Wormecliffe Lane (Maurice Pullin)
Wormecliffe House, Box
Fifteenth Century House Restored
Brigadier E. Felton Falkner
Reproduced from
Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society, Vol. LIX, 1942
Fifteenth Century House Restored
Brigadier E. Felton Falkner
Reproduced from
Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society, Vol. LIX, 1942
On the south-west slope of Kingsdown, with a view stretching far away over Bath to Mendip, lies a 15th century (or earlier) cottage at the side of the ancient Wormecliffe lane which connected the Box-Ashley road with Bathford. A few hundred yards below this lane is another, part of which still remains, which branched from Wormecliffe lane at Ashley and went direct to Bathford, south-east of the present railway and modern main road, joining Wormecliffe land again NE of Bathford. The last half of this can still be traced across the fields. Tradition says these lanes were routes for pilgrims going to Glastonbury via Bath. Such is the siting of this cottage, an isolated yet commanding position, with attractive stone entrance.
The earliest authentic records known to the owners (Brigadier and Mrs Felton Falkner) are Inq PM Chancery Series II, Vol 26 (73), 1511, from which it may be presumed that in 1478 when Philippa, daughter of John Croke, of Hazelbury, married William Floyer, her father made provision for her by a settlement of this and other property. It was then called Warnecliffe. See Manor of Hazelbury by G Kidston. The next mention is in a volume of Wiltshire Inq PM for Charles I, printed by the British Record Soc for the Wilts Archaeological Soc, page 91: On the death of Henry Longe a messuage called Wormecliff in Box and lands belonging there were held (by Henry Longe) of George Speake, Lord of Box etc (in Box Church registers it is spelt George Speke, Esq).
The earliest authentic records known to the owners (Brigadier and Mrs Felton Falkner) are Inq PM Chancery Series II, Vol 26 (73), 1511, from which it may be presumed that in 1478 when Philippa, daughter of John Croke, of Hazelbury, married William Floyer, her father made provision for her by a settlement of this and other property. It was then called Warnecliffe. See Manor of Hazelbury by G Kidston. The next mention is in a volume of Wiltshire Inq PM for Charles I, printed by the British Record Soc for the Wilts Archaeological Soc, page 91: On the death of Henry Longe a messuage called Wormecliff in Box and lands belonging there were held (by Henry Longe) of George Speake, Lord of Box etc (in Box Church registers it is spelt George Speke, Esq).
Outbreak of Plague kills a whole family in May 1646 |
Again, in a manorial map of 1630, this messuage and land is clearly marked, as also are the lanes mentioned above. In Box Church registers of 1646, it is shown that a Richard Mansel lived at Wormecliffe and that his son, wife and infant child all died in May of the sickness, and are buried nigh unto the house on account of the infection.
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There is moreover a strong tradition that before this old building was a dwelling (1478-1511) it was used by pilgrim monks as a cold harbour. Be this as it may, there have been discovered ample indications that it may well have been so, and as this evidence was exposed by restoration a few words on what has been done, so far, must be mentioned, apart from extensive repairs.
In 1935 Brigadier and Mrs Felton Falkner struck with its antiquity, very derelict condition, and magnificent views, bought it with the intention of restoring it as much as possible to its original state and conception. It may be said at once that they purposely avoided spoiling it by aggrandisement, but from careful study by living in it during the more technical restoration work, modern woodwork, plaster and fireplaces were removed exposing some original walls, many beams, and two open fireplaces which had three superimposed on each, one early Victorian, one late, and one very modern with pink glazed tiles round it!
In 1935 Brigadier and Mrs Felton Falkner struck with its antiquity, very derelict condition, and magnificent views, bought it with the intention of restoring it as much as possible to its original state and conception. It may be said at once that they purposely avoided spoiling it by aggrandisement, but from careful study by living in it during the more technical restoration work, modern woodwork, plaster and fireplaces were removed exposing some original walls, many beams, and two open fireplaces which had three superimposed on each, one early Victorian, one late, and one very modern with pink glazed tiles round it!
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During all the extensive repair and restoration it was discovered that at an early period the original building consisted only of one large room, floor to roof, and off this separated by a screen, was a kitchen (now the hall) with a 10ft x 5ft x 3ft open fireplace, with the back part of a bread oven, and over it two large oak beams.
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Restoration Work Reveals Existence of Earlier Building |
Above this room was another of similar size which now is a passage room. At this end was (a part still remains) a high bank against the house from which entry was evidently made to this one first-floor room.
Later, certainly late in the 15th century, some alterations were made. An extension of one room, ground and first floor, beyond the old kitchen, cutting away the bank referred to above to make room for it. Then the large room with screen had a floor inserted to make upstairs accommodation, and of course stairs were placed by the side if the screen, one panel of which still remains, and a primitive Tudor fireplace with stone arch in place of the remainder of the screen. The masonry of this fireplace and its two flues is of later date than the wall of the house and yet it certainly is early work, probably 1478-1511 by Philippa. The arch is very plain rough stone, chamfered on the edge and finished near the floor with what looks like a garb, and on the right side of the arch is a recess, lined with very old oak, 10in x 10in x 12in, with a little flue into the chimney for ventilation.
The arch was so badly broken that very careful repair was necessary before all the stone and rubble which supported it and surrounded the modern fireplace could be removed.
Except for old beams generally, walls in the hall, fireplaces, stone floors, and interesting stone steps from the old kitchen (now hall) down into the large room (now drawing room) between the stairs and Tudor fireplace, the further uncovering of original work was prevented by the war. No cellar was found though one may have existed for small ale under the old kitchen.
In the garden is an interesting little building about 8ft x 8ft inside, containing a tiny and rather rough and broken lancet window and a recess on the right side of it, about 1ft x 1ft. This, like the house, was in a ruinous state and has been restored as it is, with stone roof, and no endeavour has been made to alter it in any way as its original purpose is obscure, though some archaeologists consider it was a monk's cell or meditation chapel.
All of this has made an interesting hobby, in a small way, for the owners who hope to continue the work later.
The garden has been laid out very simply and rather severely in keeping with the house which naturally has been modernised by two bathrooms, three WCs, part central heating, main water and EL (electric light) and the addition of a porch with stone roof made of old materials designed to act as a buttress to the north wall, and of course modern kitchen etc. The roof was in 1935 corrugated iron! but this was replaced with tiles as it was considered a stone roof was too heavy for the original roof timbers.
With the exception of one upstairs ovolo transomed and mullioned window and a bay with eight lights with square mullions of oak on the SW side of the hall, all windows are two lights, some ovolo and others with square mullions with a roll moulding on eh edge, a few of which appear very primitive. All ground floor and gable windows have square labels. Several ground floor windows had bars and shutters, but were not glazed till modern times when they had wood frames inserted, and now have leaded diamond lights with iron frames.
The house had to be underpinned and surrounded by pave and with extensive land drainage the building is remarkably dry.
All this restoration work was planned and designed by the owners and ably carried out by a well-known local builder.
On both north and south sides of the cottage foundations were discovered, but it is impossible yet to trace their origin or full plan.
The well situated on the south side and originally surrounded by cobbles, much of which still exists in its original state, is 60ft deep, with little or no water. This is probably due to the fact that the stream shown on the 1630 map no longer exists.
This little dwelling, situated as it is among trees in about six acres of ground with lovely views, is truly a delightful little relic of the past, and amply proves that a small house is returning to its own again.
Later, certainly late in the 15th century, some alterations were made. An extension of one room, ground and first floor, beyond the old kitchen, cutting away the bank referred to above to make room for it. Then the large room with screen had a floor inserted to make upstairs accommodation, and of course stairs were placed by the side if the screen, one panel of which still remains, and a primitive Tudor fireplace with stone arch in place of the remainder of the screen. The masonry of this fireplace and its two flues is of later date than the wall of the house and yet it certainly is early work, probably 1478-1511 by Philippa. The arch is very plain rough stone, chamfered on the edge and finished near the floor with what looks like a garb, and on the right side of the arch is a recess, lined with very old oak, 10in x 10in x 12in, with a little flue into the chimney for ventilation.
The arch was so badly broken that very careful repair was necessary before all the stone and rubble which supported it and surrounded the modern fireplace could be removed.
Except for old beams generally, walls in the hall, fireplaces, stone floors, and interesting stone steps from the old kitchen (now hall) down into the large room (now drawing room) between the stairs and Tudor fireplace, the further uncovering of original work was prevented by the war. No cellar was found though one may have existed for small ale under the old kitchen.
In the garden is an interesting little building about 8ft x 8ft inside, containing a tiny and rather rough and broken lancet window and a recess on the right side of it, about 1ft x 1ft. This, like the house, was in a ruinous state and has been restored as it is, with stone roof, and no endeavour has been made to alter it in any way as its original purpose is obscure, though some archaeologists consider it was a monk's cell or meditation chapel.
All of this has made an interesting hobby, in a small way, for the owners who hope to continue the work later.
The garden has been laid out very simply and rather severely in keeping with the house which naturally has been modernised by two bathrooms, three WCs, part central heating, main water and EL (electric light) and the addition of a porch with stone roof made of old materials designed to act as a buttress to the north wall, and of course modern kitchen etc. The roof was in 1935 corrugated iron! but this was replaced with tiles as it was considered a stone roof was too heavy for the original roof timbers.
With the exception of one upstairs ovolo transomed and mullioned window and a bay with eight lights with square mullions of oak on the SW side of the hall, all windows are two lights, some ovolo and others with square mullions with a roll moulding on eh edge, a few of which appear very primitive. All ground floor and gable windows have square labels. Several ground floor windows had bars and shutters, but were not glazed till modern times when they had wood frames inserted, and now have leaded diamond lights with iron frames.
The house had to be underpinned and surrounded by pave and with extensive land drainage the building is remarkably dry.
All this restoration work was planned and designed by the owners and ably carried out by a well-known local builder.
On both north and south sides of the cottage foundations were discovered, but it is impossible yet to trace their origin or full plan.
The well situated on the south side and originally surrounded by cobbles, much of which still exists in its original state, is 60ft deep, with little or no water. This is probably due to the fact that the stream shown on the 1630 map no longer exists.
This little dwelling, situated as it is among trees in about six acres of ground with lovely views, is truly a delightful little relic of the past, and amply proves that a small house is returning to its own again.
