Magna, Box Hill Alan Payne May 2023
The view of the historic house from Beech Road (courtesy Varian Tye)
The house called Magna on the south side of the A4 at Box Hill is one of the best-known in the area. But its recent history has obscured the real story of the building and the fascinating people who lived there. We go back to the origin of the house and how it appeared to people throughout most of its history (shown above).
Origins of the House
The side of the building visible from the A4 was originally the rear of Magna. To see the original front, you must view the property from the Back Road (now called Beech Road). Unlike the modern painted render on parts of the A4 side, the Beech Road view shows the 19th century (possibly Georgian) appearance of the house, a natural limestone building with a stone tile roof, believed to be one of the last such on Box Hill. The old turnpike road (Beech Road) was the original track connecting Corsham and Box built in 1761. It became a well-used road for horses and carriages, replacing the ancient Bath Roads which went through Chapel Plaister and Kingsdown.
The house was first referred to in the Northey Box Manor map of 1832.[1] Early maps of the house show it set facing the original turnpike road before the western part of the A4 was constructed on the north side of the property. It was set at an angle to Beech Road because the house was situated on the rear boundary of the plot, allowing it to maximise the sun and enjoy an attractive and spacious garden.
Origins of the House
The side of the building visible from the A4 was originally the rear of Magna. To see the original front, you must view the property from the Back Road (now called Beech Road). Unlike the modern painted render on parts of the A4 side, the Beech Road view shows the 19th century (possibly Georgian) appearance of the house, a natural limestone building with a stone tile roof, believed to be one of the last such on Box Hill. The old turnpike road (Beech Road) was the original track connecting Corsham and Box built in 1761. It became a well-used road for horses and carriages, replacing the ancient Bath Roads which went through Chapel Plaister and Kingsdown.
The house was first referred to in the Northey Box Manor map of 1832.[1] Early maps of the house show it set facing the original turnpike road before the western part of the A4 was constructed on the north side of the property. It was set at an angle to Beech Road because the house was situated on the rear boundary of the plot, allowing it to maximise the sun and enjoy an attractive and spacious garden.
1840 Tithe Apportionment map (courtesy of Know Your Place)
The 1840 Tithe Apportionment listed Hannah Bradfield -nee Doery - (1764-1847) as the landholder of references 98a and 98c on Box Hill. She was the widow of David Bradfield (1765-1829), stonemason, and who stayed in the house after David’s death in 1829 to bring up their six children. She was recorded as living at reference 98a, comprising a cottage and garden on a plot of 1 rood in size (shown as .250 of an acre on the map). The map clearly shows that the eastern section of the new turnpike road (A4) stopped at this point. Hannah’s other holding, plot 98c, was a garden of 29 perches occupied by William Bradfield, her son (seen above as .179 of an acre). William Bradfield was married by then and lived elsewhere in Box at reference 372. At the time this was four cottages but is now just two properties called London Terrace, near Grove Farm, Box Hill.
Bradfield Family at Magna
Hannah’s eldest son William (1791-1856), mason, married Ann Shell (1790-) who was born in Box, possibly the daughter of another local quarry family who came from Wadswick and Kingsdown. They were named as living at Box Hill in 1851, probably taking over the Magna house after Hannah’s death in 1847. We can trace the house even though it was not named because the location was identical, sited a couple of properties down from the Rising Sun Inn. William died in 1856, Ann took over the tenancy, describing herself as formerly a dairymaid. She was living there with her unmarried son William (1820-1890) and her grandson William Dancey (1854-), the child of her daughter Hannah.
After Ann died in 1863, William (1820-1890) took over the house and married Matilda Vivash (1848-) in 1870. They were living in the house in 1881 and up to William’s death in 1890. Matilda was 28 years younger than William and she remarried in 1891 to Thomas May, game keeper and widower. She was still living at Magna in the 1891 census, alone and calling herself Matilda May. After that, it is no longer possible to trace the occupants of Magna by its proximity to the Rising Sun.
Changes on Beech Road
We can see how convenient the location of the house was to Box, Corsham and Box Hill from the Tithe Apportionment map, where the plot was shown at reference 251. Using Beech Road, the house offered good access with horse-drawn carriages going from London to Bath, the number of which reduced dramatically after the railway tunnel was opened in 1841. Because the property was set at the back of the plot in a large garden, there was potential to keep domestic animals, grow vegetables and the garden offered opportunities for children to relax outside.
Bradfield Family at Magna
Hannah’s eldest son William (1791-1856), mason, married Ann Shell (1790-) who was born in Box, possibly the daughter of another local quarry family who came from Wadswick and Kingsdown. They were named as living at Box Hill in 1851, probably taking over the Magna house after Hannah’s death in 1847. We can trace the house even though it was not named because the location was identical, sited a couple of properties down from the Rising Sun Inn. William died in 1856, Ann took over the tenancy, describing herself as formerly a dairymaid. She was living there with her unmarried son William (1820-1890) and her grandson William Dancey (1854-), the child of her daughter Hannah.
After Ann died in 1863, William (1820-1890) took over the house and married Matilda Vivash (1848-) in 1870. They were living in the house in 1881 and up to William’s death in 1890. Matilda was 28 years younger than William and she remarried in 1891 to Thomas May, game keeper and widower. She was still living at Magna in the 1891 census, alone and calling herself Matilda May. After that, it is no longer possible to trace the occupants of Magna by its proximity to the Rising Sun.
Changes on Beech Road
We can see how convenient the location of the house was to Box, Corsham and Box Hill from the Tithe Apportionment map, where the plot was shown at reference 251. Using Beech Road, the house offered good access with horse-drawn carriages going from London to Bath, the number of which reduced dramatically after the railway tunnel was opened in 1841. Because the property was set at the back of the plot in a large garden, there was potential to keep domestic animals, grow vegetables and the garden offered opportunities for children to relax outside.
1844-1888 Ordnance Survey shows the new turnpike road (A4) above the old turnpike (Beech Road) (courtesy Know Your Place)
However, all of this began to alter aroud 1841 when a new turnpike road was constructed to the north of Beech Road. The new road (now called A4) was built in sections. The first part of the new road ran from Pickwick, past Rudloe Firs, and stopped at the house called Alma, where it took a detour to join up with Beech Road. After the second section was built from Alma down to the Post Office in Box, Beech Road largely became redundant as a highway except for local pedestrians.
in 1866 this use for Beech Road altered again when a tramway was laid on the north side of the path to service Clift Quarry Works. Henceforth railway trolleys full of heavy stone blocks hurtled down the road on the gravity-driven incline to The Wharf for loading on the railway. The empty wagons were hauled back up hill by a team of horses. Instead of being an isolated, rural location on the edge of Box village, Magna was now a hazardous location, where everyone stepping outside the garden was to risk an accident. To regularize their lifestyles, residents began to use the north side of the house to access the A4 new turnpike and avoid hazards on Beech Road. This left the house rather isolated on an island between the two roads. Because the house had been built at the rear boundary of the plot, the new road offered only a small gap to the property wall and even that was closed with a 20th century extension.
We can see how dangerous the Beech Road tramway had become in 1888 with the death of Frank Bradfield (1876-1888), the grandson of William and Ann.[2] Although aged just twelve years, Frank had been employed to mind the tramway horses at
The Wharf but he exceeded his responsibilities by leading the horses attached to a loaded trolly. He misjudged the manoeuvre and was crushed in the gap between the heavy trolley and a stationary stack of stone. He died in hospital a day later.
Moules Family
Following the Bradfield family came another of the great local dynasties, the Moules family from Colerne. The person who lived in Magna was Henry Moules (1873-1928), the seventh child of William and Elizabeth Moules. The family mostly comprised labourers, agricultural workers and domestic servants. Aged 17 Henry joined the 3rd Wiltshire Regiment in 1891 but he had missed out on an elementary education and could only make his mark on his registration forms. He was not suited to army life, despite three extensive periods of training, and bought his way out in 1897.
in 1866 this use for Beech Road altered again when a tramway was laid on the north side of the path to service Clift Quarry Works. Henceforth railway trolleys full of heavy stone blocks hurtled down the road on the gravity-driven incline to The Wharf for loading on the railway. The empty wagons were hauled back up hill by a team of horses. Instead of being an isolated, rural location on the edge of Box village, Magna was now a hazardous location, where everyone stepping outside the garden was to risk an accident. To regularize their lifestyles, residents began to use the north side of the house to access the A4 new turnpike and avoid hazards on Beech Road. This left the house rather isolated on an island between the two roads. Because the house had been built at the rear boundary of the plot, the new road offered only a small gap to the property wall and even that was closed with a 20th century extension.
We can see how dangerous the Beech Road tramway had become in 1888 with the death of Frank Bradfield (1876-1888), the grandson of William and Ann.[2] Although aged just twelve years, Frank had been employed to mind the tramway horses at
The Wharf but he exceeded his responsibilities by leading the horses attached to a loaded trolly. He misjudged the manoeuvre and was crushed in the gap between the heavy trolley and a stationary stack of stone. He died in hospital a day later.
Moules Family
Following the Bradfield family came another of the great local dynasties, the Moules family from Colerne. The person who lived in Magna was Henry Moules (1873-1928), the seventh child of William and Elizabeth Moules. The family mostly comprised labourers, agricultural workers and domestic servants. Aged 17 Henry joined the 3rd Wiltshire Regiment in 1891 but he had missed out on an elementary education and could only make his mark on his registration forms. He was not suited to army life, despite three extensive periods of training, and bought his way out in 1897.
1923 Northey Sales map showing Magna at reference 13 (courtesy Bernard Ainsworth)
Henry married Laura Hall in 1897 and they moved into Magna shortly afterwards where their children were born. Henry could earn a reasonable salary by labouring in the Box quarries where he worked over time as underground miner, sawyer and hewer. At this time, the house was described as on Lower Box Hill (Beech Road). In 1923 the Northey family tried to sell their Box Hill estate and Magna was put for auction, described as having sitting room, living room, 2 bedrooms and lean-to washhouse. For some reason, the tenancy was in the name of W Moules (possibly Henry’s son who was literate).
With the Moules as tenants, the house was bought by Samuel Rogers (1864-) as it provided an income of £10 per annum from the rent. Samuel was a boarder at Townsend Villas in 1921 whilst working at Kingsdown Asylum. With Henry’s death in 1928, Laura gave up the tenancy and the property was taken over by Frank Maynard. Laura later married again to Thomas G Dancey in 1948 and they lived at Ivy Cottage, Box Hill.
With the Moules as tenants, the house was bought by Samuel Rogers (1864-) as it provided an income of £10 per annum from the rent. Samuel was a boarder at Townsend Villas in 1921 whilst working at Kingsdown Asylum. With Henry’s death in 1928, Laura gave up the tenancy and the property was taken over by Frank Maynard. Laura later married again to Thomas G Dancey in 1948 and they lived at Ivy Cottage, Box Hill.
Magna seen from the A4 (courtesy Carol Payne)
Nil-sine-Labore to Magna
The fifth child of George Maynard a Colerne shoe maker, Frank Maynard (15 January 1885-1965) confirmed the northly orientation of the property to face the A4 when he acquired the premises in 1927. He altered the north side by building a single-storey extension as a shop, accessed up a few steps, still set at an angle to attract notice from passers-by. He also renamed the property Nil-sine-Labore (Nothing-without-Work). The motto was popular with the Bath Primrose League, upholding the Conservative principles of Benjamin Disraeli of God, Queen and Country. Locals were amused by this and Frank was colloquially called Poshy Maynard because he took snuff off the back of his hand, despite his humble origins. He was recorded as the last active member of the Primitive Chapel on Beech Road.
Frank was remembered as the same sort of figure as Arkwright in Open All Hours. He always wore a brown overall which had signs of snuff on it and the shop sold everything that locals might need from tomatoes to pickaxes.[3] Frank was a large man and his wife Una E Rumble (28 December 1880-) was considerably smaller. They ran the shop for 30 years until it was taken over briefly in 1965 by Richard Clifford Edwards and his wife Grace Mary and renamed Box Hill Stores. But the A4 road had become too busy and trade diminished and the shop closed a year later. Thereafter, the shop returned to being a residence. Mark and Susan Verrey occupied it between 1970 and 1975 and it was probably they who renamed it Magna.[4] They were followed by Michael and Margaret Payne.
Magna is now usually recognized by its closed-up face abutting directly onto the main A4 road. But this part of the house’s story ignores the fabulous history of the area. Magna seen from the A4 is not nearly as attractive as its original front elevation and spacious garden on Beech Road.
The fifth child of George Maynard a Colerne shoe maker, Frank Maynard (15 January 1885-1965) confirmed the northly orientation of the property to face the A4 when he acquired the premises in 1927. He altered the north side by building a single-storey extension as a shop, accessed up a few steps, still set at an angle to attract notice from passers-by. He also renamed the property Nil-sine-Labore (Nothing-without-Work). The motto was popular with the Bath Primrose League, upholding the Conservative principles of Benjamin Disraeli of God, Queen and Country. Locals were amused by this and Frank was colloquially called Poshy Maynard because he took snuff off the back of his hand, despite his humble origins. He was recorded as the last active member of the Primitive Chapel on Beech Road.
Frank was remembered as the same sort of figure as Arkwright in Open All Hours. He always wore a brown overall which had signs of snuff on it and the shop sold everything that locals might need from tomatoes to pickaxes.[3] Frank was a large man and his wife Una E Rumble (28 December 1880-) was considerably smaller. They ran the shop for 30 years until it was taken over briefly in 1965 by Richard Clifford Edwards and his wife Grace Mary and renamed Box Hill Stores. But the A4 road had become too busy and trade diminished and the shop closed a year later. Thereafter, the shop returned to being a residence. Mark and Susan Verrey occupied it between 1970 and 1975 and it was probably they who renamed it Magna.[4] They were followed by Michael and Margaret Payne.
Magna is now usually recognized by its closed-up face abutting directly onto the main A4 road. But this part of the house’s story ignores the fabulous history of the area. Magna seen from the A4 is not nearly as attractive as its original front elevation and spacious garden on Beech Road.
Moules Family
William (1840-) married Elizabeth (1839-). Children:
Arthur (1865-); Walter (1867-); Agnes E (1871-); Henry (1873-); Frank (1875-); Maurice (1878-); Frederick G (1880).
Henry (1873-1928), stone miner, married Laura Hall (23 March 1876-1959) in 1897. Children:
William (1840-) married Elizabeth (1839-). Children:
Arthur (1865-); Walter (1867-); Agnes E (1871-); Henry (1873-); Frank (1875-); Maurice (1878-); Frederick G (1880).
Henry (1873-1928), stone miner, married Laura Hall (23 March 1876-1959) in 1897. Children:
- Arthur Henry (9 September 1898-), trained as an oil gas fitter with GWR in 1916. He worked throughout the country for the railways at Swindon in 1916, Smethwick in 1921. In 1922 he married Daisy Alexandra Phyllis Harris (1901-), daughter of his Smethwick landlord. They settled in Birmingham in 1939 with children: Ronald A (1923-), Desmond F (1926-);
- Frederick (1900-);
- Agnes (1904-);
- Evelyn Laura (19 November 1905-) married Frederick R Simmons, haulier, in 1926. They later lived at Studley, Calne; and
- William (1911-).
References
[1] Throughout this article, I am indebted to the work of M Parrott and D Treasure, Magna Box Hill, 2009
[2] The Wiltshire Times, 19 June 1888
[3] See Maynard's Shop, Box Hill
[4] M Parrott and D Treasure, Magna Box Hill, 2009
[1] Throughout this article, I am indebted to the work of M Parrott and D Treasure, Magna Box Hill, 2009
[2] The Wiltshire Times, 19 June 1888
[3] See Maynard's Shop, Box Hill
[4] M Parrott and D Treasure, Magna Box Hill, 2009