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Watchiong brief and heritage impact assessment Watching Brief: There were no visible archaeological features or deposits in the sections and the natural layer was intact Aldsworth Manor is characteristic of houses of this size and status dating to the 17th century but there is some evidence of phases that predate its current form. We know that there was a building or buildings in this location before the 16th century as John Blomer, the tenant who took it on in 1544 was to rebuild the ruinous house (Stawell, 2002). The house was again rebuilt, most likely in the mid17th century, by Henry Powle who was lessee at the time. An early 18thcentury legal document refers to a newbuilt dwelling house of stone, timber and other materials... The said new house consisteth of four rooms below stairs and four above with a garret over. This is almost certainly Aldsworth Manor largely in its current form. The previous house is again referred to as ruinous and it is plausible that some of the fabric of this survived in the existing house as the architecture is not entirely uniform. The outbuildings are significant as evidence of the development and use of the manor house from about the 18th century onwards, and the economic activities of those that inhabited. The north garage, which still retains some historic structural fabric, is likely to have been a barn with animal enclosures built against it. The cottage was originally a coach house and evidence of its former use can be seen in the wide opening, now blocked, in its east face. Its position and proximity to the manor house, as well as the road that leads to it from the gateway to the property on the north side, suggest it was used for coaches rather than trailers or traps associated with farming. This is further evidence of the status and affluence of those that inhabited the manor house. The proposed alteration to the outhouses would have a very minor impact on historic fabric as they largely affect 20thcentury structures and additions. There would be a moderate visual impact but this is mitigated by the fact that the outbuildings are obscured by the manor house and would not affect public views of the property. The materials and design of the structures have been thoughtfully considered so as to be sympathetic to the 17thcentury house, but not pastiche, and will sit comfortably in the setting of the surrounding village. They reflect a tasteful and proportionate 21stcentury evolution of the property, embodying modern architectural ideals in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency. They are therefore not considered to be harmful to the significance or historic character of the property. |
