Nos 1 & 2 Sprivers Cottages, Horsmondon, Kent - Archaeology ...

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Archaeology South-EastNo. 1 & 2 Sprivers Cottages, Horsmonden, KentInterpretive Historic Building Survey / Rev 01/October 2007material used in the construction is reused, however the brickwork is of asimilar style and construction which taken together with the other factors leadsto the view that it is contemporary with the cottages.The date stone on the house could be indicative of its date of construction,however the date 1779 and the initials AC represent the year when AlexanderCourthope, the owner of Sprivers died. Unfortunately the documentaryresearch undertaken could not specifically put the land that the cottages areon in the ownership of Alexander Courthope. It was owned by theCourthopes subsequently but was rarely referred to specifically as wasgenerally included within the capital messuage of Sprivers.PHASE 2: 1869 (+/- 20 years)There appears to have been little change to the buildings until the mid to late19 th century when the rear was altered. This involved building up the rearrange and pitching a roof over it to allow full height space within rooms 1.6,1.7 and 2.6, 2.7. The external brick buttresses on the rear elevation were alsolikely to have been added at or soon after these works were undertaken.Further changes appear to have been made within the ground floor level,which involved the construction of the bread oven, central fire and copper. Itis likely that some form of oven was incorporated within the originalconstruction, however this was extended during the 19 th century. Thefireplaces within the upper chambers were also modified in this period andcast iron grates and surrounds were inserted.PHASE 3: 20 th centuryDuring the 20 th century the main changes to the cottage have occurred withinthe roof space where an elevated valley has been created between the 18 thand 19 th century roofs with drainage to the south side. The outbuilding hasbeen partially reclad during this time.The main structure and its outbuilding is a fine example of a pair of 18 thcentury handed cottages with oversailing tie beam. They are representative ofa period of change and innovation in vernacular building construction andillustrate the skill and understanding of the carpenter in the modification of thebasic timber frame construction to provide a well planned and efficient use ofspace. They have been subject to very limited alteration internally andexternally and the survival of the outbuilding is believed to be quite rare.Outbuildings are rarely recorded where they do survive and thus little is knownabout their prevalence, style or function.7.0 KEY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVESSprivers Cottages (including outbuilding) were listed Grade II on 10th October1989. The description in the current list entry is purely for the purpose ofrecognition and is normally, therefore, primarily based on externalappearance. As far as it goes the description is accurate but must not be17
Archaeology South-EastNo. 1 & 2 Sprivers Cottages, Horsmonden, KentInterpretive Historic Building Survey / Rev 01/October 2007treated as a comprehensive schedule of those elements which are legallyprotected as, no matter what the grade, the legislative cover not only relates toboth the interior and exterior but also extends to any building within thecurtilage which predates the 1 st July 1948.Under law, any alterations to the cottage (including outbuilding) which in anyway effect its character, either internal or external, require listed buildingconsent before being carried out – violation of this procedure is a criminaloffence. Essential like for like repair is to some degree a grey area within thelegislation in that opinions vary as to precisely what constitutes a ‘like-for-likerepair’ – such repairs can, in some circumstances cause unforeseen damageto the integrity of the historic building. It is our advice, therefore, that any suchrepairs which are proposed should be fully discussed with the appropriateplanning authority before being undertaken.7.1 General Conservation GuidelinesIt is accepted that any historic building needs to meet certain standards if it isto have an economically viable future: if those conditions are not met, then inthe long term the survival of the building will be threatened. However, anymodifications and repairs which are proposed need to fully take into accountthe historical character and architectural features of the building and, inparticular, the need to preserve its many significant features.In general terms the cottages (including outbuilding) should be repaired in alow-key fashion, i.e all original material should be retained where possible andthe removal of existing finishes should be avoided, unless inappropriatemodern materials or where existing historical finishes are damaged beyondrepair. Even then, the temptation to remove an entire area of historic wallfinish where only a small part is damaged should be avoided. All repairmaterials and the techniques employed should be as per the originals they arereplacing and the buildings should be maintained as a breathing building. Allproposals for works should be prepared in conjunctions with a recognisedappropriately qualified conservation surveyor, architect or builder so that theconservation objectives can be integrated from the outset. These proposalsshould be agreed with the National Trust Territory Archaeologist prior to theappropriate listed building consent being acquired. All works on site should beundertaken by an experienced conservation builder.7.2 Specific Conservation GuidelinesThe following guidelines address more specific elements within the cottagesand outbuilding, but are not exhaustive and thus all proposed changes shouldbe developed as described above.• The internal layout of the cottages as it currently exists is functional. Giventhe completeness of this historical layout, it should not be modified.18
Page 1 and 2: Archaeology South-EastASENos. 1 & 2
Page 3 and 4: Archaeology South-EastNo. 1 & 2 Spr
Page 25: Archaeology South-EastNo. 1 & 2 Spr
Page 37 and 38: Title: SpriversCENTRAL OFFICEScale
Page 39 and 40: Hale in Horsmonden, Lamberhurst and
Page 41 and 42: PlatesArchaeology South EastNo. 1 &
Page 43 and 44: Archaeology South EastNo. 1 & 2 Spr
Page 49: N424140The Site39380 1km68 69 70 71
Page 52 and 53: NThe Site© Archaeology South-EastR
Page 62: Head OfficeUnits 1 & 22 Chapel Plac

Nos 1 & 2 Sprivers Cottages, Horsmondon, Kent - Archaeology ...

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?