Post on 13-May-2023
MSc Building Conservation
University of York
Module BC3: Conservation of masonry
Conservation Management Plan for 54 Northbrook Street, Newbury
Guy Arnall
01/09/15
With thanks to the Newbury History Society.
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Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction 2
1.1 A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for 54 Northbrook Street 2
1.2 Conservation Planning 2
1.3 Scope of Study 2
1.4 Limitations of study 3
1.5 Review 3
2.0 Understanding the Place 4
2.1 Newbury History 4
2.2 The Site – Location and context 4
2.3 The Site – Social History 4
2.4 The site – Design Intention 11
2.5 The Site – Interested Parties 12
3.0 Significance 12
3.1 Synopsis and Condition of surviving fabric 12
3.1.1 Synopsis and condition of external fabric 12
3.1.2 Synopsis and condition of internal fabric 14
3.2 Timeline 14
3.3 Statement of Significance 14
3.3.1 Architectural significance 15
3.3.2 Social significance 17
3.3.3 Status 17
3.4 Issues affecting Significance 17
3.4.1 Pressure for development of the place 17
3.4.2 Physical alterations to the building itself 20
4.0 Conservation Polices 23
5.0 Bibliography 27
Appendix 1 Northbrook Street and environs 1880s
Appendix 2 Northbrook Street and environs 1890s
Appendix 3 Northbrook Street and environs 1910s
Appendix 4 Northbrook Street and environs 1930s
Appendix 5 Northbrook Street and environs 1960s
Appendix 6 Northbrook Street and environs 2015
Appendix 7 Historic England List Entry Map
Appendix 8 Land Registry Title Plan
Appendix 9 Ground Floor Plan
Appendix 10 First and Second Floor Plan
Appendix 11 Land Registry Title
Appendix 12 Gazetteer for 54 Northbrook Street
Appendix 13 Timeline for 54 Northbrook Street
Appendix 14 Clayhill Brick Works 1880s
Appendix 15 Old Chalk Pit 1880s
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1.0. Introduction
1.1. A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for 54 Northbrook Street
This document relates to 54 Northbrook Street, Newbury, West Berkshire RG14 1AN
OS Grid Reference: SU47044 67538
At the time of writing this shop premises is due to close, with a proposal in place for
continued use as Class A1 retail premises under The Town and Country Planning (Use
Classes) Order 1987.
1.2. Conservation Planning
According to English Heritage (2008, p.7):
‘A CMP is a comprehensive document based on a detailed understanding of an historic
asset and its significance. It sets out a conservation framework, this includes policies to
ensure an assets significance is retained in any future use, repair, alteration,
development or management.’
The conservation plan aims to understand the significance of an asset through detailed
assessment of the building’s special architectural and historic interest. The plan aims to
assess the character of the building, to place the building in context (by considering the
broad range of issues to which the site is subject) as well as describe elements and
spaces within the building (a Gazetteer is available in Appendix 12). From here, a series
of policies are produced which seek to inform and guide any future changes to the
building.
1.3. Scope of Study
Existing Documentation: Research, collation and analysis of records relating to 54
Northbrook Street and its site. This research has principally included The National
Archive, Berkshire Record office, consultation with Newbury History Society and a
number of studies undertaken on behalf of West Berkshire Local Authority.
Survey of the existing physical fabric: Visual inspection of the building to produce drawn
and photographic records of surviving original fabric, fixtures and fittings and of current
condition.
Statement of Significance: Developed based on the evaluation of the place. Research
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and survey have led to assessment of significance according to architectural, historic
and social criteria.
Conservation policies: Based on the assessment of significance, general conservation
policies and more specific recommendations have been identified. These should help
safeguard the most significant aspects of surviving original features of the building during
its proposed change of tenancy and potential use in the shorter term, and should inform
its on-going care and protection in the longer term.
1.4. Limitations of study
At the time of inspection on 12th June 2015 the building was still occupied by The
Accessory Queen. Access to a number of areas was not possible including the rear
stock room and the roof space.
Inspection of the external fabric was made from ground level only. Inspection was visual
only with no intrusive investigations carried out. Recommendations for further
investigations are contained within 4.0 Policies.
1.5. Review
This document describes the circumstances of 54 Northbrook Street at the time of writing
(June 2015).
This Conservation Plan should be reviewed regularly, in its entirety. The issues affecting
the significance of the building and the suitability and effectiveness of policies should
also be examined regularly. Policies should be altered, deleted or replaced as deemed
appropriate following review. It would be prudent to review the Conservation Plan every
five years or when the next change in ownership/tenancy or use occurs.
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2.0. Understanding the Place
2.1. Newbury History
There has been a settlement in the location of Newbury for at least 1100 years, due to its
location on a navigable crossing of the River Kennet and the convergence of ancient
north/south and east/west routes (Newbury Town Coucil, 2015).
Economically founded on the cloth trade in the Sixteenth century (C16th) the town thrived
until the civil war (1642), when it was severely disrupted and never recovered (Page,
1924). Newbury played an important part in the Civil War, staging battles in 1643 and
again just north of the town in 1644, with Donnington Castle a Royalist stronghold (West
Berkshire Archaeological service, 2006).
The local economy flourished again in the 18th century with the rise of Bath as a popular
spa destination for the wealthy elite of London. Situated approximately half way between
London and Bath, Newbury was the obvious stopping point in the two-day journey,
gaining ever increasing popularity following road improvements of various Turnpike Acts
between 1708 and 1750 (Philens, 2013). By the mid C18th, the area of Speenhamland
(to the north of the medieval centre) was filled with coaching inns of ever increasing
grandeur and size (Page, 1924).
Newbury’s prosperity received a further boost in 1725 when work on the Kennet
Navigation was completed, making the river navigable between Reading and Newbury.
The Kennet and Avon Canal was built between 1794 and 1810 to extend this link to Bath
(Philens, 2015). The railway reached Newbury in 1847 when a branch line from Reading
to Hungerford was opened, linking the town to London. Newbury began to expand
southwards and along the line of the railway. Despite the improved infrastructure and the
growth of some local industries Newbury remained predominantly a market town (West
Berkshire Archaeological Service, 2006).
2.2. The Site – Location and context
Newbury is known to have been established by the end of the C11th; however
subsequent growth of the medieval town is not well understood (ibid). Still visible today,
the historic core of the town with the inverted Y-shape medieval layout of Bartholomew
Street, Cheap Street and Northbrook Street around the crossing of the River Kennet is
clearly evident within the earliest plan of the town dated 1768 (Fig.1).
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Figure 1: John Roques Map of Newbury, 1768 (detail) (BRO ref. PM123)
Although laid out during the medieval period, archaeological evidence appears to
suggest the west side of Northbrook Street was a later phase of medieval development
as only the east side appears (from post-medieval maps) to have been laid out with
straight, narrow and regular burgage plots (Oxford Archaeology, 2005). These extend
back to the line of a stream which formed the rear boundary beyond which was The
Marsh, an area of wet ground which served as common pasture (Fig.2).The west side
was laid out in substantially wider plots, which show evidence of later irregular
subdivisions. These plots border Northcroft Mead which also served as common pasture.
Archaeological work has shown that land reclamation was carried out in this area during
the C12th (ibid).
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Approximate location of
54 Northbrook Street
Figure 2: John Roques Map of Newbury, 1768 (detail) (BRO ref. PM123)
Few medieval buildings survive along Northbrook Street, as extensive rebuilding and re-
fronting took place from the C17th onwards throughout much of Newbury (West Berkshire
Archaeological service, 2006).
Today both sides of the street are lined with shops and commercial premises, the street
frontages of which still essentially preserve the medieval layout. Buildings of the C18th
and C19th predominate with few remaining from the C17th. There is a mixture of two and
three storey construction in a range of architectural styles, many of which are listed
buildings, particularly around Broadway at the top end of Northbrook Street (Oxford
Archaeology, 2005). These buildings demonstrate an interesting variety of architectural
styles and decorative finishes, but the overall effect is a cohesive streetscape (ibid).
The building at 54 Northbrook Street first appears in the 1842 Tithe map of Newbury
(highlighted in Fig.3 & 4).
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Figure 3: Tithe map of 1842 (detail) showing the north of Northbrook Street. Burgage plot layout is still clear
to the east side of the street (BRO ref. D/D1/89/1)
Further cartographic evidence provides basic development of the site. As the 1842 map
shows little detail of the building, it is only with the first Ordinance Survey maps of
Newbury (1880 and 1881) that exact layout of the site becomes clear (Fig.5). No.54
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appears to have two buildings directly against it to the rear (with a P indicating a
pump).To the north, a flying freehold can be seen between no. 54 and the adjacent no.
53, allowing access to the yard behind (Vine Court). There are further buildings within
the curtilage of the yard (or court) site including two substantial buildings to the west,
with associated gardens. This extended curtilage (highlighted in yelllow) perhaps implies
the 1842 Tithe schedule reference number 495 (Fig.4) also included 54 Northbrook
Street.
The OS map of 1881clearly demonstrates the number of coaching inns in the area, with
the George and Dragon the Monument almost directly to the north and south (Fig.5).
By 1900, OS maps show that one of the two buildings directly to the rear of no.54 has
been demolished, leaving a small yard between. By 1911 a new structure has been
introduced, subdividing this small yard and connecting the two buildings again (fig.7). By
the 1930s the westernmost yard buildings and their gardens had been swept away
(Fig.8) and by the 1960s the modern extension we see today has been built to the rear
(Fig.9).
Figure 4: 1842 Tithe Map (detail)
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No. 54
and
possible
curtilage
Figure 5: 1881 OS Map (detail) (BRO ref. OSXXX.13.22)
No. 54
Figure 6: 1900 OS Map (detail) (BRO ref. OSXXX.13)
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Figure 7: 1911 OS Map (detail) (BRO ref. OSXXX.13)
Figure 8: 1930s OS Map (detail) (DigiMap)
Figure 9: 1960s OS Map (detail) (DigiMap)
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Further maps demonstrating general development of the area can be found in
Appendices 1-8 (including the Land Registry Current Title Plan).
2.3. The Site – Social History
In the census of 1841, a tailor is resident at no. 54, implying the property was
probably a shop with shop-front at this time (Newbury History Society)
The 1842 tithe schedule reference number for the site lists James Godding as
resident (BRO ref. D/D1/89/1), but there is no indication whether this Music Seller
was at no.54 itself or resident at of the other buildings within the curtilage
In the 1851Census William Whitehead - Sergeant Grenadier Guards is living in
the house that would appear to be 53 Northbrook St, with a tailor still at no.54
(Newbury History Society)
In Slater's Directory of 1852 William Whitehead is listed as a beer retailer at 53
Northbrook Street
In the 1861 Census, Whitehead is a beerhouse keeper of The Chelsea
Pensioner, resident at Grenadiers, 54 Northbrook Street; therefore this property
became a beerhouse sometime between 1851 and 1861
Whitehead moves on in 1869-1871 period, replaced by Joseph Fidgett, who
renames the no.54 The Drummers - though it also appears as Grenadiers and as
The Sergeant (Newbury History Society)
When Fidgett is replaced by William Lye in 1881, the name is definitely The
Sergeant (Census for Newbury, 1881)
Lye is replaced by William Marshall in 1883 (Newbury History Society)
Marshall is replaced by Henry Crook in Nov 1883 (ibid)
At the Annual Licensing Sessions (Oct 1884) the local magistrates refuse to
renew the license and the 54 Northbrook Street reverts to use as shop (ibid)
Costburn’s 1895 Directory lists no.54 as a Florists occupied by Mrs Brind
In the census of 1901 William Gamble – Printer is resident at no.54 with his wife
and daughter – Edith, who is listed as a News agent, working from Home
2.4 . The site – Design Intention
54 Northbrook Street exhibits typical Georgian detailing. Likely constructed during the
later Neo-Classical movement c.1760-1830 (see Appendix 12 Gazetteer: Front
windows) c.1800, the proportioning of the façade is typically late Georgian: above shop-
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front cornice, columned bays are the same width as window bays, with a diminution of
window heights above (Byrne, 1986. p27).
According to Isaac Ware (1756):
‘The heights of windows for the principal storey (the piano nobile) are to be proportioned
to their breadths. We allow…twice the measure of the aperture in breadth for its
height…For the upper and middle compartments…instead of twice the breadth for the
height, the best measure for these is the diagonal, which is one and a half the breadth.’
The carefully proportioned Georgian diaper-work façade (see Appendix 12) is topped by
a parapet wall. The low pitched, hipped roof is thus partially concealed when viewed
from street level, providing the essential regular frontage of classic Georgian town house
design (see Fig. 10, overleaf).
The simple plan of the building (Appendix 9 & 10) is based on the pervasive
‘Sommerson Plan’, commonly found in Georgian terrace houses from the early C18th
with staircase located against one party wall, chimney stacks against the other (Burton,
2015).
2.5. The Site – Interested Parties
Owners: JONATHAN PHILIP RADGICK of 37 Johns Mews, London
DAVID BOULTER of 1 Wythburn Court, 34 Seymour Place, London (see
Appendix 11: Land Registry Title)
West Berkshire Council Planning Service, Market Street, Newbury
Conservation and Design Team, West Berkshire Council
West Berkshire Council Archaeological Officer, Market Street Newbury
Newbury History Society
Future Tenant
All parties responsible for remaining outline of historic curtilage
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3.0. Significance 3.1. Synopsis and Condition of surviving fabric Appendix 12 provides Gazetteers for an overview description of the fabric of the
building, with an emphasis on distinguishing between original and altered fabric. These
have been organised by section for each space, principal building element or significant
detail, containing a brief description, reference photographs, brief recommendations and
a statement of value or significance.
Significance has been attributed as follows:
High significance: the element remains in the whole unaltered and provides a large
amount of original fabric. In this way the element displays the quality and the
character of the original design.
Medium significance: the element has been altered but some original fabric
remains.
Low significance: elements that, due to severe alteration, are not consistent with
the building’s character or design quality, or those that are ancillary to the
building’s preliminary function.
3.1.1. Synopsis and condition of external fabric
See Gazetteers in Appendix 12.
3.1.2. Synopsis and condition of internal fabric
Summary plans for the building can be seen in Appendix 9 & 10.
Internally, 54 Northbrook Street has undergone a number of alterations to the primary
structure, the most striking of which being the addition of a C20th single storey extension
at the back of the property. A doorway to the rear has been modified/introduced to allow
access. As already stated, Ordnance Survey maps indicate that historically there were
buildings to the rear, likely occupying the same footprint.
The two ground floor rooms have been opened up with the central spine wall ‘knocked
through’ by means of RSJ lintel support or something similar, now boxed in. There is little
remaining original secondary fabric at ground level. For details of significant internal
fabric see Gazetteers in Appendix 12.
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3.2. Timeline
A timeline for 54 Northbrook Street can be found in Appendix 13.
3.3. Statement of Significance
3.3.1. Architectural significance
54 Northbrook Street as a fine example of West Berkshire Georgian Vernacular
Constructed c.1800, No.54 exhibits details codified in the London Building Act of 1774
which aimed at preventing poor quality construction and reducing the risk of fire.
According to Sommerson (1978, p126) the act tended to standardise the form of
Georgian house ensuring they exhibited only the most reticent forms of ornament and
served to form the early Victorian impression of ‘the inexpressible monotony of the
typical London street’.
However, no.54 is not located in the city of London. Perhaps more directly influential
were pattern-books, designed to aid local architects and builders throughout the C18th
and into the C19th. These were required partly because the Georgian style was thought
to be demanding to put into practice, as it was subject to more rules of taste (University
of Leicester, 2015). The architect James Gibbs realised this, stating that his ‘Book of
Architecture’ of 1728 was for:
‘…gentlemen who might be concerned in buildings, especially in in remote parts of the
country, where little or no assistance for design can be procured.’
Isaac Ware’s ‘A complete body of Architecture’ (1756) and William Pain's ‘The Practical
House Carpenter’ (1789), were just some of the many pattern books in circulation at this
time, their popularity continuing into the C19th with the influential ‘The Complete Builders
Assistant’ by Peter Nicholson (1823). According to Cruickshank, by 1750 the most
striking regional design differences had been ironed out (1985, p13).
However, as Burton (2015) states, it is on the edge of towns that the strict outline of
Georgian design meets the more vernacular influence. Indeed the location of no.54
outside of London has produced an even greater vernacular influence.
By 1800, the fashionable London brick was no longer red (which was superseded in
1730) but the yellow marl or malm stocks which were closer to the stone colour desired
for a classical façade (Lynch, 1993). Although still clamp fired, these were fuelled by sea
coal and the fly ash (or Spanish) from domestic hearths, making for a much more
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efficient firing process (Lynch, 2015). However, it is clear that the bricks for no.54 were
still fired in a wood fuelled clamp. The even more rudimentary nature of this process (and
the uneven heat distribution that often resulted) produced a certain proportion of bricks
whose ends were over burnt to a deep blue colour. These flared headers were coloured
by the potash inclusions in the wood fuel and were often vitrified through the excessive
heat. Such bricks were sorted from the clamp on site or from the kiln in the brickyard so
the bricklayer could use them to form the Georgian Diaper pattern in his work (Brunskill,
1997. p57).
Despite slate being available (and very desirable) in and around London from the 1760s
with the advent of the canal networks ( Parissien,1997 p118), the Kennet and Avon canal
was not completed until 1810 and the strong traditions and ready availability of tile and
brick in the Berkshire area (Handscombe, 1997. p12) account for this later use of tiling.
Such practice is demonstrated by the census of 1851 where the registration district of
Newbury had 30 brick-makers over the age of twenty working in 16 different brick-yards;
almost all of which were also involved in the production of tiles (Dils, 1998. p43).
The earliest Ordnance Survey map of the area (Appendix 14) shows a potential source
for the bricks, tiles and other clay materials used for construction. The closest clay pit to
Newbury (with associated brick and tile works) is just one mile away. Similarly, the chalk
used to make hydraulic lime for construction was probably sourced from any number of
pits just outside the town, the largest of which is already labelled Old Chalk Pit by 1880
(Appendix 15).
Therefore, at a time when London is imitating prestigious stone through the use of malm
(or malmed bricks), and at a time when the when various patent stuccos were being
introduced to imitate fine ashlar work (UWE, 2009), West Berkshire construction still
utilises locally sourced, wood-fired, red brick laid in medieval inspired diaper-work. Thus
54 Northbrook Street demonstrates a superb combination of ‘modern’ pattern-book
(Georgian design value) with materials from the last vestiges of a pervasive vernacular
(illustrative historical value) still very much in evidence at that time within the polychrome
and flint elevations of the rural south-east of England (Clifton-Taylor, 1987. p253).
3.3.2. Social significance
54 Northbrook Street as a rare example of the smaller Georgian shop
According to the Lever (2014), building on previously unsettled land during 12th and 14th
centuries typically involved planning the burgage plot. With frontage to the street, the
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typically merchant and trader inhabitants had direct access to the main thoroughfare
where business could be carried out. The strip of land to the rear could then be used for
a variety of purposes, including stores, workshops and kitchen gardens.
No.54 was likely constructed as a shop in c.1800 and this development perpetuated a
‘retail’ use which has origins in the medieval (possibly burgage) inception of the site.
Despite the remodelling of the shop-front, the basic layout of the Georgian design
intention remains intact.
Such retail development at the start of the C19th was a direct reflection of the burgeoning
wealth of Newbury; the Speenhamland to Marlborough Turnpike renewal act was
obtained in 1744 for repairing and widening the road to Bath (Philens, 2013) and the
area of Speenhamland just to the north was growing rich from the passing trade of
London to Bath traffic.
No.54 survived the rapid and repeated Victorian and post-war regeneration of the area
(which produced the wide range of architectural styles we see today) and sits on a site in
the heart of the medieval town which continues to partially reflect the medieval plot
layout (illustrative historical value) and the social value of the its retail inception.
54 Northbrook Street as an example of the transient beerhouse
During a time of deep, post-war economic depression and social unrest (Hobsbawm and
Rude, 2014, P.134), the Duke of Wellington’s Tory Government passed the 1830 Beer
Act in an attempt to stimulate the flagging agricultural sector, reduce the prolific
consumption of gin and to earn popular approval. The act allowed any ratepayer to sell
beer after paying an annual Excise fee of two guineas. The result was an explosion in
the number of beerhouses, 24,342 new sellers being licenced by the end of 1830
(English Heritage 2004, p.28). Many such premises were simply converted from workers’
housing and remained almost indistinguishable from surrounding buildings (Fig. 25).
It is likely that 54 Northbrook Street underwent such conversion, from a tailors shop to
beerhouse sometime between 1851 and 1861.
Reports of mass drunkenness and huge increases in drink-related crime abounded and
a slew of acts followed in attempt to gradually wrest back control from these difficult to
police and often disreputable houses. Direct reversal of policy was out of the question. It
was not until the Wine and Beer House Act of 1869 that a change in the law brought
licensing of the beerhouses back under the control of the local justices (ibid, p.31).
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In November 1883, Henry Crook is convicted of keeping a disorderly house in The
Sergeant at no.54. According to court papers, prostitution was rife within the premises
and records show that neighbours were even considering installing frosted glass at the
back of their house to avoid witnessing the bawdy activity. At the Annual Licensing
Sessions of October 1884, Newbury magistrates refuse to renew the Beer License
despite the brewery's (Nutley's) promise to replace Crook and the building finally
reverted to use as a shop (Newbury History Society).
Thus, born of the dissatisfaction and dwindling economy of a post-napoleonic war market
town,no. 54 stood during second half of the C19th as a significant example of poorly
judged government policy and the more unpeasant side of an eventually flourishing
Victorian economy.
It is interesting to note the direct reflection of the name of the establishment to the
owner/landlord: William Whitehead, Sergeant in the Grenadier Guards was associated
with The Chelsea Pensioner, Grenadiers and The Sergeant.
This underlying social value of 54 is associative rather than illustrative as nothing
remains in the physical fabric to tell the fleeting story of the beerhouse, yet no.54 still has
‘ …the power to aid interpretation of the past through making connections with, and
providing insights into, past communities and their activities through shared experience
of a place.’ (English Heritage, 2008i)
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Figure 25: Plan conversion of joiner’s shop in Preston into a Beerhouse, 1864 (English Heritage2004, p.29)
The Sergeant
Figure 26: No.54 as The Sergeant beerhouse with disapproving neighbours at the end of Vine Court
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3.3.3. Status
54 Northbrook Street is recorded by English Heritage as a Grade II listed early 19th
Century shop (English Heritage, 1983). They state:
Three storeys. Two windows. Hipped tile roof. Multi-coloured stock brick with
plain parapet band. Gauged flat brick arches to recessed sash windows. Wooden
shop front with pilasters carrying entablature with dentil cornice; altered shop
window. Shop doorway with rectangular fanlight.
List entry Number: 1290112
Listing NGR: SU4704467538
3.4. Issues affecting Significance
This section explains the factors affecting the significance of 54 Northbrook Street as a
listed building – the mix of pressures and issues that need to be addressed when change
is contemplated so that the significance may be protected.
The objective of this section is to anticipate the range and complexity of changes that
could happen to building and site, in order to frame useful policies in Section 4 that may
serve to guide and manage the future evolution of the place.
3.4.1. Pressure for development of the place
Increase in plot ratio (new buildings on the site). The historic curtilage of no.54 is still
partially in evidence providing value to historical significance. Any inappropriate, ill-
considered placement, scale or character of new neighbouring buildings or insensitive
abutments of new extensions would detract from this. The identity of the building resides
partly in an appreciation of its medieval yard setting.
3.4.2. Physical alterations to the building itself
Necessary repairs to the building fabric. Regular maintenance of this building has clearly
been lacking. The tiled roof has leaked, leading to potential decay of brickwork, timber
roof structure and internal finishes. Measures to ensure the structural integrity and
habitability of the building are desperately required.
Change of use and constraints of the original plan configuration. For a building purpose-
designed as a retail premises with live-in accommodation, a change of use may
introduce pressures to further revise the existing layout of the building, or extend its
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usable internal area. Additionally there are some minor constraints imposed upon the
already modified plan form:
There is no upstairs toilet facilities
The bedrooms to the second floor are somewhat smaller than contemporary
expectations of such space and alteration of the internal partition layout may be
suggested
Installation of new services. As existing services approach the end of their life span,
inevitable replacement presents significant risks to the building fabric. Such work is often
carried out in a fashion that can damage the special architectural and historic interest of
listed buildings: equipment, conduit and cabling can often be attached to surfaces in an
ad-hoc and ill-considered way (as already in evidence on the front elevation).
Improved Access / upgrade of existing building fabric (including access) to comply with
current Building Regulations and other legislation. No.54 will not be compliant with
current building regulations and is likely to have an inferior thermal performance to that
of a contemporary building. Whilst listed buildings are exempt from demonstrating
compliance with current Building Regulations (2010), future owners may wish to improve
the performance of the building fabric to approach the standards prescribed by current
Building Regulations.
It should also be noted that any works of alteration to an existing listed building are
subject to the Building Regulations, unless the required changes seriously diminish the
special interest of the place.
The parts of the Building Regulations that will be of particular relevance to change at
no.54 are: Part A (Structure), Part B (Fire Safety, including means of escape issues),
Part M (Access to and Use of Buildings), and Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power).
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4.0 Conservation Policies
In this section, a series of policies for responsible management of change to the listed
building and its historic curtilage are set out. These reflect the earlier sections in this
document describing the nature and significance of 54 Northbrook Street, and the issues
affecting the building.
They should be used by all those with a responsibility for the care and maintenance of
the building, and those responsible for planning and controlling change: the owner,
building management team, the planning authority, English Heritage, consultants
employed to design alterations, contractors employed to implement those alterations and
to maintain the building, and so on.
These policies are not exhaustive, nor are they fixed. They, and the whole conservation
plan, should be reviewed regularly. The suitability and effectiveness of policies should be
examined, and policies altered, deleted or replaced as appropriate.
Policy 1: Understanding and valuing the special architectural and historic
interest of the building.
Those who use and care for 54 Northbrook Street should understand the significance of
the building and its relationship with its context as set out earlier in this Plan. This
significance should be placed at the heart of the building’s management and future
planning.
Policy 2: Actively working to protect the special architectural and historic
interest of the listed building in the future use, operation and
development of the building and site.
All those who own/manage 54 Northbrook Street and plan for any future change should
ensure the significance of the building is acknowledged and reflected in management
systems and strategic planning (see 2.5 Interested parties).
Policy 3: Adopting best practice for the preservation of special architectural and
historic interest of 54 Northbrook Street [following conservation
guidelines and standards].
When change is being considered or maintenance undertaken, the significance of 54
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Northbrook Street should be protected by ensuring that the highest quality is achieved in
carrying out repairs and in designing alterations. Skilled, experienced and
knowledgeable consultants and contractors with the appropriate conservation training
and skills should be used, and they should be made familiar with the significance of the
building as set out earlier in this Plan.
Policy 4: Undertaking like-for-like repairs and sourcing of suitable materials.
Wherever possible, original materials and methods of construction should be used, in the
same scale, size and proportions as the original design. Where this is not appropriate–
because the original method or material has failed or is no longer available– a solution
that is most visually and technically consistent with the architecture of the building should
be employed.
Policy 5: Reversing negatives and reinstating original character.
When change is being considered or maintenance undertaken, the opportunity should be
taken to reverse earlier poor-quality or insensitive repairs and alterations. The objective
should be to recover the architectural quality of the original building wherever possible
while ensuring the efficient working of the building and the well-being of its fabric.
Policy 6: Managing the site.
All parties with responsibility of the existing historic curtilage should be sought. This
outline should be retained as a reflection of the medieval yard planning of the town.
Policy 7: Extensions and additions should not diminish the special interest of the
existing building.
Extensions or additions should not be considered as a first option. Any reconfiguration of
the C20th rear extension should be maintained at existing height and retain the footprint
which currently reflects historic building plan.
Policy 8: The original external envelope and composition of the facades should
be retained and repaired wherever possible.
Condition of surviving building fabric should be assessed for essential repairs.
Specialist reports (including a structural engineer’s survey) should be sought to
determine the condition of the structure and any remedial repairs required. Where
original building fabric requires removal and replacement this should be on a like-
BC3: Conservation plan Page 24
for-like basis.
External rainwater goods should be reconfigured
Note: Those responsible for management of the building’s upkeep and
maintenance should duly ensure that rainwater outlets are regularly checked for
and cleared of debris.
Articulation of Elevations
The original composition and proportions of external windows and door openings
should be retained. All existing windows and doors should be retained,
maintained and repaired where necessary.
Policy 9: Interiors of the existing listed building: all currently surviving original
fabric should be retained to avoid further erosion of the significance
and character.
Wherever possible principal spaces should not be subdivided and the original plan and
layout of the building should be respected. Original features highlighted in the Gazetteer
should be retained and repaired. New services should follow existing routes or be
concealed wherever possible. Alterations should be designed by an architect.
Policy 10: Any surviving original building fabric should be retained (see Gazetteer)
Policy 11: New and replacement services.
Replacement of original services is a task which requires sensitive judgement where
original routes cannot be followed. All equipment, pipe work, ducting and cabling
associated with new or replacement services should be selected, specified and located
so as to minimise its visual impact. Existing poorly located services on front elevation
should be rerouted where feasible (or tidied).
Policy 12: Permanent habitation of upper floors should be considered.
If sympathetic conversion/introduction of amenities were possible (there is already basic
plumbing and electricity to the upper levels) then permanent occupation here would be of
great benefit to the building. Regular heating would help mitigate the inherent problems
of damp and decay.
BC3: Conservation plan Page 25
Policy 13: Further Investigation.
Further investigation should be undertaken particularly in relation to:
Structure and Condition of roof space
Systematic survey of Northbrook street and environs to establish rarity value of
no.54
Further assessment of proliferation of beerhouses in Newbury and their rarity as
still standing buildings
Ownership of curtilage
Policy 14: Archaeological investigation
Archaeological evidence for the early town has been found from a small number of
development sites in this area. This historic core of Newbury has a high potential for
archaeological evidence from the post-medieval period (oxford Archaeology, 2005).
Therefore any prospective below ground work should include an archaeological watching
brief.
BC3: Conservation plan Page 26
5.0 Bibliography
British History Online (2015). The borough of Newbury. A History of the County of
Berkshire: Volume 4. Pp. 130-155. Originally published by Victoria County History,
London, 1924. Available: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/berks/vol4/pp130-155 Last
accessed: 18/06/15
Brunskill, R.W. (1997). Brick Building in Britain. London:Victor Gollancz.
Burton, N. (2015). II: The Georgian Town House. [Lecture to MSc Building
Conservation]. Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, 06/05/15
Byrne,A. (1986). London’s Georgian Houses. London:The Georgian Press.
Clifton-Taylor (1987). The pattern of English building. London: Faber and Faber.
Costburn’s Directory (1895) Berkshire. Available: Berkshire Record Office.
Cruickshank, Dan (1985). National Trust and the Irish Georgian Society Guide to
Georgian Buildings of Britain and Ireland. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
Dils, J.(1998). An Historical Atlas of Berkshire. Berkshire Records Society. Reading.
English Heritage. (1983). 54 Northbrook Street, Newbury. Available:
http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-395743-54-northbrook-street-newbury-. Last
accessed 22nd Dec 2012.
English Heritage (2008). Understanding Historic Buildings: Policy and Guidance for Local
Planning Authorities.
English Heritage (2008i). Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance for the
sustainable management of the historic environment.
Eveleigh, D.E. (1994). Firegrates and kitchen ranges. Shire Album series.
Hammond, M. (1998). Bricks and brickmaking. Shire Publications Ltd.
Handscombe, S. (1997). Tilehurst, A History. History of Tilehurst Group. Reading.
Hobsbawm, E. and Rude, G. (2014). Captain Swing. London:Verso.
John Roques. (1768). Map of Newbury. Berkshire record Office. Ref: PM123.
BC3: Conservation plan Page 27
Lever, M. (2014). Snippets of Ledbury history: Burgage Plots. Ledbury History Society.
Available:
http://www.ledburyhistorysociety.co.uk/ledburyhistory/ledburysnippets/files/5ea59d97509
536591798b9b43a9390f0-28.html
Lynch, G. (1993). Brickwork: Historic Development, Decay, Conservation and Repair.
Available: http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/brick/brickwork.html. Last
accessed 18/06/15.
Lynch, G. (2015). The Historical Development of English Brickwork from the Tudor to the
Edwardian Period. [Lecture to MSc Building Conservation]. Weald and Downland Open
Air Museum, 07/05/15.
Murray, J. (1949). Murray’s Berkshire Architectural Guide. London:John Murray.
Newbury History Society. Personal Communication. 06/06/15.
Newbury Town Council. (2015). History of Newbury. Available:
http://www.newbury.gov.uk/history-of-newbury.php. Last accessed 12/06/15
Ordinance Survey (Various). Newbury and Kintbury. Berkshire Record Office. Ref:
OSXXX.13.
Oxford Archaeology. (2005). Newbury Historic Character Study Assessment Report for
West Berkshire Council, Heritage Service. Issue No.3.
Page,W. & Ditchfield, H. (Eds.) (1924). 'The borough of Newbury', A History of the
County of Berkshire: Volume 4. pp. 130-155. Available: http://www.british-
history.ac.uk/vch/berks/vol4/pp130-155 Date accessed: 05/06/15.
Parissien, S. (1999). The Georgian Group Book of the Georgian House. London:Aurum
Press.
Philens, H. (2013). Turnpike Trusts. Available:
http://www.hungerfordvirtualmuseum.co.uk/Themes/Transport/Coaching/Turnpike_Trust
s/turnpike_trusts.html Date accessed: 12/06/15
Philens, H. (2015). Kennet and Avon Canal.
Available:http://www.hungerfordvirtualmuseum.co.uk/Themes/Transport/Kennet_and_Av
on_Canal/kennet_and_avon_canal.html Date accesses: 08/06/15
Slater’s Directory of Berkshire (1852). Available: Berkshire Record Office.
BC3: Conservation plan Page 28
Tithe Map of Newbury. (1842). Berkshire Record Office. Ref: D/D1/89.
University of Leicester. (2015). Appendix 2: How the classical style spread. Available:
http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/urbanhistory/research/small-towns/appendix2. Date
accessed 26/06/15.
UWE. (2009). Domestic Architecture 1700 to 1960. Available:
http://fet.uwe.ac.uk/conweb/house_ages/flypast/print.htm. Date accessed 28/06/15.
Ware, I. (1756). Complete Body of Architecture Adorned with Plans and Elevations, from
Original Designs. London: T.Osborne and J.Shifton.
Watt, D.S. (2007). Building Pathology (Second Edition). London:Blackwell
West Berkshire Archaeological Service. (2006). Historic Newbury Fit for the Future: The
Newbury Historic Character Study. West Berkshire Council.
guy arnallUniversity of York
Jun 24, 2015 16:08Scale 1:1800
Northbrook St & environs, 1880s
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 m
Digimap© Landmark Information Group Ltd and Crown copyright 2015. FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.
APPENDIX 1
guy arnallUniversity of York
Jun 24, 2015 16:09Scale 1:1800
Northbrook St & environs, 1890s
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 m
Digimap© Landmark Information Group Ltd and Crown copyright 2015. FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.
APPENDIX 2
guy arnallUniversity of York
Jun 24, 2015 16:10Scale 1:1250
Northbrook St & environs, 1910s
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 m
Digimap© Landmark Information Group Ltd and Crown copyright 2015. FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.
APPENDIX 3
guy arnallUniversity of York
Jun 24, 2015 16:11Scale 1:1250
Northbrook St & environs, 1930s
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 m
Digimap© Landmark Information Group Ltd and Crown copyright 2015. FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.
APPENDIX 4
guy arnallUniversity of York
Jun 24, 2015 16:11Scale 1:1250
Northbrook St & environs, 1960s
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 m
Digimap© Landmark Information Group Ltd and Crown copyright 2015. FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.
APPENDIX 5
guy arnallUniversity of York
Jun 27, 2015 12:26Scale 1:2500
54 Northbrook St & environs 2015
Def
STREET
ALBERT ROAD
PEMBROKE ROAD
WEST STREET
NO
RTH
BRO
OK
PELICAN
LANE
THE
ANG
EL C
OU
RT
NO
RTH
BRO
OK STR
EET
BROADWAY
PEMBR
OKE R
OAD
OXFORD STREET
TCB s
TCB
LB
Northbrook Place
Post
s
10
6
Longford
15
12
5
Cleveland
Corporation Cottages
Naunton
14
6 to 8
1316
Hotel
43
7
32
26
Pelican House
1 to 14
St C
athe
rine'
sH
ouse
St Peter'sHouse
1
49
2
23
The Clock House
44
55
4
1
43
14
Saddlers
10
53
4 to 8
4
2
57a
3
PH
11
19
Shelter
47
15
95
50b
Church
51
1
1
57
1311
PH
Court
21
50a
50
7
40
3
8 6
6
64
59
63
58
39
14
65
10 to 24
5
33
41
63a
32a327
HouseBrook
3836
Club
19
14 to 2218
22
23
5
7
8
17
622
Lynton Court
24
Westbourne Terrace
The Stables
The Old
1 to 6
77.9m
76.1m
76.0m
76.0m
76.9m
76.2m
76.2m
43 to 46
1 to 9Elliot
1 to 34Attfield
34
1 to 9Dundas
MARSH LANE
LONDON ROAD
PARK STREET
PAR
K W
AY
PARK W
AY
TCB
East Street
Marsh Lane
Middle Street
Jack Street
5
12The Pentangle
4
Elizabeth Cottage
Park Terrace1
1 7
22
MartinsHaven
Fullers Court
1 to 18
24
ElSubSta
7
1 to 481 to 4
1
1
2
5
54
35
3
Speenhamland Court 12
5 to 13 9
6062
74.4m
74.9m
74.2m
75.6m
75.2m
Parkway
1 to 94Baily
1 to 22Haskins
1 to 20Melville
Shelter
WEST STR
EET
PELI
CAN
LANE
TCB
12
10
2
39
60
2
46 to 48
1 to
5
CourtTaylers
Bayer House
31to35
Nursery
29 2725
Square
33
Oxford
6860
78
39
34
PH
1 t0 21
Regents Court58
8 to 16 1 to 7
Freeman Court
36a 36c
CourtMalt
St Anne'sHouse
Oxford House12 to 2081.2m
76.2m
76.1m
MAPLESPEEN COURT
SAFFRON CLOSE
GOLDWELL DRIVE
OLD BATH ROAD
JESMOND DENE
LEYS GARDENS
SubEl
Sta
Post
Path
8
1 11
2
1
7 to 12
17
14
47
50
49
4
56
9
10 11
87
1214
2524
2322
1 to 6
14
7
6
22
11
2Goldwell
2
11
House
9
6
1
16
1115
21
3334
292827
323130
2623
22
3536
3738
3940
4142
43
44
2524
El Sub StaSuperstore
1 to 56
88.7m
76.7m
CR
HILL
CANSFIELD END
CR
AWFO
RD
PLA
CE
STRAW
BERR
Y
CLEVELAND GROVE
STRAW
BERR
Y HILL
OXFORD ROAD
LB
HouseStrawberry Hill
Primary School
2615
24
9
11
20
Access House
Speenhamland
19
14
5
10
5
1
4
8
12
5455
56
5758
4950
48
5152
535457
55 5658 59
2 1
13
47
9
1
ElSubSta
14 to 22
1to2
HighCornerHouse
83.8m
ST MAR
Y'S RO
AD
HAWTHORN ROAD
PARK EN
D
VICTO
RIA G
ARD
ENS
LB
LB
Statue
TCB
St Mary's Place
13
19
Victoria Park
1
4
Lime ViewNursery School
Beech
1a
37 to 42
6
Ash Court ChestnutCourt
21
24
Court
1
17
to
26
25 to 36
1 5
4
Shelte
r
42
23a
3713
32
1
25
22
23
73.8m
75.2m
Drain
Pond
Ditch
Northcroft
Drain
Pond
Wessex House
El Sub Sta
1
Playing Field
Victoria Park
Victoria Park
Putting Green
Playground
Tennis Courts
Bowling Green
HouseGeorgian
67 to 71
SPEENHAMLAND
Oxford Court
5to7
St A
ntho
nys
Hou
se
Sub StaEl
Sub Sta
El S
ub S
ta
El
El Sub Sta
El Sub Sta
Car Park
El Sub Sta
43 to 46
43 to 46
43 to 46
43 to 46
4748
49 to 52
ShoppingCentre
1 to 6
El Sub Sta
ElSubSta
SubEl
Sta
161715
18 19 207
86
9
1011
12
1714
1516 18
19 20 21
9290
8894 86
11
to 8
79
Surgery
2
83
York House
St Mary's
77
Lodge
73
1 to 9
Court
The
37
17
Court
36
21
6
38
39
13 to 19
23
14
1
8
El Sub Sta
24 to 32
Guildgate House10
22
2
36a
120
18
8
193
18
34
6
26
18
4
Hotel
16
3
6
2
Glandlake
26
44
7
15
House
Fairfax
9
20 to 22
PH
27 to 35
11
Clarendon Gardens
5
8
4
HallHouse
4
16
2
4
Dower House
12
Tanner13
Police House
65
TheCourtyard
Hotel
Weavers Walk
127
1
70
17
6
26
83
1916
25c
7368
77
20
11
11
8681
1
3
24 Pavilion
30
2
87 t
o 89
13 to 15
69
90
80
25b
2925
28
Shelte
r
Cromwell Place
26b
25a27
Bandstand
82
Shelter4 22
ESS
ESS
8Northcroft House
UnitedReformedChurch
ChurchHall
Avonbank House
26 28
45
22
26
2931
35
39
4044
2 6
8688
4572 78
76 74
90
6
TheQuadrant
8
50 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 m
Digimap© Crown copyright and database rights 2015 Ordnance Survey (Digimap Licence). FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.
APPPENDIX 6
Heritage Category:
Listing
List Entry No : 1290112
Grade: II
County:
District: West Berkshire
Parish: Newbury
For all entries pre-dating 4 April 2011 maps andnational grid references do not form part of theofficial record of a listed building. In such cases themap here and the national grid reference aregenerated from the list entry in the official recordand added later to aid identification of the principallisted building or buildings.
For all list entries made on or after 4 April 2011 themap here and the national grid reference do formpart of the official record. In such cases the mapand the national grid reference are to aididentification of the principal listed building orbuildings only and must be read in conjunction withother information in the record.
Any object or structure fixed to the principal buildingor buildings and any object or structure within thecurtilage of the building, which, although not fixed tothe building, forms part of the land and has done sosince before 1st July, 1948 is by law to be treatedas part of the listed building.
This map was delivered electronically and whenprinted may not be to scale and may be subject todistortions.
List Entry NGR: SU 47044 67538
1:2500Map Scale:
7 June 2015Print Date:Modern Ordnance Survey mapping: © Crown Copyright and database right 2015. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100024900.
54, NORTHBROOK STREETThis is an A4 sized map and should be printed full size at A4 with no page scaling set.
Name:
HistoricEngland.org.uk
APPENDIX 7
This is a copy of the title plan on 14 JUN 2015 at 15:20:13. This copy does not take account of any application made afterthat time even if still pending in the Land Registry when this copy was issued.
This copy is not an 'Official Copy' of the title plan. An official copy of the title plan is admissible in evidence in a court tothe same extent as the original. A person is entitled to be indemnified by the registrar if he or she suffers loss by reasonof a mistake in an official copy. If you want to obtain an official copy, the Land Registry web site explains how to do this.
The Land Registry endeavours to maintain high quality and scale accuracy of title plan images.The quality and accuracyof any print will depend on your printer, your computer and its print settings.This title plan shows the general position,not the exact line, of the boundaries. It may be subject to distortions in scale. Measurements scaled from this plan maynot match measurements between the same points on the ground.
This title is dealt with by Land Registry, Gloucester Office.
APPENDIX 8
Title Number : BK120430
This title is dealt with by Land Registry, Gloucester Office.
The following extract contains information taken from the register of the above titlenumber. A full copy of the register accompanies this document and you should read thatin order to be sure that these brief details are complete.
Neither this extract nor the full copy is an 'Official Copy' of the register. Anofficial copy of the register is admissible in evidence in a court to the same extentas the original. A person is entitled to be indemnified by the registrar if he or shesuffers loss by reason of a mistake in an official copy.
This extract shows information current on 25 JUN 2015 at 16:09:42 and so does not takeaccount of any application made after that time even if pending in the Land Registrywhen this extract was issued.
REGISTER EXTRACT
Title Number : BK120430
Address of Property : 54 Northbrook Street, Newbury (RG14 1AN)
Price Stated : Not Available
Registered Owner(s) : JONATHAN PHILIP RADGICK of 37 Johns Mews, London
DAVID BOULTER of 1 Wythburn Court, 34 Seymour Place,London W1.
Lender(s) : None
1 of 2
APPENDIX 11
This is a copy of the register of the title number set out immediately below, showingthe entries in the register on 25 JUN 2015 at 16:09:42. This copy does not take accountof any application made after that time even if still pending in the Land Registry whenthis copy was issued.
This copy is not an 'Official Copy' of the register. An official copy of the registeris admissible in evidence in a court to the same extent as the original. A person isentitled to be indemnified by the registrar if he or she suffers loss by reason of amistake in an official copy. If you want to obtain an official copy, the Land Registryweb site explains how to do this.
A: Property RegisterThis register describes the land and estate comprised inthe title.WEST BERKSHIRE
1 (15.03.1973) The Freehold land shown edged with red on the plan of theabove Title filed at the Registry and being 54 Northbrook Street,Newbury (RG14 1AN).
2 (28.05.2003) A new title plan based on the latest revision of theOrdnance Survey Map has been prepared.
B: Proprietorship RegisterThis register specifies the class of title andidentifies the owner. It contains any entries thataffect the right of disposal.
Title absolute1 (19.09.1989) PROPRIETOR: JONATHAN PHILIP RADGICK of 37 Johns Mews,
London and DAVID BOULTER of 1 Wythburn Court, 34 Seymour Place, LondonW1.
2 (19.09.1989) RESTRICTION: No disposition by a sole proprietor of theland (not being a trust corporation) under which capital money arisesis to be registered except under an order of the registrar or of theCourt.
C: Charges RegisterThis register contains any charges and other mattersthat affect the land.1 (05.11.2014) The land is subject to the lease set out in the schedule
of leases hereto.
Schedule of notices of leases1 05.11.2014 54 Northbrook Street 16.10.2014
From and including 16.10.2014 to and including 15.10.2019
End of register
Title number BK120430
2 of 2
APPENDIX 11
Gazetteer for 54 Northbrook Street Appendix 12
Brickwork walls: High Significance
The brickwork envelope is almost wholly intact.
The front (east) elevation is of Flemish Bond brick construction, laid in traditional lime mortar.
Thought to have originated in Poland (where it has a very long history) Flemish Bond spread
to the Baltic ports and along trade routes to England, becoming the fashionable style
throughout the country by the middle of the C17th1. The particular form of Flemish pattern
seen here was named by Alec Clifton-Taylor as Georgian Diaper. The use of vitrified flared
headers and ordinary red bricks together gives a simple, steady chequer pattern to the
whole elevation2 3.
The arches above the windows are formed in gauged brick. These Red Rubbers are of a
much softer material, finished on site to fit together snugly, physically rubbed to form their
final shape and laid in thin joints of lime putty. Nicks in the length of the rubbers indicate the
position to be expected for joints across the length and they too were filled with lime putty in
imitation of mortar joints4. Although these particular arches are termed flat they in fact have a
slight camber to their soffit to counter the optical illusion of sagging. From circa 1730, the flat
arch was taken up universally as an essentially Palladian motif. Its use continued through to
the end of the Georgian era5.
These radiating voussoirs provide a compelling clue for dating the building, one which
contradicts the English Heritage Listed date. According to Murray (1949):
‘…it was in the late eighteenth century that the Berkshire brick-workers gave up making the
specially small bricks for the radiation pattern of the voussoirs of windows… such bricks
were difficult to set in the kiln, and had to be treated like pottery’6.
Due to the soft nature of these bricks, they are generally more prone to weathering and
degradation. According to Watt (2007) it is the high porosity associated with their low firing
temperature that affects durability in these bricks. Such porosity means a greater ability to
absorb water by capillary action making them more susceptible to degradation7.
The rear elevation (west) of no. 54 is more plain and utilitarian. With no parapet in evidence,
the gabled rear of the roof is clearly visible. Typical to this era of construction, the brickwork
1 Brunskill, R.W. (1997). Brick Building in Britain. p52 London:Victor Gollancz.
2Op.Cit. Brunskill, p58.
3 Lynch, G. (1994). Brickwork: History, Technology and Practice. p49. Donhead.
4 Op.Cit. Brunskill. p56.
5 Byrne,A. (1986). London’s Georgian Houses. Lojndon:The Georgian Press. p130.
6 Murray, J. (1949). Murray’s Berkshire Architectural Guide. p56. London:John Murray.
7 Watt, D.S. (2007). Building Pathology (Second Edition). p231. London:Blackwell.
is no longer of such high quality (see fig.11), formed principally in Flemish Garden-Wall Bond
(sometimes called Sussex Bond)8: instead of the alternating headers and stretchers of the
front elevation, stretchers in groups of three can be seen. Gone also are the Flared headers,
settling instead for standard red brick, as do the window arches in lieu of the finely gauged
Red Rubbers seen at the front.
The camber to the arched head of the lower window is significantly different to that of the
upper suggesting it has been rebuilt, probably when the windows were replaced (see
windows). The sill for this window has also been rebuilt in brick; a rather unsightly addition.
The modern extension constructed in stretcher bond appears to have been built on
approximately the same footprint as historic additions (see Appendix 9). There is no material
evidence in the visible rear elevation of number 54 to indicate any kind of multi-level
construction (scarring, removal/addition of brickwork), so these were originally perhaps just a
single level outhouse.
Recommendations
Any cement pointing/repairs to rear elevations to be removed from areas of originally
fair-faced brickwork and repointed in suitable lime based mortar
Some local damage to areas of brickwork require repair
Remove/reroute unsightly external cabling from front elevation
In light of pattress plate between the heads of the first floor windows - tying front
elevation to internal spine wall by means of an iron rod, investigative survey
recommended by structural engineer, with particular reference to floor timber decay
and facadism.9
Remove cement render from visible northern elevation
Replace brick cill to rear window to prevent ongoing/future damp problems
8 Op.Cit. Lynch, p50
9 Op.Cit. Lynch, p49
Internal plate through spine wall in stairwell with boxed in iron rod at first floor ceiling level, restraining front
elevation
Front elevation Windows: High Significance
All the windows to the front elevation appear to be original. Those at second floor level are
three-over-six pattern sliding sashes; those at first floor level are six-over-six. All feature fine,
Lamb’s-tongue glazing bars.
It is the positioning of the windows that help refine a date for the building; set into the façade,
behind nibs of brick was a strict requirement of the 1774 London Building Act.10
The absence of horns at the base of the stiles also provides a clue for dating the windows.
These were introduced following the advent of heavier plate glass in the 1830s, allowing for
larger panes. The additional stress placed on the vulnerable joints at either end of the
meeting rail called for such horns, to provide strength. Thus, post-1830 windows generally
had larger panes with horns in place11.
It is also the case that replica Georgian windows very often had horns added unnecessarily,
therefore the absence of horns suggests they are coeval to the build and therefore of high
significance.
Recommendations
Repaint, repair and re-balance sash windows
Consider paint analysis to provide further indication of age/value/significance
Second floor front windows showing broken cords and misaligned sash (left) and first floor front elevation window
10
Summerson, J. (1978) Georgian London. p128. London:Barrie & Jenkins. 11
Parissien, S. (1999). The Georgian Group Book of the Georgian House. p96. London:Aurum Press.
Rear Elevation windows: Low significance
The windows to the rear of the property have clearly been replaced. They are both poorly
proportioned eight-over-eight pattern sliding sashes. Both are recessed and constructed
made without horns. The glazing bars of a stunted Ovolo form are clumsily jointed together
and the sashes run on a modern mechanism.
Recommendations
None.
Rear window detail, number 54 Northbrook Street
Shop-front: Medium Significance
The Georgian period was responsible for a wide variety of shop-front designs covering the
whole gamut of popular taste, from the classicism of Greek revival to the pointed-arch
glazing system of Gothik design. Shop-fronts designed to display modern, fashionable goods
were required to be of the latest design and form often followed tastes of the period. Many
such arrangements were modified with changes of ownership12.
Featuring plate-glass (a post 1830 development), the shopfront of no.54 is clearly not coeval
to the original structure. Murray (1949) lists original Georgian shop-fronts in Berkshire;
including the Old Ironmongers in Hungerford dating from the late C18th.13 Number 54 is
significant in its absence from the list and clearly of more modern construction; bowed-front
being preferred by the middle of the C18th and into the C19th.14 Significantly, the English
Heritage Listing states: altered shop window. It also includes a dentil cornice as part of the
entablature15. This is clearly no longer in evidence, suggesting further alterations made since
this date. The significance of this particular window perhaps lies in its implication;
demonstrating that no.54 was likely constructed as a late Georgian retail premises.
Recommendations
Retain.
The shop front at 54 Northbrook Street
12
Clenshaw, J. (1994). Retail Detail: Historic shopfronts. Available: http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/shop/retail.htm. Last accessed 11 Jan 2013. 13
Murray, J. (1949). Murray’s Berkshire Architectural Guide. p49. John Murray. London. 14
Summerson, J, (2003). Georgian London (Revised Edition). p264. Yale University Press. 15
English Heritage. (1983). 54 Northbrook Street, Newbury. Available: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-395743-54-northbrook-street-newbury. Last accessed 08/06/15
Roof: High Significance
The roof form is hipped to the front to provide for the parapet, a requirement first stipulated in
the 1707 Building Act16 and an essential component of the Georgian form. Roof access is
restricted but observation from the ground indicates a covering of traditional hand-made
tiles.
Restricted access prevents assessment of condition of tiles and timber.
Recommendations
Structural investigation and re-detailing of parapet. The parapet coping has been
replaced with lead and other sheet metal to the right. Not only unsightly, these are
allowing water to soak the parapet brickwork and stimulating algae and moss growth.
This will, in turn, be dampening the ends of the roof timbers causing decay and
further damage to voussoirs of upper windows
Structural investigation of roof structure to assess decay of timbers
Recording of roof structure for further assessment of significance
Re-detail guttering to northern pitch/end of parapet to prevent further saturation
Re-detail guttering to northern elevation to prevent further saturation
Re-roofing as a matter of priority to alleviate clear internal signs of
water ingress
The visible roof structure of 54 Northbrook Street from street level
16
Op.Cit. Byrne p126
Hob Grate: High Significance
The back room on the first floor contains a striking original feature: an original hob-grate.
The first variations of these grates appeared in the 1720s, comprising of a basket (of three
fire bars) flanked by flat-topped hobs, designed to keep kettles and pots warm. By 1780,
hob-grates had become hugely popular. The hob was available in three different styles. Here
we see Pantheon. By 1810 the situation had changed markedly and new, heat efficient
grates were prevalent17.
This feature, clearly coeval to construction, helps further confirm the building date to c.1800.
Recommendations
Retain.
Original hob grate in back room, first floor
17
Eveleigh, D.E. (1994). Firegrates and kitchen ranges.P.4. Shire Album series.
Surviving Internal Joinery: High significance
The principal staircase structure is perhaps original throughout, although carpeting and
boxing-in provide little opportunity to confirm this. On the first flight, staircase elements of
handrail, balusters and newel post are all C20th alterations.
On the second flight however, an original handrail survives and is highly significant as
surviving original joinery.
The skirting and architrave throughout the upper levels of the house are original and of the
most basic rectangular section, with the exception of the front room and landing of the first
floor. Termed the Piano Nobile in the grander Georgian houses it formed the main living
room for the occupying family. Thus, the decoration here is at its most ornate.
The skirting is original around three sides of the room and of Cavetto section with a bead.
The architrave around the doors is also more ornate with a Cyma Reversa section with a
square bead (overleaf).
There is no further significant fabric due to extensive re-modelling.
Recommendations
Retain.
Surviving internal joinery on upper levels
Timeline for 54 Northbrook Street Appendix 13
1079 The first documentary mention of Newbury, then ‘Neoburiae’,
appears in land grant of 1079 (Oxford Archaeology, 2006)
C12th Land reclamation and expansion of town along Northbrook Street
1643 First Battle of Newbury, English Civil War
1644 Second Battle of Newbury, English Civil War
1723 River Kennet navigable between Reading and Newbury
1768 John Roque produces map of Newbury demonstrating building
layout prior to construction of no.54
1784 The fast mail coach service from Bath to London introduced
1799 Napoleonic Wars begin
c1800 54 Northbrook Street constructed
1810 Kennet and Avon Canal completed
1815 End of the Napoleonic Wars
1830 1830 Beer Act results in proliferation of beerhouses
1841 Tailor shown as resident at no.54 in the Census of that year
1847 The railway reaches Newbury
1851 William Whitehead - Sergeant Grenadier Guards is living in the
house that would appear to be 53 Northbrook Street
1852 William Whitehead – Beer Seller is living at 53 Northbrook Street
1861 William Whitehead Beerhouse keeper of Chelsea Pensioner is a
resident at Grenadiers, 54 Northbrook Street
1871 Joseph Fidgett renames beerhouse at no.54 The Drummers - though
it also appears as Grenadiers and as The Sergeant elsewhere
1881 Fidgett is replaced by William Lye, no.54 (definitely called The
Sergeant)
1883 Lye is replaced by William Marshall in 1883
November 1883 Marshall is replaced by Henry Crook
October 1884 Building reverts to use as shop
1895 Mrs Brind running premises as a Florist according to the Census of
that year
1901 Edith Gamble listed as a News agent, working from Home according
to the Census of that year
guy arnallUniversity of York
Jun 25, 2015 14:24Scale 1:1800
Clayhill Brick Works, 1880s
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 m
Digimap© Landmark Information Group Ltd and Crown copyright 2015. FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.
APPENDIX 14