21 Reasons for Inclusion 22 References 22

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 10 DEFINITION AREA 1 – THE “DONKEY TRACK”

The Area termed “The Donkey Track” is the first of the proposed Conservation Area extensions. It is central to the village, abuts the existing Conservation Area and is core to the heritage landscape of Constable’s period.

Golding Constable’s Windmill • To the south-west of the track, the undulating land is divided by the Riber stream which continues across Rectory Hill and eventually down to the Stour.

• The western boundary is created by the rear Golding of The Old Rectory and properties which face Constable’s garden Rectory Hill, The Street, and Gaston Street. • The north-eastern side of the track is distinguished by a 20-year-old woodland at the southern end leading to cultivated fields Donkey Track divided by hedges leading up to Heath Road/Mill Road, the main vehicular route around East Bergholt. The rear of the 1970's Richardson Road estate and the Medical Surgery complex abut the land to the north. The Old Rectory

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 11 Views over Donkey Track Area (1) AREA 1 – THE “DONKEY TRACK”

View 3 southeast from Chaplin Road

View 4 south from Richardsons Road

VIEW 3

VIEW 4

(from Landscape Assessment, Historic Landscape Report, 2021)

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 12 Views over Donkey Track (2) AREA 1 – THE “DONKEY TRACK”

Rectory Village Centre & Hill church

View 5 southwest from Donkey Track

Donkey Track

Gaston Street

View 6 west from Donkey Track

(from Landscape Assessment, Historic Landscape Report, 2021)

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 13 HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE AREA 1 – THE “DONKEY TRACK”

The land was part of East Bergholt Heath before "enclosure" happened in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The Donkey Track was well established as a path across the Heath and the land between it and the rear of The Rectory is shown on old maps (like the Brasier map of 1731) as The Great Field. The land to the north-east of the track formerly was criss-crossed with old routes towards East End , Constable’s Gastons End, Puttocks End and Windmill . This land was also distinguished by Donkey a windmill owned by John

Track Constable's father. Brasier 1731 Heath Map Brasier Heath 1731

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 14 THE DONKEY TRACK, GREAT FIELD, & RECTORY AREA 1 – THE “DONKEY TRACK”

This Map shows the Constable family’s land ownership in the centre of East Bergholt.

From the Enclosure Map of 1817, it can seen that Golding Constable owned much of what was called The Great Field, straddling the Riber stream and adjacent to the back of The Old Rectory, owned at the time by Dr Rhudde. Rhudde was the uncle of Maria Bicknell, who eventually married John Constable. Their courtship began during her many long stays at the Rectory, even though her uncle disapproved of the artist and his status as the son of a tradesman. After many years of difficult betrothal and patient pursuit by Constable in East Bergholt and London , they eventually married. It is said the proposal was clinched behind a Camelia bush in the Rectory garden. It is certain that John Constable spent a great deal of time in this field and along the Donkey Track which gave him such good views of the rear of the Rectory’s wooded garden. His letters record their their stolen meetings and walks, which must have happened in these very fields during their long courtship. (See “Constable in Love” by Martin Gayford).

Showing the Great Field owned by Golding Constable

The Old Rectory

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 15 ASSESSMENT OF SPECIAL INTEREST AREA 1 – THE “DONKEY TRACK”

John Constable was clearly fascinated by this area of land in the village of his birth and painted and drew it on many occasions. The views from "Golding Constable's Kitchen Garden" (1814) show the Rectory, the fields and windmill in the distance, and he painted the Riber Valley from the Donkey Track on several occasions , focussing on the rear of the rectory's walled garden and trees across the landscape. The endearing thought of his true-love, Maria Bicknell , residing in the Rectory at the time may well have been an incentive. These paintings in local, national and international collections , illustrate that much of the landscape, hedgerows and tree cover has changed very little in the 200 years since Constable painted these iconic views. Constable also looked Sites of 132 Constable Landscape Painting painted of East Bergholt north-east of the Donkey and Flatford Track and painted the Heath and his father's 5 Views of Constable’s paintings, explored in the following pages, showing how the painting matches the (currently unspoilt) view windmill (which at one point in his early life he was put in charge of). His 1814 entitled "Spring: D East Bergholt Common" B features the windmill and a ploughman following his C horse. It was later made into an engraving which became a national best- seller in Victorian times. A E It is also highly likely that John Constable walked this land in his long and difficult courtship of Maria Bicknell (see Martin Gayford's "Constable in Love").

Map of Constable Viewpoints across the Heath

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 16 CONSTABLE VIEW A: Golding Constable’s Vegetable Garden, (1815) AREA 1 – THE “DONKEY TRACK”

Rectory Constable’s Riber trees Rectory Hill This panorama from his father’s house (presumedly Windmill Valley Rectory looking out of an upstairs window) is one of Constable’s much-loved classic paintings of East Bergholt. While the foreground is taken up by the detail of Donkey the kitchen garden, the distant landscape very Track well represents the current landscape and shows many of the features which can still be seen today such as Rectory Hill, the Riber Valley, the Rectory and its trees, and the Heath (leading up to the windmill which is no longer there).

View A: 1815 ‘Golding Constable Kitchen Garden’, Museum

Same view at sunrise East Bergholt Rectory, Philadelphia Mus of Art

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 17 CONSTABLE VIEW B: Riber Valley and Back of Rectory & Woods AREA 1 – THE “DONKEY TRACK”

This painting from 1813 of the Riber Valley and the dense trees at the rear of the Rectory is unchanged today. It was painted from the Donkey Track or in the nearby field. The current view, photographed on a similarly blustery day but in 2021, shows the that unspoilt nature of the view has changed little.

‘East Bergholt’, 1813, Yale Centre for British Art

Current View 2021

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 18 CONSTABLE VIEW C: view from the Donkey Track AREA 1 – THE “DONKEY TRACK”

This view from further north up the Donkey Track shows the Riber, sunken in the foreground, with the Great Field rising in the background, framed by the lines of hedges and the Rectory trees. It can easily be identified as the same view today, albeit with the trees along the Riber naturally looking slightly different.

1808, ‘East Bergholt’, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

C

2021 from Donkey Track looking towards the Rectory

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 19 CONSTABLE VIEW D: North to Heath Road with Windmill to the East AREA 1 – THE “DONKEY TRACK”

Transformed into a best-selling etching print in the Victorian era, this view of his father’s windmill on the Heath became one of Constable’s most popular images. Painted shortly after Enclosure, it gives us a stirring glimpse of the heathland being ploughed, but with still not much development on the horizon. Today’s view still shows fields, hedgerows and trees still intact, but bordered by Heath Road and overhead power lines. Housing estates and the surgery are in the far distance.

1814, ‘Spring on East Bergholt Common’ V & A Museum

2021 Site of Heath Windmill from Mill House

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 20 CONSTABLE VIEW E: South West over River Riber AREA 1 – THE “DONKEY TRACK”

This is Constable’s “Summer Evening” Landscape, painted from just north of the River Riber looking south west towards the Rectory, home of his beloved Maria Bicknell. The view today is largely unchanged, especially when captured on film with one of Constable’s typical Suffolk big skys.

2021 Looking south west over River Riber today

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 21 Reasons for Inclusion in the Conservation Area AREA 1 – THE “DONKEY TRACK”

1. The cultural importance of the landscape views are on an international scale because of Constable's fame as an artist. 2. It is remarkable that these views he recorded two centuries ago still exist, and they should be protected. 3. The Landscape Sensitivity Appraisal of 2020 by Heritage Collective awarded this area High Sensitivity. 4. High Sensitivity means that "It is unlikely that any development, save for individual plots in very specific locations, would be appropriate." 5. The Donkey Track itself is a very popular amenity and walking route for the residents of East Bergholt.

Relevant Reading, Documentation, Maps and Photographs

"Historic Landscape Study of East Bergholt and the Cultural Legacy of John Constable" by Heritage Collective (2020) "Constable in Love" by Martin Gayford Brasier maps, 1731 and 1733 Enclosure Maps, 1816 "The Making of a Master. John Constable" Mark Evans V&A (2014) "Constable's England" Graham Reynolds, Metropolitan Museum of Art (1983) "Constable: Paintings, Watercolours and Drawings" Parris, Fleming-Williams, Shields. Tate Gallery (1976) East Bergholt Society website, April 2021 https://www.ebsoc.org.uk

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 22 AREA 2 – QUINTONS TRIANGLE

AREA 2

QUINTON’S TRIANGLE Chapter Contents Definition 24 Views 25 Historical Importance (1 & 2) 26-27 Listed Buildings 28 Assessment of Special Interest 29 Reasons for Inclusion 30 References 30

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 23 DEFINITION AREA 1 – THE “DONKEY TRACK”

This area is a well-defined triangle formed by Quintons Road, Woodgates and Heath Road containing historic open space and many historic buildings.

The land on the North side of Quintons Road also falls into this category

In addition, the land from the end of Gaston Quinton’s House Street, along Heath Road from the Carriers pub to the Hare & Hounds pub, is worthy also of conservation area consideration, together with the allotment land at the rear.

Box Iron

Carrier’s Arms Hare & Hounds Allotments

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 24 Views AREA 2 – QUINTONS TRIANGLE

View 2 southwest from Woodgates Lane

Quintons Triangle VIEW 2

(from Landscape Assessment, Historic Landscape Report, 2021)

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 25 Historical Importance (1) AREA 2 – QUINTONS TRIANGLE

The area was known as Gaston’s End on early Brassier maps, particularly of East Bergholt Heath of 1731, where the triangle with its historic pond is clearly shown as a green surrounded by houses. The main green open space is a remnant of the original Heath and is known locally as the “Box Iron” because of its shape. It contains a number of trees with TPO’s. A smaller triangle of green space nearer the Heath Road/ Gaston Street junction, bounded by an ancient iron railing, was considered by a previous Babergh Local Box Iron Plan to be an oasis or vital green space to help retain the rural aspect of the village. A planning application for this plot was refused by EBPC and Babergh for this reason. The Quintons Triangle contains no less than 10 listed buildings : The Hermitage, Chaplins, Chaplains Cottage and Gascoignes, The Carriers Arms, High Trees Farmhouse, Blacksmiths Cottage, The Linnets, Quintons Cottage, Quintons House, and The Hare and Hounds, many dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Quinton’s Triangle – Listed Buildings In addition there are a number of other properties which could be considered worthy of listing because of their historical character : Sunset Cottage in Gaston End, The Sparrows and Quintons in Quintons Road, and Old Cottage, and the Old Coach House on Heath Road. The allotments at the rear of the Heath Road properties on the south side are important historically as they are all that remains of very old allotment plots which were worked by the village community.

Quinton’s Road 1973 The Box Iron from Woodgates Road

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 26 Historical Importance (2) AREA 2 – QUINTONS TRIANGLE

The “Box Iron” has appeared on historical maps since 1733 as the Village Green for Gaston’s End

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 27 Listed Buildings in Quinton’s Triangle AREA 2 – QUINTONS TRIANGLE

The Old Smithy Quinton’s House

The Hermitage Chaplins

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 28 Assessment of Special Interest AREA 2 – QUINTONS TRIANGLE

The Quinton’s Triangle area is like a “time capsule” of part of the village as it developed over five centuries, with examples of different styles of domestic architecture, public houses and the blacksmiths’ workshop in a semblance of the original landscape setting: that of buildings clustered around a triangular “green”, which in turn is part of the wider “heath”. It is a unique character area. The Box Iron green space and the triangular corner spaces are important as they are for the memory of these former times in the village. It would be beneficial for them to be in public ownership to be looked after by the Parish and have controlled public access. The properties on the south side of Heath Road between the two pubs (Carriers and Hare & Hounds) have also special character significance making, as a group, The Carriers, Gaston End an unchanged view on entering East Bergholt. Behind this area, the allotments are an important, well-used, community resource for the village, as they have been over a hundred years, in fact since 1786.

Chaplin House with green triangle Green triangle The Hare & Hounds Heath Road (B1070) Quintons Road/Heath Road Heath Road (B1070)

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 29 REASONS FOR INCLUSION IN THE CONSERVATION AREA AREA 2 – QUINTONS TRIANGLE

1. Quinton’s Triangle contains a combination of a variety of historic buildings and green open spaces which , together, represent a unique vestige of an important part of East Bergholt’s growth over the centuries 2. Any further new development on the elements of open land would destroy the setting and character 3.The Quinton’s area has previously been included in the Conservation Area until at least 1995: It is a mystery why it is not currently represented 4. The ownership and stewardship of the open green spaces needs to be resolved. It used to be in public ownership. Conservation Area status could help with this. 5. The Box Iron is designated as a ‘green open space’ in the East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan.

Relevant Reading, Documentation, Maps, Photographs “Historic Landscape Study of East Bergholt” by Heritage Collective (2020). https://www.eastbergholt.org/Documents/ParishCouncil/Heritage%20Landscape%20Study%20report%20.%20V4%20FINAL.pdf Brasier maps of East Bergholt, including the 1733 map of East Bergholt Heath. Rodney Moss Archive East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan : Character Areas (2016) https://www.babergh.gov.uk/planning/neighbourhood- planning/neighbourhood-planning-in-babergh/east-bergholt-neighbourhood-plan/ Listed Building Descriptions East Bergholt Society Interactive web-site 2021 https://www.ebsoc.org.uk

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 30 AREA 3 – HADLEIGH ROAD WEST SIDE

AREA 3 HADLEIGH ROAD WEST SIDE Chapter Contents

Definition 32 Historical Importance 33 Assessment of Special Interest 34 Reasons for Inclusion 35 References 35

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 31 DEFINITION AREA 3 – HADLEIGH ROAD WEST SIDE

This section runs from the village centre at the Gaston Street junction, from The Gables* along the western side of Hadleigh Road to the junction with Hughes Road (* The Gables is a grade 2* listed building which sits in the current Conservation Area).

While the eastern side of the road is not for conservation area consideration, (mainly lined with set-back 20thC and 21stC houses and the school playing field), it does contribute to the attractive natural tree cover that characterizes the road. The Lodge Together with the western side, the mature trees create a pleasing “tunnel” effect over Allen’s the road at all seasons. The tree-lined frontages for historic buildings such as Gatton Farm House and Ackworth House, which are spaced out along the road, with driveway entrances such as the one for the Gattinets business units. Generally, these historic buildings are only partly visible from the road where the vegetation predominates, with no pavement on this side. At the top Hadleigh Road intersects with Hughes Road and Elm Road, before it continues northwards. Here there is a large open meadow in front of the historic Allens Farmstead and features the gated drive to the Grade 2* listed “The Lodge”, which is not really visible from the road.

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 32 Historical Importance AREA 3 – HADLEIGH ROAD WEST SIDE

Hadleigh Road in its current line appears on some of the earliest historical maps of East Bergholt, such as the Brassier map of 1731, and Hodgkinson’s map of 1783. The curve of the road follows the top of a hilly ridge which descends down westwards to Dedham Vale and the Stour. The route historically followed the topography to join the old Roman road to Holton, Hadleigh and Ipswich, which became the A12. It is therefore an historic, and un-changed, entrance route into the village from the north and west. It is the setting for a sequence of historic and listed houses spaced apart along this western edge; starting with The Gables (16th C Grade The 2*), Gatton House (1809 Grade 2), Ackworth House (1840 Grade 2), Gables Allens Farm (19thcentury Farmstead), and The Lodge (early 16th C Red Grade 2*, and Lodge Cottage (late 16th C Grade 2) Lion

The Lodge

Ackworth House Lodge Cottage

Gatton House The Gables Vale Farmhouse

church 1814 184 1880 0

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 33 Assessment of Special Interest AREA 3 – HADLEIGH ROAD WEST SIDE

This section of Hadleigh Road has a special character due to the curve of the road, the magnificent tree cover and the historic buildings located on the western side. When Gatton House was built on the 26th of June in 1809 John Constable’s mother wrote to him concerning the house: “It is a great improvement to the entrance of our pretty village, and so you will think.” The natural arbour of mature trees across the road is impressive at all seasons, and on the western edge is reinforced by dense vegetation allowing glimpses of the historic houses and their parkland and gardens. As well as an impressive vehicular entrance to the heart of the village, it is a much-loved pedestrian and cycle route for residents and schoolchildren

Gatton House

Ackworth House The Lodge Cottage Hadleigh Road

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 34 Reasons for Inclusion in the Conservation Area AREA 3 – HADLEIGH ROAD WEST SIDE

1. It is an important and historic entrance to the village. 2. The western side is line with a sequence of historic and listed houses, effectively spaced apart from each other. 3. There is a special “natural” character to this section of Hadleigh Road created by the arbor of mature trees, the hedges and the gentle curve of the road. 4. Insensitive development in the future on this well-used route could severely diminish the character and simple attractiveness of its setting. 5. The 2020 Heritage Collective Historic Landscape Study records this as an area of HIGH heritage sensitivity. Field in Front of Allen’s Farm from Hadleigh Rd 6. The area sits within the Dedham Vale AONB 7. There is evidence of archeology, particularly near the old Roman road, where artifacts were found during the construction of Ackworth House

Relevant Reading, Documentation, Maps and Photographs “Historic Landscape Study of East Bergholt and the Cultural Legacy of John Constable” by Heritage Collective (2020). Brassier maps (1731) Hodgkinson’s map of East Bergholt (1783) The enclosure map (1817) Suffolk Records Office. Stour Valley behind Allen’s barn Historic England’s Listing Records for properties mentioned above

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 35 AREA 4 – GASTON STREET WEST

AREA 4 GASTON STREET WEST Chapter Contents

Definition 37 Historical Importance 38 Assessment of Special Interest 39 Reasons for Inclusion 39 Listed Buildings 40 References 40

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 36 DEFINITION AREA 4 – GASTON STREET WEST

Gaston Street has been an important thoroughfare in East Bergholt for centuries, linking the village centre and The Street in the south, with the area once known as Gaston End in the north, where it now adjoins the B1070. Today it lies on a bus route into the village and is a main access route. The street widens as it approaches the village centre.

Gaston Street is a primarily residential street with a wide variety of house types, sizes and styles. The two exceptions are Richardson’s farm which remains a working farm, with its listed farmhouse situated towards the northern end, and the single storey Lambe School, founded in 1594 and now used as a village hall, located closer to the village centre. The latter sits opposite some large houses built in classical style in the late 20th century.

Gaston Street remained largely undeveloped until Victorian times. In 1851 there were only 16 houses on Gaston Street with Tufnells located at one end and The Gothics at the other. Since then any gaps have been filled to provide an eclectic and interesting streetscape with 10 listed buildings scattered on both sides of the street intermixed with more modern development with a wide range of building styles. The street scene is enhanced by the number and type of large mature trees, many with TPOs

Gaston Street West, looking Gaston Street West, looking north-east south-west

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 37 Historical Importance AREA 4 – GASTON STREET WEST

The East side of Gaston Street up to and including Tufnells, and with back gardens overlooking the Heath, is already included within the Conservation Area boundary established in 1968 and extended in 1975. It’s historical importance is clearly therefore well established. However this designation does not recognise the historical importance of Gaston Street in its entirety. The western side of the street from Hadleigh Road to Elm Road contains three listed properties ( Fuschia Cottage, Tudor Cottage and Throwers) and a variety of fine and mature trees with preservation orders towards Hadleigh Road. Two of the listed properties from the 17th and 18th centuries provide good examples of smaller single storey cottages associated with the agricultural history of East Bergholt. Tudor Cottage though is a larger two storey house built in the late 16th century and its situation serves to reinforce the importance of Gaston Road at this time.

The listed trees closer to Hadleigh Road on the west side, and a number of grander homes with large rear gardens and listed trees delineating their rear boundaries have been built close to the village centre. These houses are not listed but complement the character of the overall street scene. In addition there are alms houses (St John’s) here.

It is important that any consideration of the historic importance and heritage value of Gaston street, and its contribution to the character of East Bergholt is not a partial one sided view but incorporates and is reflective of both sides of the street 1814 1887 map

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 38 Assessment of Special Interest & Reasons for Inclusion AREA 4 – GASTON STREET WEST

Assessment of Special Interest • The listed buildings (referred to page 39). • The fine mature trees (referred to above) • The overall character of the street embracing the variety of architectural styles and listed properties on both sides • The wide and open nature of the street towards its southern end with larger properties and the narrowing street with smaller homes and clear links to East Bergholt’s agricultural heritage as one travels away from the village centre

Reasons for Inclusion Gaston Street West, typical period house 1. The west side of Gaston Street is not an island. It is integrally linked in its history and in its visual impact to the east side of the road which is already part of the Conservation Area. The integrity of the Conservation Area in this part of the village can only be protected by recognising that Gaston Street is one entity with each side of the road complementing the other. Both sides also merit protection in their own right. 2. Without this proposed extension to the designation the impact of any development outside the extended area has potential to be detrimental to views out of the area and the overall character of the area will be compromised. 3. This is particularly pertinent should any development take place in front gardens on the west side of Gaston Street, or if the larger rear gardens of the houses at the southern end of the street backing onto Hop Meadow succumb to development pressure. Gaston Street West, looking north to Quintons 4. This potential impact deserves serious consideration and by designating this area the risks of any inappropriate development and the likely harm to the current Conservation Area can be protected.

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 39 Listed buildings AREA 4 – GASTON STREET WEST

Tudor Cottage Throwers Fushia Cottage

Relevant Reading, Sources

• East Bergholt Conservation Area Designation, Babergh DC • Babergh DC website • Dedham Flatford and East Bergholt, Ian Yearsley • East Bergholt Heritage Landscape Study, Heritage Collective • Historic England • British Listed Buildings

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 40 AREA 5 – FLATFORD MILL & LANE

AREA 5 FLATFORD MILL & LANE Chapter Contents

Definition 42 Views 43 Historical Importance 44 Major Constable Paintings 45-46 Assessment of Special Interest 47 Reasons for Inclusion 48 References 48

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 41 DEFINITION AREA 5 – FLATFORD MILL & LANE

Existing Conservation Area

Flatford itself is a small cluster of buildings on the banks of the River Stour to the south of East Bergholt. It includes the famous Flatford Mill, together with other historic structures such as the lock, the bridge, the Granary, Valley Farmhouse and Willy Lott’s Cottage. It is served by Flatford Lane on the north side of the river, Fen Lane which runs in a loop from the crossroads at Gandish Road/White Horse Road junction downhill towards the National Trust CarPark, and then uphill to East Bergholt Church. The area is within the Dedham Vale AONB; with cross- country pedestrian and boat access to Dedham itself. The land for consideration for Conservation Area status also comprises the fields and woods either side of Flatford Lane, and the mill-related properties on the riverside

Valley Farm Flatford Mill

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 42 Views AREA 5 – FLATFORD MILL & LANE

Dedham

View 7 across the Stour Valley from Flatford Lane

(Landscape Assessment, Historic Landscape Report, 2021

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 43 Historical Importance AREA 5 – FLATFORD MILL & LANE

Flatford Mill is world-famous as an essentially English historical site largely due to: • The many classic paintings of the location made by John Constable in the early 19thC. • The protection, restoration and stewardship of former owner Mr Parkington and The National Trust who have looked after the buildings and landscape. John Constable also produced many paintings and sketches from various viewpoints on Flatford Lane, mostly looking across Dedham Vale towards Stratford St Mary, Dedham and . Fen Lane has also featured in some well-known views, such as “The Cornfield “ (1826). There is evidence of even earlier remains which give clues to the history of Flatford way before Constable’s father made a success of the mill.

There is an old moat which surrounded a former house on the Stour, and there is the records of a Saxon church (and a Parsonage) in Church Field, of which part of a stone font survives. Among the collection of listed buildings in this small enclave is Valley Farmhouse, which survives intact as an excellent architectural example from the C14th The Cornfield

Flatford Mill Scene on a Navigational River

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 44 Major Constable Painting in Flatford Mill & Flatford Lane AREA 5 – FLATFORD MILL & LANE

Stour Valley & Dedham Church Lane from East Bergholt to Flatford

Boatbuilding near Flatford

The Haywain

Sketch of The White Horse

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 45 Constable’s paintings and Views Today AREA 5 – FLATFORD MILL & LANE

Fen Lane, East Bergholt, 1817, Tate

Photograph of the same scene today

Hayfield in East Bergholt at Sunset, V&A

View across Deham Vale from Flatford Lane

Flatford Mill, Yale

Flatford Mill today

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 46 Assessment of Special Interest AREA 5 – FLATFORD MILL & LANE

• The ensemble of mill buildings, barns, houses, locks and river structures, together with the landscapes around the Stour and Flatford Lane are acknowledged by historians and art experts to be nationally significant.

• Many of John Constable’s most important paintings are of the Flatford Mill area, where the views have changed very little since his time.

Claycotts • Flatford Lane itself and the fields either side have not changed in configuration or character for centuries, and are also the sites of many of Constable’s views. Aesthetic and historical importance of these landscapes cannot be ignored.

• The area is part of the Dedham Vale AONB • The area contains sites of historic and archealogical potential such as the Glebe Field (Possible site of early Saxon church) the Moat (potentially site of former Manor House)

Fen Bridge • This area contains many significant grade 1 listed buildings; , Flatford Mill, Miller’s House, Willy Lotts Cottage, Valley Farm.

Valley Farm Flatford Mill

Willy Lotts The Moat

Flatford Mill Willy Lotts Cottage

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 47 Reasons for Inclusion in Conservation Area AREA 5 – FLATFORD MILL & LANE

1. Flatford Mill, together with the buildings and river structures on the banks of the Stour, is nationally important and often referred to as quintessentially English. The architecture, the landscape and the views have been carefully protected and restored in order to keep the place so special. 2. Flatford Lane, and the fields on both sides of it, have not materially changed in hundreds of years. The route and the area offer a sequence of stunning views and beauty spots.

3. John Constable gave the Mill, Flatford Lane and Fen Lane international recognition through his iconic paintings of 200 years ago. 4. The area sits within the Dedham Vale AONB, but can enjoy reinforced heritage protection by being included in an extended Conservation Area for East Bergholt 5. An application is being made for World Heritage status for Flatford Mill Fen Bridge

Relevant Reading , Documentation, Maps and Photographs: • Books on Constab by Reynolds and Fleming Williams • Heritage Collective Study (2020) • National Trust website and books on Flatford • Glossary of listed buildings • Historical archive material (e.g. John Willett’s memories 1920 onwards…) • Old photographs, paintings and maps (Brassier and others. OS maps from 1887 and 1905)

East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 48