Case Studies
A few examples of my early research projects in Northumberland
The following case studies represent a small sample of the work carried out by Your House Historian, and they highlight how the history of a property can can have a significant bearing on the present day:
The following case studies represent a small sample of the work carried out by Your House Historian, and they highlight how the history of a property can can have a significant bearing on the present day:
Tuggal Mill
Some derelict mill buildings and a main house on the coast in North Northumberland, held by a major estate, was purchased by an American who wished to restore the buildings to their former use and required chronological details of the historic development of the land and buildings. For this purpose specific records were consulted, mainly archival materials which were held by the Northumberland and Morpeth Records Offices and included Tithe maps, estate plans, valuations and rental documents. References to the estate were traced back to 1450 when repairs were carried out and to an indenture (sale) of land dated 1625. Visual records such as maps can reveal the changes taking place across the centuries and are a very useful source material. By 1847 the mill had ceased operating. The original house was in such a state of disrepair that it was demolished, and a new house was built in the 1960's. From the Census Records the various farmers and different inhabitants in the property were ascertained.
This research was for the purpose of analysis of the site in making a confident application for Planning and Listed Building Consent, it also ensured that significant historic detail was identified for the future.
Some derelict mill buildings and a main house on the coast in North Northumberland, held by a major estate, was purchased by an American who wished to restore the buildings to their former use and required chronological details of the historic development of the land and buildings. For this purpose specific records were consulted, mainly archival materials which were held by the Northumberland and Morpeth Records Offices and included Tithe maps, estate plans, valuations and rental documents. References to the estate were traced back to 1450 when repairs were carried out and to an indenture (sale) of land dated 1625. Visual records such as maps can reveal the changes taking place across the centuries and are a very useful source material. By 1847 the mill had ceased operating. The original house was in such a state of disrepair that it was demolished, and a new house was built in the 1960's. From the Census Records the various farmers and different inhabitants in the property were ascertained.
This research was for the purpose of analysis of the site in making a confident application for Planning and Listed Building Consent, it also ensured that significant historic detail was identified for the future.
The Central
Another project involved research to support an application for major grant aid for the restoration of an Italian Renaissance building in Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, a public house. The building had the nickname ‘The Coffin’ due to it’s triangular shape. Work began in 1852 and was possibly one of the first commissions of the young local architect Mathew Thompson. The building itself caused a considerable stir and controversy in the neighbourhood, and a debate raged in the early years as to whether the site should be left vacant, as some councillors wanted.
But when the elegance of the design became apparent many of its critics were silenced. In fact notices began regularly appearing in the Gateshead Observer charting its slow progress. This publication provided details of it’s construction and also local comment which provides interesting reading.
Another project involved research to support an application for major grant aid for the restoration of an Italian Renaissance building in Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, a public house. The building had the nickname ‘The Coffin’ due to it’s triangular shape. Work began in 1852 and was possibly one of the first commissions of the young local architect Mathew Thompson. The building itself caused a considerable stir and controversy in the neighbourhood, and a debate raged in the early years as to whether the site should be left vacant, as some councillors wanted.
But when the elegance of the design became apparent many of its critics were silenced. In fact notices began regularly appearing in the Gateshead Observer charting its slow progress. This publication provided details of it’s construction and also local comment which provides interesting reading.
Trade Directories provided useful details showing the useage and it’s inhabitants. The building included extensive cellarage and offices and shops on the upper floors. Although it was registered under a wines and spirits merchants in the late 1800’s it was not unil 1907 that it was registered as a public house and the inkeeper named. In the 1950’s it was boarded up and not in use but in the 1960’s it was taken over by Newcastle Breweries.
The report was prepared for presentation to English Heritage. It’s application for grant aid was successful and renovation started in the early years of 2000.
The report was prepared for presentation to English Heritage. It’s application for grant aid was successful and renovation started in the early years of 2000.
