Emily Wapshott
Historic Buildings Consultant, with 15 years experience in the field.
Freelance Researcher in Local History, Architectural History and Social History, with 8 years experience leading heritage walks and creator of Great Torrington Heritage Trail.
Archaeological Project Lead on the Community Archaeology Excavation DigtheCastle in Devon - working on the Norman motte and bailey site.
Archaeologist, 15 years commercial experience excavating in the UK, employed and freelance, as well as volunteering.
Gender Studies researcher with writing partners in Archaeologists Engage and freelance, independent public intellectual.
Co-Founder of Archaeologists Engage, non-profit public engagement charity
Freelance Researcher in Local History, Architectural History and Social History, with 8 years experience leading heritage walks and creator of Great Torrington Heritage Trail.
Archaeological Project Lead on the Community Archaeology Excavation DigtheCastle in Devon - working on the Norman motte and bailey site.
Archaeologist, 15 years commercial experience excavating in the UK, employed and freelance, as well as volunteering.
Gender Studies researcher with writing partners in Archaeologists Engage and freelance, independent public intellectual.
Co-Founder of Archaeologists Engage, non-profit public engagement charity
less
InterestsView All (39)
Uploads
Papers by Emily Wapshott
The house very much presents as the picture postcard Devon cottage today but in fact has an interesting and involved history dating back to at least the 16th century, having originally been a Hall range in its first form.
The value of the house, whilst acknowledged is somewhat secondary to the extraordinary narrative of the site as a whole, and the cumulative value of the Mill House, Mill, Mill Cottage , barn and two bridges all of which
are Grade II Listed.
The Bickford Centre occupies a mid-row plot on South Street, Great Torrington, within the historic core of the town and the Conservation Area. The building is an amalgamation of two historic buildings which appear to have been joined and reconfigured in the 19th century, forming a mixed-use development, with shop, office and accommodation above, a characteristic which it still retains to this day.
The Bickford Centre is valued for its positive contribution to South Street with its cohesive historic facade. However, in truth, the building is far more complex and arguably more valuable than it appears, as it echoes the ancient medieval town plan, contains 17th century fabric, evidences the stylistic evolution of panelling in this region from c.1600-1832 via its numerous recycled panelled sections.
The building also defines the narrative historic and economic development of the life of the town, and now following these recent works, its survival has been insured.
The buildings stand on the west side of a river valley, with the river and Hooper’s Bridge to the east, the parish road to the north. Both watermills are served by overshot leats, with sluices, approaching from the south-west and west (rear) of the site, where the ground is higher, both have existing wheel pits.
The site may have local historical importance and associative historical importance in connection with the medieval Manor of Bodwannick.
The Mill-House has a more complex and involved narrative history than previously thought; first built as the main dwelling, then replaced by the Miller’s Cottage, being divided into a pair of one-up-one-down cottages, then returned in the mid-20th century to single occupancy.
The house has received comprehensive remodelling in the 19th and 20th century, however although it is far from being a pristine heritage asset, it has high evidential and aesthetic value and clearly displays its interesting narrative. The house is authentic and has fairly high integrity.
The Dutch Gothic or 'Flemish Renaissance' structure dominates the streetscape and despite several quite significant phases of alteration and modernization, the facade survives intact. The building appears to occupy at least three former town plots, the yard area backing onto the wider, open post van car park to the east, where any semblance of the former town plan has been swept aside, whereas to the west, across the street, back blocks, burgage walls and the earlier medieval town plan is clearly distinguishable.
The status of the site, the central, wide portion of the High Street is somewhat obscured by modern signage and the
constant traffic noise and visual intrusion of queuing traffic at the adjacent traffic lights.
Once inside the building it is an oasis of calm and still used by the community as a library and information centre. The building recording noted that multiple phases of alteration and changes of use have masked some of the original features of the building. While some will undoubtedly have been damaged or removed, at its core however it remains a well-considered and built late 19th century public building.
Individually the Mill and Mill House are both of an age and architectural quality, that is recognised as being of national importance, being of traditional vernacular form, hence their Grade II Listing. Collectively the buildings provide a cohesive context and setting for each other and directly relate to the adjacent Miller’s Cottage, which is also Listed Grade II, but in separate ownership. The site may have local historical importance and associative historical importance in connection with the medieval Manor of Bodwannick.
The Mill House has a more complex and involved narrative history than previously thought; first built as the main dwelling, then replaced by the Miller’s Cottage, being divided into a pair of one-up-one-down cottages, then returned in the mid-20th century to single occupancy. The Mill building is part of a diminishing group of large post medieval mills in the Cornish landscape.
Both the mill and mill house have received comprehensive remodelling in the 19th and 20th century, far from being pristine heritage assets, although the mill is very authentic, with considerable amounts of ex-situ and in-situ fragmentary machinery surviving inside.
Lower Rixdale Barn is Grade II Listed; acknowledged as of architectural and historical importance. Its Listing text is limited in its scope however and notes the barn as having six jointed-cruck trusses, when the barn is in fact of six bays and would appear to have only ever had five historic trusses.
The outer (eastern) part of the earthen Norman bank was remodelled into a pleasure garden, later bowling green, this element partially recorded in contemporary town documents. The historic Bluecoat School buildings, now a gym and Grade II listed, were built after the tithe map under Lord Rolle, but may contain fragmentary remains of previous structures. The inner enclosure became part of the grounds of Castle Hill House owned by Lord Rolle, part of this site was rationalised under the 1889 Act of Parliament which ratified the Great Torrington Commons the castle site became a popular visitor attraction in the later 1800s and until WWII, often appearing in AA and RAC car-touring guides. Identified for regeneration in the 1970s the inner bailey was infilled and tarmacked to formalise parking for visitors to the town.
The proposed fieldwork includes: a series of targeted test-pitting and small trenches, focused on the earthen banks of the possible inner bailey, now Barley Grove car park and surviving, much truncated motte mound. This builds on an accurate survey of the surviving earthworks, in 2021 by South West Archaeology Ltd.
Project partners: South West Archaeology Ltd; Great Torrington Futures Group and Archaeologists Engage.
Part of the wider Torrington Through Time project (with DigtheCastle) run by Emily Wapshott under the aegis of ArchaeologistsEngage. Encouraging community engagement and heritage tourism.
Additional author: Dr Bryn Morris
Contained within the building are parts of the 16th century Daddon House, evidence for a 18th century rebuild with a grand stair and further extensions in the early and mid-nineteenth century. In the early 20th century the stair was relocated and a ballroom created on the first floor.
Secondary sources suggest that the building was completed in 1821 however, the evidence from cartographic sources and the extant architectural details suggest a completion date circa 1850.
The house is associated with landscaped grounds which also contain important historic features such as ponds, sunken gardens, walled gardens and carriage drives that contribute significantly to the setting of the building.
The house may have been non-domestic in origin, perhaps a warehouse or shipyard structure next to the landing (hythe) and lime kiln here. In the later 18th century, the north wall and east gable was rebuilt, and the north-facing symmetrical Georgian/Regency façade constructed. In the mid-19th century (between 1838 and 1865), and perhaps in two stages, this structure was more than doubled in size. Between 1884/5 and 1903 the house was extended to the south again, with another reception room with attached glasshouse, service stairs and bedroom. This phase saw colonial-style balcony constructed, and fully ‘turned’ the house to face over the garden to the river. In the early 20th century, an additional laundry/service area was added to the west, and in the mid-20th century a garage and bungalow annex were added to the west and south-west. Later in the 20th century most of the windows in the house except the gothic windows in the east elevation were replaced in uPVC.
Note that some of the internal features (the earlier doors, for instance) do not fit this narrative, and it is possible they were relocated from other buildings on the estate when they were modernised.
This house was established and developed over the course of the late 18th century and 19th century as a minor gentry or professional’s residence. The Census records indicate it was occupied by a succession of well-to-do residents and it appears to have been a rental property attached to the Knapp/Hyde Barton estate, its development mirrors evolving contemporary attitudes to what constitutes a house of status, what rooms and service functions were required, and where the servants were to be housed. The rather formal Georgian façade faced north, across a tidal embayment. This was reclaimed between 1804 and 1838, and the house was ‘turned’ to face east across the river. Its appearance from and across the river was a conscious aesthetic choice.
The main associative value of the house is derived from the Victorian novelist Charles Garvice, resident in 1891. In overall terms, the house can be considered a non-designated heritage asset. The principal external features are the gothic windows and balcony to the east, and the symmetry and porch to the north. Internally, the layout of the rooms, the main stairs, many of the doors, and some other elements, contribute to the historical narrative of the dwelling.
That said, there is considerable flexibility here. Many of the internal finishes are modern, most of the service areas have lost all their historic features, and there is a large mid-20th century extension to the west.
Additional authors: Dr Bryn Morris & Amelia Allen ACIfA
informing the impact of any proposed development on the historic elements of the building.
Anderton Farm is a Grade II* Listed building. Anderton is considered therefore to be of local, regional and national significance, but also of special interest, due to a number of exceptional, individually noted
features, in this case, primarily the 15th century former hall roof.
The building was once of gentry status, possibly a small Manor House and now significantly reduced in status, a process begun in the early 19th century. The former medieval range may have once had various associated buildings, such as a kitchen block and other service buildings which may survive (in part) within the surrounding farmyard buildings.
Certainly the buildings (or parts of them) depicted in the Spoure Book
appear to survive.
The house survives with several post-medieval phases of build and some fine interior features such as fireplaces and carpentry. The building has however received significant modernisation in the later 20th and early 21st centuries, by a previous owner, removing some of the post-medieval features of the building, seemingly in an attempt to return it to a more obvious medieval aesthetic which has harmed its overall authenticity and the chronological narrative.
The impact of the conversion of a historic agricultural building is inherently negative to some extent, due to the loss of fittings, and inevitable effects on authenticity and character. However it is felt due to the poor state of the barn's cob structural elements, that conversion is a sustainable way to ensure the survival of this building which has suffered in the recent past from a lack of maintenance. The utility room is an early-mid 20th century extension which replaced a dairy building in the rear, north yard of the farmhouse; it is felt its adaption could improve the visuals of the building, particularly reflecting the importance of the medieval surviving cross-passage door.
The garden room is a late 20th or even early 21st century structure which is fairly recessive in its current visuals but does not contribute positively to the building in any way.
Bickleigh Bridge Weir lies to the south west of the Grade II Listed Bickleigh Bridge which crosses the River Exe to the north of the settlement of Bickleigh.
Bickleigh was recorded as a manor at Domesday with a mill. By the 19th century the manor was held by the Carew Family who sold the estate in 1922. The first map to show Bickleigh Bridge Weir is the 1888 Ordnance Survey First Edition map where it is illustrated as a structure built of blocks. The Weir does not appear to be geographically or spatially associated with the leats for Bickleigh Mill, which obviously predates it.
It would seem that on balance this weir may have been installed for fishing purposes, possibly in association with the nearby Trout Inn (historically also known as New Inn) which was known for fishing.
The weir is of local importance as an undesignated heritage asset, with added group value and significance as part of the aesthetics of Bickleigh and its Grade II Listed bridge.
The proposals to alter the weir will have a direct impact on this undesignated heritage asset. The proposed changes may also help to preserve the Grade II Listed Bridge, and provides an opportunity for understanding the weir structure for its future management and its history for public benefit.
Helebridge Weir is documented as a Post Medieval weir to the south of a Grade II Listed Medieval stone bridge. It is first clearly depicted on the 1887 First Edition Ordnance Survey map. The Tithe apportionments for the parishes of Dulverton and Kingsbrompton show that the land on either side of the weir was in the ownership of the Earl of Carnarvon (Pixton Estate) at this date while the river was held by the Trustees of the Minehead Turnpike Road. Pixton was recorded at Domesday and the estate appears to have been in the ownership of the Dyke family by the 17th century. The estate passed through the female line to the Acland family of Killerton (becoming Dyke Acland from this date). The present Pixton House was built c.1760 for Thomas Dyke Acland 7th baronet and the estate passed to the Herbert family through the marriage of Henry Herbert, 2nd Earl of Carnarvon to Elizabeth Acland in 1796. It is documented that significant alterations to the house and estate took place in the 1870s, under the ownership of the 4th Earl of Carnarvon.
It is likely that the construction of Helebridge Weir along with the provision of a leat to Weir Saw Mills and the alterations evident at Machine Court can be seen in the context of the development of the Carnarvon Estate during this period.
Authors: Balmond, F. & Wapshott, E.
The mast and cabinets would be located on the edge of a farmyard of modern farm buildings, the relocated successor to one of the post - medieval farms down in the valley: Church Farm. Alvediston, while not individually named, formed part of a grant made in 955 to the nuns of Wilton Abbey. At the Dissolution the estate passed to the Earl of Pembroke and was only sold out of that estate in 1928.
Church Farm was originally the manorial demesne farm in the parish. Between 1960 and 1980 the farm was moved to a new location on the middle slopes of Middle Down.
The site lies within an area of relatively high archaeological potential based, based on the proximity of two bowl barrows excavated in the 1920s, the number of the Prehistoric assets in the area, and the likely original extent of Prehistoric field systems along this ridge.
The impact on the buried archaeological resource would be permanent
and irreversible. However, the site of the proposed mast was extensively landscaped when the new farmyard was established and it is unlikely that, if they had been present, any archaeological deposits or features survive.
The proposed site lies within the parish of St. Petrock of Parracombe in the historic Hundred of Shirwell. The site lies on the southern edge of what was once an area of unenclosed moorland called South Down, most of which is now attached to the former hamlet of Killington.
The Down contains the remains of an extensive relict field system of probable medieval date; former hedge banks within this system were used to define the parish boundary between Martinhoe and Parracombe. North-east of the site stands Beacon Castle, an Iron Age univallate enclosure associated with a second, less well-defined enclosure and possible hut circles.
A large block of fields to the south of the Down were listed as Newberries in 1840, the berries/burh place-name probably referencing the Iron Age enclosure above.
As is readily apparent, the site lies within an area of high archaeological potential based on the density of the Prehistoric assets and medieval field system in the immediate area, as well as the possible evidence for post-medieval mining activity. The impact on the buried archaeological resource would be permanent and irreversible.
However, possible harm can be mitigated through an appropriate programme of archaeological monitoring.
The decline of the British high street is consistently monitored, and over the last decade many smaller towns are beginning to notice a severe decline in footfall and interest of the high street leaving many smaller towns to rethink their strategies and make forward strategic decisions. The aim of the Future High Streets Fund is to renew and reshape town centres, and associated high streets, that channels growth, improves individual experience, and concentrates on future economic sustainability whilst allowing for a diverse overall product that is not solely reliant on retail. A part of this funding allows for the opportunity to revitalise heritage assets, that may have been neglected, as buildings of community use. Incorporating heritage assets back into the community space allows the opportunity for people to engage with the life and history of their high streets and further attracts a larger tourist populace.
This report focuses on Barnstaple’s heritage assets, analysing key historic areas that are suggested are tied within a larger, cohesive ‘heritage trail’ – utilising the whole townscape, and designed in such a way to funnel visitors to specific areas and connect smaller forgotten districts of the town.
To get the full scope of what is needed, the town was looked at through a visitor lens and sought to find what is currently missing within particular spots of Barnstaple – this thus informed the analysis, conclusions and recommendations. To begin with, a historic assessment was made, highlighting the proposed areas of change and identifying the town quarters within a larger historic context. After significant analysis recommendations were made that were informed by the historic assessment, these briefly include:
• Producing an online tourism presence & researched marketing strategy to see this project through
• Significant improvement to the Queen Street Carpark
• Changes made to the current pedestrian infrastructure through the town
• Significant investment in signage to engage the public and visitors
• Considerations and investments to current buildings façades and designs
• Investment into design and aesthetics whilst being sensitive of space
• Sensitive reintroduction of historic elements: including arches to Butcher’s Row and reinstating streetlamps
• The redesign and restoration of No.36 and No.37 Boutport Street
• The investment of Pannier’s Market and Butcher’s Row
• Installation of appropriate heritage interpretation boards, with the opportunity to involve the public
• The need to evaluate the present townscape and maintain significant views and character
• Unity amongst shop fronts and sensitivity of design
• Investment into the historic quarter of St Peters Church and St Ann’s chapel
Overall, Barnstaple was found to have an important historic narrative that largely, at present, goes unnoticed whilst walking through the streets. There is a substantial opportunity to utilise the historic presence and narrative of the town to rejuvenate the current high street, leading to a more sustainable future for the local population and visitors.
The house very much presents as the picture postcard Devon cottage today but in fact has an interesting and involved history dating back to at least the 16th century, having originally been a Hall range in its first form.
The value of the house, whilst acknowledged is somewhat secondary to the extraordinary narrative of the site as a whole, and the cumulative value of the Mill House, Mill, Mill Cottage , barn and two bridges all of which
are Grade II Listed.
The Bickford Centre occupies a mid-row plot on South Street, Great Torrington, within the historic core of the town and the Conservation Area. The building is an amalgamation of two historic buildings which appear to have been joined and reconfigured in the 19th century, forming a mixed-use development, with shop, office and accommodation above, a characteristic which it still retains to this day.
The Bickford Centre is valued for its positive contribution to South Street with its cohesive historic facade. However, in truth, the building is far more complex and arguably more valuable than it appears, as it echoes the ancient medieval town plan, contains 17th century fabric, evidences the stylistic evolution of panelling in this region from c.1600-1832 via its numerous recycled panelled sections.
The building also defines the narrative historic and economic development of the life of the town, and now following these recent works, its survival has been insured.
The buildings stand on the west side of a river valley, with the river and Hooper’s Bridge to the east, the parish road to the north. Both watermills are served by overshot leats, with sluices, approaching from the south-west and west (rear) of the site, where the ground is higher, both have existing wheel pits.
The site may have local historical importance and associative historical importance in connection with the medieval Manor of Bodwannick.
The Mill-House has a more complex and involved narrative history than previously thought; first built as the main dwelling, then replaced by the Miller’s Cottage, being divided into a pair of one-up-one-down cottages, then returned in the mid-20th century to single occupancy.
The house has received comprehensive remodelling in the 19th and 20th century, however although it is far from being a pristine heritage asset, it has high evidential and aesthetic value and clearly displays its interesting narrative. The house is authentic and has fairly high integrity.
The Dutch Gothic or 'Flemish Renaissance' structure dominates the streetscape and despite several quite significant phases of alteration and modernization, the facade survives intact. The building appears to occupy at least three former town plots, the yard area backing onto the wider, open post van car park to the east, where any semblance of the former town plan has been swept aside, whereas to the west, across the street, back blocks, burgage walls and the earlier medieval town plan is clearly distinguishable.
The status of the site, the central, wide portion of the High Street is somewhat obscured by modern signage and the
constant traffic noise and visual intrusion of queuing traffic at the adjacent traffic lights.
Once inside the building it is an oasis of calm and still used by the community as a library and information centre. The building recording noted that multiple phases of alteration and changes of use have masked some of the original features of the building. While some will undoubtedly have been damaged or removed, at its core however it remains a well-considered and built late 19th century public building.
Individually the Mill and Mill House are both of an age and architectural quality, that is recognised as being of national importance, being of traditional vernacular form, hence their Grade II Listing. Collectively the buildings provide a cohesive context and setting for each other and directly relate to the adjacent Miller’s Cottage, which is also Listed Grade II, but in separate ownership. The site may have local historical importance and associative historical importance in connection with the medieval Manor of Bodwannick.
The Mill House has a more complex and involved narrative history than previously thought; first built as the main dwelling, then replaced by the Miller’s Cottage, being divided into a pair of one-up-one-down cottages, then returned in the mid-20th century to single occupancy. The Mill building is part of a diminishing group of large post medieval mills in the Cornish landscape.
Both the mill and mill house have received comprehensive remodelling in the 19th and 20th century, far from being pristine heritage assets, although the mill is very authentic, with considerable amounts of ex-situ and in-situ fragmentary machinery surviving inside.
Lower Rixdale Barn is Grade II Listed; acknowledged as of architectural and historical importance. Its Listing text is limited in its scope however and notes the barn as having six jointed-cruck trusses, when the barn is in fact of six bays and would appear to have only ever had five historic trusses.
The outer (eastern) part of the earthen Norman bank was remodelled into a pleasure garden, later bowling green, this element partially recorded in contemporary town documents. The historic Bluecoat School buildings, now a gym and Grade II listed, were built after the tithe map under Lord Rolle, but may contain fragmentary remains of previous structures. The inner enclosure became part of the grounds of Castle Hill House owned by Lord Rolle, part of this site was rationalised under the 1889 Act of Parliament which ratified the Great Torrington Commons the castle site became a popular visitor attraction in the later 1800s and until WWII, often appearing in AA and RAC car-touring guides. Identified for regeneration in the 1970s the inner bailey was infilled and tarmacked to formalise parking for visitors to the town.
The proposed fieldwork includes: a series of targeted test-pitting and small trenches, focused on the earthen banks of the possible inner bailey, now Barley Grove car park and surviving, much truncated motte mound. This builds on an accurate survey of the surviving earthworks, in 2021 by South West Archaeology Ltd.
Project partners: South West Archaeology Ltd; Great Torrington Futures Group and Archaeologists Engage.
Part of the wider Torrington Through Time project (with DigtheCastle) run by Emily Wapshott under the aegis of ArchaeologistsEngage. Encouraging community engagement and heritage tourism.
Additional author: Dr Bryn Morris
Contained within the building are parts of the 16th century Daddon House, evidence for a 18th century rebuild with a grand stair and further extensions in the early and mid-nineteenth century. In the early 20th century the stair was relocated and a ballroom created on the first floor.
Secondary sources suggest that the building was completed in 1821 however, the evidence from cartographic sources and the extant architectural details suggest a completion date circa 1850.
The house is associated with landscaped grounds which also contain important historic features such as ponds, sunken gardens, walled gardens and carriage drives that contribute significantly to the setting of the building.
The house may have been non-domestic in origin, perhaps a warehouse or shipyard structure next to the landing (hythe) and lime kiln here. In the later 18th century, the north wall and east gable was rebuilt, and the north-facing symmetrical Georgian/Regency façade constructed. In the mid-19th century (between 1838 and 1865), and perhaps in two stages, this structure was more than doubled in size. Between 1884/5 and 1903 the house was extended to the south again, with another reception room with attached glasshouse, service stairs and bedroom. This phase saw colonial-style balcony constructed, and fully ‘turned’ the house to face over the garden to the river. In the early 20th century, an additional laundry/service area was added to the west, and in the mid-20th century a garage and bungalow annex were added to the west and south-west. Later in the 20th century most of the windows in the house except the gothic windows in the east elevation were replaced in uPVC.
Note that some of the internal features (the earlier doors, for instance) do not fit this narrative, and it is possible they were relocated from other buildings on the estate when they were modernised.
This house was established and developed over the course of the late 18th century and 19th century as a minor gentry or professional’s residence. The Census records indicate it was occupied by a succession of well-to-do residents and it appears to have been a rental property attached to the Knapp/Hyde Barton estate, its development mirrors evolving contemporary attitudes to what constitutes a house of status, what rooms and service functions were required, and where the servants were to be housed. The rather formal Georgian façade faced north, across a tidal embayment. This was reclaimed between 1804 and 1838, and the house was ‘turned’ to face east across the river. Its appearance from and across the river was a conscious aesthetic choice.
The main associative value of the house is derived from the Victorian novelist Charles Garvice, resident in 1891. In overall terms, the house can be considered a non-designated heritage asset. The principal external features are the gothic windows and balcony to the east, and the symmetry and porch to the north. Internally, the layout of the rooms, the main stairs, many of the doors, and some other elements, contribute to the historical narrative of the dwelling.
That said, there is considerable flexibility here. Many of the internal finishes are modern, most of the service areas have lost all their historic features, and there is a large mid-20th century extension to the west.
Additional authors: Dr Bryn Morris & Amelia Allen ACIfA
informing the impact of any proposed development on the historic elements of the building.
Anderton Farm is a Grade II* Listed building. Anderton is considered therefore to be of local, regional and national significance, but also of special interest, due to a number of exceptional, individually noted
features, in this case, primarily the 15th century former hall roof.
The building was once of gentry status, possibly a small Manor House and now significantly reduced in status, a process begun in the early 19th century. The former medieval range may have once had various associated buildings, such as a kitchen block and other service buildings which may survive (in part) within the surrounding farmyard buildings.
Certainly the buildings (or parts of them) depicted in the Spoure Book
appear to survive.
The house survives with several post-medieval phases of build and some fine interior features such as fireplaces and carpentry. The building has however received significant modernisation in the later 20th and early 21st centuries, by a previous owner, removing some of the post-medieval features of the building, seemingly in an attempt to return it to a more obvious medieval aesthetic which has harmed its overall authenticity and the chronological narrative.
The impact of the conversion of a historic agricultural building is inherently negative to some extent, due to the loss of fittings, and inevitable effects on authenticity and character. However it is felt due to the poor state of the barn's cob structural elements, that conversion is a sustainable way to ensure the survival of this building which has suffered in the recent past from a lack of maintenance. The utility room is an early-mid 20th century extension which replaced a dairy building in the rear, north yard of the farmhouse; it is felt its adaption could improve the visuals of the building, particularly reflecting the importance of the medieval surviving cross-passage door.
The garden room is a late 20th or even early 21st century structure which is fairly recessive in its current visuals but does not contribute positively to the building in any way.
Bickleigh Bridge Weir lies to the south west of the Grade II Listed Bickleigh Bridge which crosses the River Exe to the north of the settlement of Bickleigh.
Bickleigh was recorded as a manor at Domesday with a mill. By the 19th century the manor was held by the Carew Family who sold the estate in 1922. The first map to show Bickleigh Bridge Weir is the 1888 Ordnance Survey First Edition map where it is illustrated as a structure built of blocks. The Weir does not appear to be geographically or spatially associated with the leats for Bickleigh Mill, which obviously predates it.
It would seem that on balance this weir may have been installed for fishing purposes, possibly in association with the nearby Trout Inn (historically also known as New Inn) which was known for fishing.
The weir is of local importance as an undesignated heritage asset, with added group value and significance as part of the aesthetics of Bickleigh and its Grade II Listed bridge.
The proposals to alter the weir will have a direct impact on this undesignated heritage asset. The proposed changes may also help to preserve the Grade II Listed Bridge, and provides an opportunity for understanding the weir structure for its future management and its history for public benefit.
Helebridge Weir is documented as a Post Medieval weir to the south of a Grade II Listed Medieval stone bridge. It is first clearly depicted on the 1887 First Edition Ordnance Survey map. The Tithe apportionments for the parishes of Dulverton and Kingsbrompton show that the land on either side of the weir was in the ownership of the Earl of Carnarvon (Pixton Estate) at this date while the river was held by the Trustees of the Minehead Turnpike Road. Pixton was recorded at Domesday and the estate appears to have been in the ownership of the Dyke family by the 17th century. The estate passed through the female line to the Acland family of Killerton (becoming Dyke Acland from this date). The present Pixton House was built c.1760 for Thomas Dyke Acland 7th baronet and the estate passed to the Herbert family through the marriage of Henry Herbert, 2nd Earl of Carnarvon to Elizabeth Acland in 1796. It is documented that significant alterations to the house and estate took place in the 1870s, under the ownership of the 4th Earl of Carnarvon.
It is likely that the construction of Helebridge Weir along with the provision of a leat to Weir Saw Mills and the alterations evident at Machine Court can be seen in the context of the development of the Carnarvon Estate during this period.
Authors: Balmond, F. & Wapshott, E.
The mast and cabinets would be located on the edge of a farmyard of modern farm buildings, the relocated successor to one of the post - medieval farms down in the valley: Church Farm. Alvediston, while not individually named, formed part of a grant made in 955 to the nuns of Wilton Abbey. At the Dissolution the estate passed to the Earl of Pembroke and was only sold out of that estate in 1928.
Church Farm was originally the manorial demesne farm in the parish. Between 1960 and 1980 the farm was moved to a new location on the middle slopes of Middle Down.
The site lies within an area of relatively high archaeological potential based, based on the proximity of two bowl barrows excavated in the 1920s, the number of the Prehistoric assets in the area, and the likely original extent of Prehistoric field systems along this ridge.
The impact on the buried archaeological resource would be permanent
and irreversible. However, the site of the proposed mast was extensively landscaped when the new farmyard was established and it is unlikely that, if they had been present, any archaeological deposits or features survive.
The proposed site lies within the parish of St. Petrock of Parracombe in the historic Hundred of Shirwell. The site lies on the southern edge of what was once an area of unenclosed moorland called South Down, most of which is now attached to the former hamlet of Killington.
The Down contains the remains of an extensive relict field system of probable medieval date; former hedge banks within this system were used to define the parish boundary between Martinhoe and Parracombe. North-east of the site stands Beacon Castle, an Iron Age univallate enclosure associated with a second, less well-defined enclosure and possible hut circles.
A large block of fields to the south of the Down were listed as Newberries in 1840, the berries/burh place-name probably referencing the Iron Age enclosure above.
As is readily apparent, the site lies within an area of high archaeological potential based on the density of the Prehistoric assets and medieval field system in the immediate area, as well as the possible evidence for post-medieval mining activity. The impact on the buried archaeological resource would be permanent and irreversible.
However, possible harm can be mitigated through an appropriate programme of archaeological monitoring.
The decline of the British high street is consistently monitored, and over the last decade many smaller towns are beginning to notice a severe decline in footfall and interest of the high street leaving many smaller towns to rethink their strategies and make forward strategic decisions. The aim of the Future High Streets Fund is to renew and reshape town centres, and associated high streets, that channels growth, improves individual experience, and concentrates on future economic sustainability whilst allowing for a diverse overall product that is not solely reliant on retail. A part of this funding allows for the opportunity to revitalise heritage assets, that may have been neglected, as buildings of community use. Incorporating heritage assets back into the community space allows the opportunity for people to engage with the life and history of their high streets and further attracts a larger tourist populace.
This report focuses on Barnstaple’s heritage assets, analysing key historic areas that are suggested are tied within a larger, cohesive ‘heritage trail’ – utilising the whole townscape, and designed in such a way to funnel visitors to specific areas and connect smaller forgotten districts of the town.
To get the full scope of what is needed, the town was looked at through a visitor lens and sought to find what is currently missing within particular spots of Barnstaple – this thus informed the analysis, conclusions and recommendations. To begin with, a historic assessment was made, highlighting the proposed areas of change and identifying the town quarters within a larger historic context. After significant analysis recommendations were made that were informed by the historic assessment, these briefly include:
• Producing an online tourism presence & researched marketing strategy to see this project through
• Significant improvement to the Queen Street Carpark
• Changes made to the current pedestrian infrastructure through the town
• Significant investment in signage to engage the public and visitors
• Considerations and investments to current buildings façades and designs
• Investment into design and aesthetics whilst being sensitive of space
• Sensitive reintroduction of historic elements: including arches to Butcher’s Row and reinstating streetlamps
• The redesign and restoration of No.36 and No.37 Boutport Street
• The investment of Pannier’s Market and Butcher’s Row
• Installation of appropriate heritage interpretation boards, with the opportunity to involve the public
• The need to evaluate the present townscape and maintain significant views and character
• Unity amongst shop fronts and sensitivity of design
• Investment into the historic quarter of St Peters Church and St Ann’s chapel
Overall, Barnstaple was found to have an important historic narrative that largely, at present, goes unnoticed whilst walking through the streets. There is a substantial opportunity to utilise the historic presence and narrative of the town to rejuvenate the current high street, leading to a more sustainable future for the local population and visitors.