the drum and monkey, comberbach heritage

Transcription

THE DRUM AND MONKEY,
COMBERBACH
HERITAGE APPRAISAL
Kathryn Sather & Associates
Heritage Conservation Consultants
87 Oldfield Road
Altrincham
WA14 4BL
Tel: 0161 941 1414
E-mail: [email protected]
August 2013
The Drum and Monkey, Comberbach: Heritage Appraisal
Contact Addresses
Heritage Conservation Consultants:
Heritage Conservation Consultants
87 Oldfield Road
Altrincham, Cheshire
WA14 4BL
Tel:
0161 941 1414
[email protected]
Planning Services:
Goodwin Planning Services
Old Church Hall
Old Coach Road
Kelsall
Cheshire
CW6 0QJ
01829 752 851
Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 4
Section 2
DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE AND STRUCTURES .................................... 5
2.1
2.2
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
Section 3
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
Section 4
The Site ...................................................................................................................... 5
The Drum and Monkey................................................................................................ 6
Plan and Form ....................................................................................................... 6
Exterior .................................................................................................................. 6
Interior ................................................................................................................. 11
HISTORY .................................................................................................... 18
History and Development of the Site ......................................................................... 18
Location ............................................................................................................... 18
Brief History of Comberbach ................................................................................ 18
History of the Drum and Monkey Site ................................................................... 19
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STRUCTURES .................................................. 25
4.1
Significance of The Drum and Monkey ...................................................................... 25
4.1.1
Evidential Value ................................................................................................... 25
4.1.2
Historical: ............................................................................................................. 25
Illustrative Value ...................................................................................................................... 25
Associative Value .................................................................................................................... 25
4.1.3
Communal: Social Value ...................................................................................... 25
4.1.4
Aesthetic: Design Value ....................................................................................... 26
4.1.5
Summary ............................................................................................................. 26
4.2
Significance of the Extension .................................................................................... 26
4.2.1
Evidential Value ................................................................................................... 26
4.2.2
Summary ............................................................................................................. 26
4.3
Description of Proposed Works ................................................................................. 27
4.3.1
Exterior Alterations and Demolitions .................................................................... 27
4.4
Heritage Impact Assessment Table........................................................................... 29
Section 5
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
Section 6
CONCLUSIONS ......................................................................................... 33
History, Development and Usage .............................................................................. 33
Significance of the Existing Structure ........................................................................ 33
Impact of Proposed Works to the Significance of The Drum and Monkey ................. 33
Heritage Asset Considerations .................................................................................. 33
SOURCES .................................................................................................. 34
Details of Ordnance Survey (OS) Maps are printed under Map Copying Licence 100046131
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Section 1
INTRODUCTION
This Appraisal accompanies the application for planning permission for alterations to The Drum and
Monkey former public house, The Avenue, Comberbach. The Drum and Monkey is currently on the
Local List for Vale Royal. The building is not listed or within a Conservation Area, but due to its
inclusion on the Local List, it is considered to be a Heritage Asset. The Drum and Monkey was
formerly a public house, but was recently purchased with the intention of turning the structure into a
private dwelling.
This Heritage Appraisal has been prepared in accordance with the NPPF. This has been prepared
by Kathryn Sather & Associates, Heritage Conservation Consultants.
This Heritage Appraisal aims to provide sufficient information specific to the proposal site and its
immediate surroundings. To this end the statement provides a summary of the history and
development of the site, a description of The Drum and Monkey, a review of the works to be
undertaken and a heritage impact assessment for the proposed works.
Location Plan
Page 4
Section 2
DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE AND STRUCTURES
Existing Site Plan
2.1 The Site
The Drum and Monkey is a detached property, set back slightly from The Avenue. It is sited within
its own grounds, which currently consists of car parking space, sufficient for twelve vehicles. The
site is entered via a gated opening to the north of the property. There are modern extensions to the
rear and south side of the structure, but no separate out buildings. The former garden is now
entirely of tarmac, but mature trees planted behind the rear property boundary overhang slightly into
this space, creating a wall of greenery. The property boundaries are varied. To the north and east
they consist of post and timber panel fencing of a modern design, to the south is a brick wall. There
is no boundary to the front of the property, but there is a combination of concrete and metal bollards.
The properties directly to the north and south of the Drum and Monkey are residential in nature.
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The Drum and Monkey
The Modern Extensions to the Rear of the Property
2.2 The Drum and Monkey
2.2.1 Plan and Form
The Drum and Monkey is a double fronted two storey property with cellar. It rises to a slightly lower
level than the surrounding residential properties. The roof is multi pitched, with gable ends to the
north and south. To the ground floor access is gained through the main entrance to the property
which is located in the centre of the western facade and another doorway is located in the northern
elevation.
2.2.2 Exterior
Materials
The property is of brick, which is rendered with rough cast and painted cream, to the western
elevation there are timber framed windows with stone lintels and some with stone surrounds. There
is a plinth, applied pilasters and sting courses which appear to be Portland cement. The door
frames and doors are timber. The roof materials are a combination of concrete slates and natural
stone slate.
Western Elevation
The western elevation is the main façade of the property, facing onto the street line. The elevation
is symmetrical, with three bays and a central doorway. There are applied decorative elements to
this facade, such as the moulded pilasters, plinth, string course and decorative parapet with central
motif. The timber door case has pilasters surmounted with a pediment. There are two windows at
ground and first floor level. These are timber framed with a single lower light and two upper opening
casements. The dimensions of the window openings suggests that they are possibly more recent
replacements of timber sash windows. The windows to the first floor have decorative moulded
surrounds, the cill is formed by the decorative string course that spans the facade. The windows to
the ground floor also have decorative moulded surrounds, but in a slightly different design. The
lights and signage to this facade were initially added in 1988 and altered in 1992.
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Western Elevation
Pedimented Doorcase
Ground Floor Window with Moulded
Surround
First Floor Window
North Elevation
The north elevation faces the driveway, it is comprised of the northern elevation of the main property
and the later extension to the east of the property. The double gable end brick wall is rendered with
roughcast and painted cream. The roof is double pitched, with one pitch at a steeper angle than the
other, possibly indicating variations in date/ alterations. This wall appears to have been re-built at
some point, as the facade sits slightly proud of the line of the western facade. There are no
windows in the western section of the elevation; just a single door without decorative surround,
situated slightly to the east side of the elevation. This provides access to the staircase leading to
the first floor and to the bar area via a door to the east. There are two ventilation fans, one at each
end of the facade and to the western end there is another timber sign with spot lights above. To the
east of the main property is a single storey modern extension that was erected in the late 1980s
(4/18820). The main body of the extension is of brick with has a flat roof and currently houses toilet
facilities and beer cellar. A small section of the extension was constructed as a lean to and has a
slate roof, this is also in use as a beer cellar. There is a timber casement window in the western
section of the extension as well as a timber framed timber door which provides access to the toilets
and bar area. There is also a timber framed timber board door providing access to the lean to
section of the extension to the east. Above the modern extension, the flat roof is accessible via a
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metal staircase on the eastern elevation. This space is bounded by modern metal railings. There is
currently a small timber shed to the western end of the roof space.
North Elevation of the Main Structure
North Elevation of Extension
Eastern Elevation
The eastern elevation encompasses the modern extension to the ground floor and the first floor of
the main body of the property. At ground floor level the eastern facade of the extension is of brick
with double doors and a small single light window to the northern end. To the north of this extension
the small lean to is visible. The metal staircase giving access to the first floor is situated along this
elevation. To the south of this facade is a flat roof structure supported on metal columns, creating
an open fronted covered space.
Eastern Elevation
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Open Fronted Covered Space
First Floor
To the first floor the roof of the extension has been decked to provide a patio area for the first floor
accommodation. The space is surrounded by black metal railings of a modern design. To the
northern end of the facade is a two light window with opening casement. To the south there is a
timber panelled door which provides access to the first floor accommodation. The brick chimney
stack and simple terracotta chimney pot are visible to the southern end of the facade. There is a
small timber shed to the north of the space, which was previously used to house a washing
machine.
South Elevation
The south elevation is the other gable end to the property. With this facade it is easier to see the
relationship between the pitched elements of the roofline. The pitch of the western section being at
a shallower gradient than the pitch of the eastern section. The eastern pitch clearly overlaps the
western section of the roof, implying it was added at a later date. There are six two light windows
with upper opening casements in this facade, each has a painted stone window cill, those to the
ground floor have stone surrounds. To the eastern end of the western section of the main building
there is a window inserted into a former door opening, which also has a stone surround. To the
eastern end of this facade is the 1980s kitchen extension. This rises to one storey, is of brick,
rendered and painted cream. It is currently covered in ivy. There is one timber window with
opening casement in the extension in the western facade.
Southeast Elevation
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Ground Floor Window
Window in Former Doorway
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2.2.3 Interior
Ground Floor
Ground Floor Plan
The ground floor of the main property consists of the bar area, which is comprised of a large open
plan space with stair case projecting from the northern wall. The bar is a modern addition inserted
into the centre of the space. The bar area is open plan, with seating along the western and
southern walls. The internal plan was altered and walls removed to facilitate this open plan design.
There is a timber beam to east of the space, running along a north-south axis. The door leading to
the modern extension containing the toilets is timber with an upper glass panel. There is a fireplace
in the eastern wall of the space with a brick surround, which could be late Victorian in date.
Ground Floor Bar Space
Seating Area in Ground Floor
To the south east of the main property is the 1980s kitchen extension. This is accessed via a
doorway in the south wall of the bar area. The extension is a long rectangular structure with white
tiles to the walls and thin timber skirting board. The flooring is vinyl. The kitchen fixtures have been
removed, but the metal brackets remain. The lighting is fluorescent tube. To the east end of the
kitchen is a small separated storage area. There is a timber door surround to the area, but the door
itself has been removed. The area is decorated with brown tiles and thin timber skirting board.
There are no fixtures present in this space.
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Kitchen
Kitchen Storage Area
To the east of the bar area is a corridor that provides access to the toilet facilities in the modern
extension. To the south side of the space are the female toilets. These are decorated with pale
white and beige tiles, modern carpet and timber doors, painted yellow. The area still contains the
two bathroom stalls with associated fixtures and ceramic basin in timber unit. To the north are the
male toilets. The space is decorated with white tiles to the walls and red and black tiles to the floor.
The lighting is modern. This area has a urinal against the northern wall and sink against the
southern wall. There is a tri partite timber window in the north elevation.
Male Toilets
Female Toilets
Page 12
To the east of the toilets and accessed externally are the cellars. That to the south side is a modern
brick construction with a double door in the eastern elevation. This is the larger of the two external
cellars. It is brick, painted white with a concrete floor. There are no windows and the only fixtures
remaining are modern shelves along the southern wall. The cellar to the north is the small lean to
construction of brick with a slate roof. The building has brick walls, painted white with a concrete
floor. There is a small single light timber window in the eastern elevation. It still contains some
fixtures, presumably related to its former use as a beer cellar. This is accessed via a timber door in
the western elevation and access to the larger cellar space to the south is gained through double
doors in the shared wall.
Small Lean to Cellar
Larger Southern Cellar
Underneath the main property is a brick arched dry lined cellar that dates to the 1850s. It is
accessed via a hatch in the main bar area. It is currently painted white with modern light fixtures,
cables and wiring to the ceiling. It is presumed that this was previously used as storage for the
commercial premises upstairs. There is a problem with water ingress in the cellar due to the brook
that runs behind the property, a pump is now used to keep the area dry. It is not proposed to alter
this space in any way.
Brick Arched Cellar
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First Floor
First Floor Plan
The stair case leading to the first floor has timber treads and risers, with a decorative timber “wave”
motif applied to the wall. There is a mahogany hand rail and mahogany affect timber banister with
white timber balustrade. The first floor includes two bedrooms, a central stair landing, a bathroom
and a large lounge area with adjoining kitchen. The rooms mostly have modern boards applied to
the floor boards, plaster walls and plaster ceilings. The windows are timber, mainly two over one
lights, the upper two being opening casements. The doors and door surrounds are all timber.
Stairs with Handrail and Banister
Timber Wave Motif applied to the Wall
The larger bedroom is to the north side of the structure. This has plaster ceilings and walls with
modern boarding to the floor. There is a thin timber skirting board (missing from the north wall),
moulded timber door frame and six panelled timber door. The room is raised slightly from the floor
level in the landing, and the room is accessed via a timber step. The window in this room reaches
floor level and there are signs of alterations to the top of the window frame.
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Bedroom to the North
Bedroom to the North; Missing Skirting Board and
Detail of Window
Bedroom to the North, Timber Step
The bedroom to the south is slightly smaller. This too has plaster ceilings and walls with modern
boarding to the floor in some areas, but some timber floorboards remain. There is also a moulded
timber door frame and vertical boarded timber door with metal thumb latch. This room is also raised
slightly from the floor level in the landing, and the room is accessed via a timber step. The window
in the western wall room reaches floor level but that to the southern wall does not. There are no
fixtures or fitting left in the room at present.
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Bedroom to the South
Bedroom to the South, Timber Board
Door
The lounge area with adjoining kitchen is situated to the rear of the property and occupies the entire
eastern section of the first floor. The lounge area is situated to the north side of the space. Again,
this is at a higher floor level than that of the hall and is accessed via two timber steps. The walls are
plastered and given a textured appearance with artex before being painted a light pink colour.
There is a thin timber skirting board and the floor is modern timber boarding. The ceiling has also
been decorated with artex and there is a timber beam spanning the room on an east-west axis. The
windows are on the eastern elevation and are two light timber mullion windows. Modern light fittings
remain.
Lounge Area
Lounge Area with View into Kitchen
The adjoining kitchen area to the south is accessed via an archway. The walls and ceiling are
plastered, the floor is timber board and there are areas of timber skirting board. The window in the
southern elevation has a deep timber surround. All of the kitchen equipment has been removed, but
modern fluorescent tube lighting remains. There is a timber door in the eastern wall providing
access to the patio area above the ground floor extension.
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Kitchen Area
Kitchen Area
The bathroom is situated in-between the kitchen and the southern bedroom. This room is not
accessed via a step and it is at the same level as the landing. The walls are plastered and painted
with areas of white tile. The ceiling has mahogany coloured timber boarding. The bath and shower
remain, as do the sink and toilet. The water tank is located in a cupboard on the southern wall
directly behind the door. The doorway has a timber surround and the door is timber panelled with
metal knob. The floor is modern timber board and there are areas of timber skirting board.
Bathroom
Bathroom
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Section 3
HISTORY
3.1 History and Development of the Site
3.1.1 Location
The Drum and Monkey is located along The Avenue, Comberbach. Comberbach is a small rural
village, 3.7 miles to the north of Northwich, in the parish of Great Budworth.
3.1.2 Brief History of Comberbach
Comberbach was not mentioned by name in the Domesday Book, it later became part of the parish
of Great Budworth. In the 12th century, Comberbach was known as Comberbeche. The name
Comberbach may be a corruption of the Anglian “cumbra baece” meaning “the stream of the Welsh”
or possibly “the stream of Combra”, Combra being a personal name. This may be a reference to
Kid Brook, a stream that runs through the area. John de Lacy (Earl of Lincoln and Constable of
Cheshire) gave the manor of Comberbach to Adam de Dutton. It was Adam de Dutton that gave a
moiety of the estate of Comberbach to the Priory of Norton. The other moiety of the estate was
given by Roger Lacy in the 12th century to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, this land eventually
became divided into severalities. After the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry the VIII, most of
the lands in the area belonging to Norton Priory were sold to John Grimsdich, a gentleman from
London. It is recorded that in 1544 there were several tenants on the land, 7s. 7d. of the rent
generated by their occupancy was reserved to the King. The lands were sold by John Grimsditch to
Robert Eaton and then from John Eaton to George Low of Hartford. Another small area of land
inhabited by two tenants was sold to Mr. Merbury of Merbury and then to Edward Piggot of
Cogshull1.
At the turn of the 19th century the area was agricultural in nature, with scattered farmsteads and a
handful of thatched cottages where Senna Lane meets Marbury Road and Warrington Road 2.
There were very few people living in the area at this time, with a population of 142 residents in 1801.
This had almost doubled by 1831, to 295 residents3. According to a list of alehouses and alehouse
keepers of Cheshire between 1629 and 1828 there was only one Public House in the area between
1751 and 1828, and this was the Spinner (later the Spinner and Bergamot)4.
The 1845 Tithe Map of the area shows very few properties. They are mainly sited along Warrington
Road and Senna Lane, with a higher density clustered around the junction of the two roads. By
1850 the free village school had been established, Mrs Barry of Marbury Hall was heavily involved
with this and supported the school. Also, the Wesleyan Methodists had established a small chapel
in the village by this time. The predominant land owners were J.H.S Barry Esq, Mr William Eaton,
Mrs Catherine Nanfan, Peter Jackson Esq. and Mr Warburton. Mr Warburton is noted as the Lord
of the Manor at this time. Bagshaw’s Trade Directory of Cheshire (1850) notes that occupations
within the village of Comberbach included farmers, a schoolmaster, plumber/glazier and painter,
shopkeepers, tailors, a butcher, a blacksmith and a boot and shoe maker5.
In 1871 the population of Comberbach had fallen to 281. The number of people engaged in trades
and professions in the village had risen, however. By 1874 there were more shop keepers and
farmers registered, as well as some new professions such as clerk and gardener. There was also a
carrier service to Warrington at this time which operated twice a week. The Edgerton- Warburtons
still held the position of Lord of the Manor, and they continued to do so into the 20th century. The
population had risen again by 1880s, with 301residents in the village. The main land owner during
1
nd
G. Ormerod, History of the County Paletine and City of Chester 2 Edition. (London: 1882)
Comberbach Recreation Committee, Comberbach, a Tour of our Village Heritage”
3
Bagshaw’s Directory of Cheshire, 1850
4
A. J. McGregor, The Alehouses and Alehouse Keepers of Cheshire. (Caupana Publications:1992)
5
2
Page 18
the late 19th century (according to the 1892 Trade Directory) was Arthur Hugh Smith-Barry Esq.
The local school was still in use, now named the Lady Smith-Barry’s School, there were on average
around 30 children in attendance. It was at this time run by a Miss Annie Mathews. New trades
within the village included three joiners and the proprietors of a ladies’ boarding house. The
population steadily rose over the following 20 years and by 1911 had reached 3806. By 1914 the
School Mistress had changes to a Miss Emily Schofield, but the average number of attendees had
not changed much, rising to 38. Trade in the village remained much the same, with a combination
of farmers, local shop keepers and skilled craftsmen. By 1931 the population was 481. In 1936 the
Civil Parish Review Order declared that the civil parish of Cogshall should be included into the
parish of Comberbach7. In this period more farmers are listed in the directories that in the previous
40 years, and Dairy farmers are mentioned specifically for the first time. A clear sign of
technological advancements of the time is the arrival of the garage on The Avenue, named as
Percival J.H &O. Motor Garage. Development in the area dating to the mid to late 20th century has
included residential properties along the west side of Marbury Road around Freshfields and Broad
Acre; along both sides of Senna Lane and a substantial amount of development to the west of
Warrington Road. In spite of this development the area still retains a rural character.
3.1.3 History of the Drum and Monkey Site
Ownership and Tenancy
The exact date of erection of the Drum and Monkey is still unclear, but we know that it was erected
after 1845 and was in existence on the site by 1851. We know this as there is a conveyance
document that details the sales of the property. It seems that other than the Newton Family, none of
the owners occupied the building, and it must have been leased out for the purpose of business.
The tenants have been traced through census data and trade directories. It is interesting to note
that the first occupant to be registered as selling alcohol, Elizabeth Clarke, was the widow of the
former landlord of the Spinner, and her father had run the aforementioned public house before she
and her husband took over. When she is registered as living on the site in 1861 the property was
named The Avenue Tavern.
Date
Ownership/ Tenants/occupants
Name of Building/
1845
John Hulse Nanfan
In use for agricultural purposes- no
building on site at this time.
1851
Catherine Nanfan sells property to
James Blinston, who was at this time
a Joiner (Conveyance Document).
Address for James Blinston listed
as Comberbach Green in the 1851
Census, so he may have resided in
the property at this time.
1858
James Blinston sells the property to
Robert Newton and James Britch
1860
James Britch sells the property to
Oswald Peter Leigh.
There is no record of Oswald Peter
Leigh living on the site or in
Comberbach at this time.
1861
Occupier: Mary Clarke (Widow)
The Avenue Tavern.
1868
Oswald Peter Leigh sells the
property to Thomas Newton
6
7
Kelly’s Directory of Cheshire 1914
Page 19
1871
Owner/ Occupier: Thomas Newton
The address is simply listed as
Comberbach Green
1881
Owner/ Occupier: Thomas Newton
The Avenue Inn
1886
Thomas Newton sells the property to
Mary Newton.
1891
Occupier: Thomas Kirkham
Avenue Inn
1899
1911/1914
Mary Newton passes away and the
property is sold to William Wright
Occupier: Edward Hitchen
The Avenue Inn
1939
Occupier: Harry Hitchen
Avenue Inn-
Usage
The building was erected between 1845 and 1851. The first owner of the property was James
Blinston, a Joiner. There is no mention in the census data of James being involved in commercial
activities other than joinery, but it is not clear if James resided in the property, as the only address
given is Comberbach Green. This is ambiguous, but as the property was sometimes referred to as
simply Comberbach Green in the census data, it cannot be ruled out. This would infer that there is
a possibility that the building was not originally built as a public house. The Drum and Monkey was
employed in some form of commercial use from 1861. As previously mentioned, the tenant at this
time was a Mary Clarke, the daughter and later the wife of a publican. She was classed as a Beer
Retailer. There must also have been some form of accommodation provided by her at the tavern,
as one lodger is recorded in the census data for that year. In the 1870s the property was occupied
by Thomas Newton, who is listed in various sources as a Provisions Dealer (1871 Census) and also
a Shopkeeper and Coal Dealer8. Thomas Newton remained at the property until 1891, by which
time it is known as the Avenue Inn. The Census of 1881 records Newton as a Beer seller and
Grocer. Between 1891 and 1911 the property was occupied by Thomas Kirkham and it has
retained the name Avenue Inn. Kirkham is again described in two ways, Dealer and Publican (1891
Census) and Beer retailer and Shopkeeper9. The property moved into the hands of the Hitchen
family by 1911, with Edward Hitchen being the first member of the family to run the business. He is
described as a Publican in the 1911 Census and a Beer Retailer and Shop Keeper in the 1914
Kelly’s Directory of Cheshire. The business had passed to Edward’s son Harry by 1939 and with no
description of the exact nature of the business at the time, he is simply listed next to the name
Avenue Inn in the 1939 Kelly’s Directory of the area. We can assume that the pub was a “free
hose” for much of its history, as this was the most common way of running a pub in the 19th
century10. However, a photograph of the building dating to the 1990s shows a sign with the Tetley’s
logo, indicating that it may have been purchased by the brewery at some point. As Tetley’s has now
been taken over by Carlsberg we have not been successful in tracking down evidence of this. The
building continued in use as a pub, with the later addition of a first floor flat and 1980s extensions to
the rear to form the cellar and kitchen areas. Most recently the owner of the public house went into
administration and the building was put on the market.
8
Morris’s Directory of Cheshire, 1874.
Kelly’s Directory of Cheshire, 1892
10
Alistair Mutch, The Design of Liverpool Pubs in the 1900s.
9
Page 20
Development of the Site
The plans of sequential development help identify the phases of the house. The 1845 Tithe Map
shows that there was no building present on the current site of the Drum and Monkey, that the land
was owned by Joseph Hulse Nanfan at this time, and that it was used for cultivating potatoes. We
know from the conveyance document that the Nanfans erected a property on this site by 1851, as it
is sold to James Blinston. The 1877 OS map of the site shows a building in the position of the
current property, set back from the road line with gardens to the front and rear. The eastern
elevation appears to indent slightly to the southern end. There are also two small outbuildings on
the map, one directly opposite the house next to the northern boundary of the site and the other to
the east of the property, also next to the northern boundary. The access to the site at this time is in
the current position, to the north west of the property. The 1910 OS map of the area shows a
structure with a different plan form to that on the 1877 map. The indentation to the eastern
elevation is no longer visible, and the property appears to have extended slightly to the south,
moving closer to the property line, becoming rectangular in plan form. This indicates an extension
to the structure and at this time the building may have undergone a series of additions or alterations.
This plan also indicates that the property at this time was subdivided, as a boundary line is drawn
down the middle of the structure- but there is no further evidence to suggest that. The two out
buildings against the northern boundary wall remain in situ, and there is a small addition to the west
side of the north elevation. A substantial new outbuilding was erected by this date to the rear of the
property abutting the southern boundary wall. A local resident (Mr Fred Moores) has stated that the
Drum and Monkey Public House has had its current western facade since at least 1920, as he
remembers it looking this way since that time. The 1973 OS map of the area shows that the
building has retained the rectangular plan form, and that it is one structure, not subdivided. There
are no outbuildings depicted on this OS map. The extensions to the rear of the property were
erected after 1988. This included a single storey extension with flat roof and a small lean to side
extension with slate roof. The flat roof is accessible via a metal stair case, and a door (most likely
inserted at this time) provides private access to the landlord’s accommodation above. The interior
of the pub has undergone alterations, the downstairs of the structure used to have a series of
smaller rooms, which have since been knocked through to create the open plan bar area visible
today. There has been little alteration to the pub over the last 20 years. The pub has been empty
since for some time now, and it has now been purchased with the intention of turning the building
into a family home.
Page 21
Sequential Development of the Site
1845 Tithe Map
1877 OS Map
Page 22
1910 OS Map
1970 OS Map
Mid Cheshire Public Houses in the 19th century
The first mention of ale in the records for the Vale Royal area, comes from the Abbey of Vale Royal,
where in the 13th century there was a brew house. This brewed ale, mainly for consumption by the
monks. There are no records of Inns as such existing in the early medieval period, but it is
Page 23
assumed that people would gather in houses to consume ale11. The first records of Landlords come
from the 17th century, although it is difficult to associate one land lord with a specific building in this
period. Continuity of evolution of the public house was interrupted by Oliver Cromwell, as he
imposed a ban on inns and theatres. With the arrival of the stage coach in the 18th century Inns
became more common, as people on cross country journeys would “post” from inn to inn12. People
were provided with food and accommodation and the horses were stabled and rested. There are
many examples of this form off inn that have retained their stables, with courtyards that also retain
large entrance openings. Throughout the 19th century many public houses were erected to serve
railway stations. These also often had accommodation for those who were travelling the country.
These were, of course, only common in larger towns, which had a railway station. Many pubs in
Cheshire during the 19th century were nothing more than a room or two in a cottage with a barrel of
beer, mainly patronised by local people13. This was also the origin of The Drum and Monkey.
Architecturally public houses have been through many phases. A common occurrence in recent
years has been the removal of interior walls to create large open plan areas. This alteration in plan
form has removed the traces of the original public house layout, as with the Drum and monkey,
leaving no trace of the modest “beer retailer and shop” that it once was.
In terms of public house facades dating to the Victorian period Alistair Mutch in his analysis entitled,
Victorian Public House facades in, states that window location and depths can indicate the date of a
facade and the origin of the structure. He notes that a central doorway with windows either side is
indicative of a former residence, as with the Drum and Monkey. However, the sizes of the windows
confuse the situation. After a comparative study Mutch claims that windows can be classified in
terms of deep, medium and shallow. Those to the facade of the Drum and Monkey are deep, which
is interesting as according to the analysis this would indicate a purely commercial premises, as they
favoured vertical expansion. Another discrepancy highlighted by this research is that of applied
pilasters. Mutch found that with Victorian public houses they are usually placed in-between
elements of the facade, such as in-between windows, or separating windows and doors. In the
case of the Drum and Monkey they are to the edges of the facade, framing it as opposed to
separating it. There are examples of Victorian public houses that have similar details ot the Drum
and Monkey such as applied string courses, moulded pilasters and pediments to the doorways. The
Wilson’s in Runcorn is an example. This was erected in the early Victorian Period. The Masonic,
also in Runcorn has first floor window cills formed by a stone/ cement string course, as well as a
pitched roof with parapet and decorative motif to the front facade. This building dates to the 1860s,
although it is believed the top floor of the building was removed and altered in the 1980s14.
Although these are Victorian structures that retain elements similar to that of the Drum and Monkey,
they were erected as public houses, not residential premises. The 1877 and 1910 OS maps of the
area indicate that changes to the structure took place between these periods. This, in conjunction
with the fact that the facade does not appear to be “typically” Victorian, indicates it is possible that
the current facade was not the original of the 1850s structure, but was later added by 1910.
The Wilsons Pub, Runcorn Cheshire
The Masonic, Runcorn, Cheshire
11
J. Brian Curzon, Mid Cheshire Pubs. (The Histry Press Ltd: 2006)
13
14
Oliver Clay, The Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News, March 2013
12
Page 24
Section 4
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STRUCTURES
This section contains a statement of significance which addresses the significance of The Drum and
Monkey Public House. The structure is not currently listed or situated within a Conservation Area.
It has been identified on the Vale Royal Local List as a building of Local Historic Interest. This
statement has been compiled using the values outlined in English Heritage’s Conservation
Principles, Polices and Guidance for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment.
These values are evidential value, historic value, aesthetic value and communal value.
4.1 Significance of The Drum and Monkey
4.1.1 Evidential Value
The Drum and monkey has an overall low level of significance based on evidential value due to the
few remaining historic features. The internal plan of the building has been extensively altered and
suffered a loss of integrity, as has the rear and the north elevation. The extent of the alterations to
the property makes the evidential value very low.
Evidence of Victorian Public Houses and Recreational Buildings
The Drum and Monkey is representative of a small public house that had other functions (such as a
grocer’s or coal sellers), as well as selling beer and at times providing accommodation. This was a
common form of public house in the Victorian Period. There is only a low level of significance
remaining due ot he removal of the internal walls and alteration of the plan form of the ground floor.
4.1.2 Historical:
Illustrative Value
The Drum and monkey is not associated with any nationally significant events or people. The
alterations and adaptations greatly reduce the illustrative value of the Drum and Monkey.
Illustrative of the Growth of Comberbach
The property illustrates the development of the village of Comberbach, with the need to provide
commercial and social services to a growing number of residents in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries.
Associative Value
Historic Associative
The local community carry out “Soul-caking” a tradition of performing local plays in public houses
and local spaces. This has occurred in the Drum and Monkey, associating this space with the
historic local tradition.
4.1.3 Communal: Social Value
The Drum and Monkey does not have commemorative and symbolic value or spiritual value. The
building at most has a low level of local significance due to the social history of the public house
within the village of Comberbach. As described in the English Heritage guidance, it is the activities
associated with the place, rather than the physical fabric, that gives social value.
Communal Value
As a commercial building where many members of the local community were able to meet and
socialise, the Drum and Monkey has a low level of communal value.
Page 25
4.1.4 Aesthetic: Design Value
The Western facade of the Drum and Monkey may stand out from other buildings on the street, but
it is not a significant example of Victorian public house design. The date of the western facade is
still in question, especially in light of research that indicates these elements might not be typical of
Victorian design.
A Formal Design
The Drum and Monkey has been severely altered internally, losing its original plan form. The
western facade does contain decorative elements, but these are likely to not be original to the
building (of the1850s), added at a later date.
4.1.5 Summary
The Drum and Monkey holds a low level social communal value for the local residents of the village
due to its longevity as a public house and social meeting place. The interior of the property has
been much altered since its erection, resulting in a loss of significance and evidential value. The
western facade does retain some decorative features. Unfortunately due to a lack of plans and
historic photographs it has not been possible to precisely date this facade. The OS map dating to
1910 indicates that alterations to the structure were undertaken at this time, and an eye witness
account states that the facade has been in its current design since 1920. It is possible that the
facade is a later addition. The cellar, a brick arched dry-lined Victorian cellar remains in situ, and is
not affected by the proposed alterations.
4.2 Significance of the Extension
4.2.1 Evidential Value
Evidence of Utilitarian Architecture
The extensions to the public house are an example of a simple mid 20th century utilitarian structures.
4.2.2 Summary
The only form of significance to these structures is a low level of evidential value for the evolution of
the site.
Page 26
4.3 Description of Proposed Works
4.3.1 Exterior Alterations and Demolitions
The proposed works include the change of use of the existing public house and first floor flat to a
single dwelling. The new design has been based upon the desire to retain the external walls of the
original structure. In fact 62% of the original floor area will be retained. The works will mainly
involve alterations to the rear of the structure. The layout of the site will not change, neither will the
access. The only change to the layout of the site will be the removal of the car park, to enable the
reinstatement of a garden.
Proposed Site Plan
External Alterations
It is proposed that the western facade of the building be altered. This will involve stripping the
existing façade completely, and making good the existing face in preparation to receive a new
render finish. This will also include the repair of the two corners to provide square edges. The
windows will also be altered; the positions and sizes will be adjusted to suit the design, incorporating
new steel/concrete lintels timber frames and stone cills. A timber framed porch will also be added to
this facade.
The materials proposed in the future design are appropriate to the historic nature of the structure. It
is proposed that the property be mainly rendered, with some small areas of second hand facing
brick. The roof will be of natural slate with clay ridge tiles, which will replace the concrete slates in
place at the moment. Windows and door will be of timber.
It is proposed to build a new two bay garage be erected to the north of the current property. This
will be constructed using an oak frame and softwood boarding. The roof will be clad with natural
slates.
Page 27
Ground Floor Alterations
It has been proposed that the ground floor layout be altered to provide appropriate living
accommodation. This will include the removal of the single storey kitchen to the southern elevation
and the erection of a small single storey extension in to the south, with external chimney.
Replacement of the single storey rear extension with a new structure, that is to be of a smaller scale
than the existing modern extension. A single storey addition is also proposed for the north east
corner of the property, which will house a utility room.
Walls will be inserted into the ground floor bar space, to divide the space and create separate
rooms. The position of the staircase will also be moved from the current position.
First/ Second Floor Alterations
It is proposed that the roof be altered to provide a single roof span. The height of the building will be
raised slightly, to align with the height of the rooflines along the street, and then a new truss rafter
roof, hung with natural slate will be added. The aim of this is to achieve further accommodation in
the roof space. Light will be provided by three velux roof lights to the front elevation and two to the
rear.
The position of the bathroom will be moved to the northern side of the structure and will affect the
former bedroom, which will reduce in size as a result. The wall dividing the two bedrooms in the
west section of the building will remain.
The lounge will be reduced in size and turned into a bedroom.
A hall will be inserted in between the lounge and the kitchen and the kitchen arch way will be
enclosed. The former kitchen will be used as a changing room and en-suite.
The railings/ balcony to the first floor patio will be removed and a small extension added to the rear
of the property at first floor level to create a master bedroom.
Page 28
4.4 Heritage Impact Assessment Table
The following table sets out the proposed works in detail, identifying the condition, significance, impact, and proposed mitigation for each element of
the proposals.
PROPOSED WORK
Demolish 1980s Extension to southern
Elevation
Demolish 1980s Extension to the
Eastern Elevation
Build a New Garage to Rear of Site
Build a New Single Storey Extension
to the Rear (north east corner)
CONDITION OF
FABRIC
AFFECTED
Poor
SIGNIFICANCE OF FABRIC
AFFECTED
POTENTIAL IMPACT
OF WORK
PROPOSED MITIGATION
Negative
Low Positive
No mitigation necessary
Poor
Negative
Low Positive
N/A
N/A
Neutral
N/A
N/A
Low Positive
Use good quality building
materials and appropriate
design:
oak frame, oak
weatherboarding and
handmade tile roof
Garage sited to far end of
site
materials, appropriate scale
and massing:
Use of render, timber for
windows and natural slate
for roof.
Scale should be
appropriate to the rest of
the structure.
Page 29
PROPOSED WORK
Removal of decorative elements and
render to the western facade.
CONDITION OF
FABRIC
AFFECTED
Fair
Some paint is
peeling, possible
signs of water
ingress. There
are also patches
of render that are
missing.
AFFECTED
POTENTIAL IMPACT
OF WORK
PROPOSED MITIGATION
Low Positive: We cannot
assign a definite date to this
facade, but must assume that
it has some evidential and
aesthetic value. The
decorative elements clearly
define the building’s identity
as a public house.
Low Negative
The building is no longer
in use as a public house
and the window locations
and sizes to the first floor
are not conducive to
modern living.
Archaeological Building
Recording;
To record the evidential and
aesthetic significance of
this facade it is
recommended that an ABR
of the structure takes place
prior to alterations to
preserve a record of the
design of the facade.
materials in alterations to
the facade:
The decorative elements
will be removed but the
brick wall behind will
remain.
The facade will be rendered
and windows will be of
timber.
Walls will be inserted into the ground
floor bar space.
NA
NA
This area has lost its
significance due to the
removal of internal walls.
The wall to the lounge is
deliberately along the
line of the original wall to
re-instate this plan form.
The reinstatement of
these walls will be
beneficial.
Page 30
PROPOSED WORK
The staircase is to be moved from the
current position.
CONDITION OF
FABRIC
AFFECTED
Poor
AFFECTED
POTENTIAL IMPACT
OF WORK
PROPOSED MITIGATION
Neutral
Neutral
Use of good quality building
materials:
Timber for treads and rises,
banister.
It is proposed that the roof be altered
to provide a single roof span. A new
truss rafter roof, hung with natural
slate will be added.
Poor
The current roof
has unattractive
concrete slates.
Neutral
Neutral
materials:
Natural slate tiles and clay
ridge tiles
Reduction of former bedroom,
insertion of bathroom.
Fair
Neutral
Neutral
materials:
Timber to windows and
doors
Good quality brick to walls
The lounge will be reduced in size and
turned into a bedroom.
Fair
Low
This space has been altered
there is little historic integrity
Positive
materials:
doors
Insertion of hallway in-between the
lounge and the kitchen and the kitchen
arch way will be enclosed.
Fair
Low
Positive
materials:
doors
The railings/ balcony to the first floor
patio to be removed
Poor
Low
Positive
No mitigation required
Page 31
PROPOSED WORK
Small extension added to the rear of
the property at first floor level to create
a master bedroom.
CONDITION OF
FABRIC
AFFECTED
NA
AFFECTED
NA
POTENTIAL IMPACT
OF WORK
Neutral
PROPOSED MITIGATION
materials:
doors
render
Page 32
Section 5
CONCLUSIONS
5.1 History, Development and Usage
The Drum and Monkey was originally named the Avenue Tavern, then the Avenue Inn, and finally
the Drum and Monkey. It was erected between 1845 and 1851 by the Nanfan family. It has been
used as a commercial premises with accommodation since 1861. The rear extensions all date from
1988, and internally the public house has had walls removed to create an open plan bar area. .
5.2 Significance of the Existing Structure
This is not a listed building and so is not considered to be of national importance. It is, however,
thought to be of local importance. The most significant parts of the structure are the decorative
elements to the western facade and a brick arched dry lined cellar. The interior of the structure is of
very low significance due to the amount of alterations that have occurred.
5.3 Impact of Proposed Works to the Significance of The Drum and
Monkey
The proposed scheme of works has been assessed against the significance of the features being
affected. It was found that the proposed alterations will either have a Low Negative, Neutral or Low
Positive impact upon the significance of the structure. The only work that is deemed to have a low
negative impact is the removal of the decorative elements to the western facade. We propose that
this is mitigated through archaeological building recording and the use of appropriate building
materials for the future design that will not negatively affect the street scene. The external
alterations to the rear eastern and southern elevations of the structure will have a minimal visual
impact on the character of the street scene.
5.4 Heritage Asset Considerations
The National Planning Policy Framework states that in determining applications, Local Planning
Authorities should take account of:

The desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets and putting
them to viable uses consistent with their conservation.

The positive contribution that heritage assets can make to sustainable communities; and

The desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character and
distinctiveness.15
In the case of the proposed works at the Drum and Monkey, the proposals will sustain and enhance
the significance of the structure by removing the negative single storey extension to the south and
east of the property and replacing it with a well designed extension using appropriate materials.
The expanse of tarmac to the car park will be removed and a garden will be re-instated, a feature
clearly present on the 1877 plan. The arched brick cellar will remain in situ, untouched. The
building will once again be brought into use, as it currently sits vacant, it is vulnerable to vandalism.
Unused properties often fall into a state of disrepair, the re-use of the structure will ensure that the
Drum and Monkey will continue to make a positive contribution to Comberbach. An archaeological
building recording will be commissioned by the property owner to ensure that any elements of the
structure that hold historic significance are further investigated and recorded.
15
Department for Communities and Local Government, National Planning Policy Framework (London:
Department for Communities and Local Government, 2012) 31.
Page 33
Section 6
SOURCES
Published Works
Department for Communities and Local Government. National Planning Policy Framework. London:
Department for Communities and Local Government, 2012.
English Heritage. Conservation Principles: Policies and Guidance For The Sustainable Management
of the Historic Environment. London: English Heritage, 2008.
Curzon, Brian J. Images of England: Mid Cheshire Pubs. The History Press Ltd, 2006
Clay, Oliver. The Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News, March 2013. Accessed 19th August 2013
Mutch, A. The Design of Liverpool Pubs in the 1900s. Brewery History Journal. Accessed 19th
August 2013.
McGregor, A,J. The Alehouses and Alehouse Keepers of Cheshire.. Caupana Publications, 1992.
Ormerod, G. History of the County Paletine and City of Chester 2nd Edition. London, 1882
Comberbach Recreation Committee, Comberbach, a Tour of our Village Heritage”
Trade Directories
Morris’s Directory of Cheshire, 1874
Kelly’s Directory of Cheshire, 1892
Kelly’s Directory of Cheshire ,1939
Conversation with local residents;
Fred Moores.
Lyn Mcculloch
Steve Howard
Archives and Libraries Consulted
Cheshire Archives
Maps and Plans
1845 OS Map of Comberbach (Cheshire Archives)
1973 OS Map of Comberbach (Cheshire Archives, local area information pack)
Page 34

the drum and monkey, comberbach heritage

Transcription

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