In our last paper upon this subject we described some examples of
cottages in the immediate neighbourhood of London, and we propose
devoting this one to a continuation of the same subject.
Close to the Church of Ryslip, and opposite to its western end, is a
group of cottages, one of which is undoubtedly of early date, probably
16th century. It is long and low, the ground floor storey being of
brick, and the upper portion of “Post-and-pan,” so that it is what is
architecturally known as a “half timber” structure; one end has been
plastered over in later times, and the whole forms a row of small
cottages. We are in some doubt whether, as originally arranged, it may
not have formed one single dwelling-house, the whole, or, at any rate,
the centre portion of which was the parsonage. It has some curious
features about it. A large black cross of brick is built into the wall,
it is of the form known in heraldry as a “Cross Calvary” that is, it
stands upon three steps. We do not, however, suggest that it has any
heraldic signification, as its position seems to point to a different
purpose. This cross is not in the centre of the building, but is placed
exactly opposite to the western door of the church, and immediately
over it are three windows, the centre one of which is much longer than
the other two, and is now blocked up, showing that it was unnecessary
for giving light to the room. These peculiarities seem to point out
the fact that in former times this was the residence of the rector or
vicar of the parish. The cross was placed there to mark out the house
to any who might need his ministrations, and the long window over it to
give light to his “study,” where he might write or read, and at the
same time look out upon the church door to see who went in or came out
of the sacred edifice. All the other windows are very small and high
up, because those who resided in the other cottages, not requiring to
read and write, and having no special interest in watching the church
door, could do well enough without extra light in their rooms. The
whole group of cottages is very interesting. The oak beams are well
moulded, and have stood the test of time admirably. If our suggestion
is correct, these buildings have a peculiar interest, as there are
so very few mediæval parsonages in existence. Some thirty years back
an interesting one was to be seen at Willesden, but in improving the
churchyard they “improved” this venerable relic of church history off
the face of the earth. It was of the same homely but substantial and
picturesque character as the building at Ryslip.
Our second sketch represents some of those thatched and whitewashed
cottages which are common all over the home counties. They are for the
most part built of wattle clogged with clay, and covered over with a
thin coating of lime mortar, whitewashed all over, and roofed with
thatch composed of rushes or straw; they are comfortable and cheerful
little abodes, cool in summer and warm in winter, with a thorough look
of home about them. They, however, have two great drawbacks: they are
liable to fire, and are less durable than buildings constructed of more
solid materials. Consequently we rarely come across examples which are
above a century old, though we not unfrequently find portions of the
timber framing considerably more ancient, especially the angle posts
and “spurs,” which have been protected by that judicious arrangement,
followed in all ancient timber buildings in England, of making the
upper storeys of the structure project over the lower. Some writers
tell us that this was done to save ground space! This, however, cannot
be the case because land in a country village could never have been of
sufficient value to have caused such a peculiarity in construction.
The idea undoubtedly was to protect the ends of the upright beams from
wet, because when wood is cut “with the grain,” as it should always be
when used for constructive purposes, the ends of the beam absorb the
moisture, but the sides are little affected. Now by making the storeys
overlap as they ascend, and the roof overlap the top storey, however
lofty a house may be, its timbers are thoroughly protected from the
rain.
The general effect of a village consisting of thatched and whitewashed
cottages is very pleasing, especially when there is an ancient stone or
flint-built church in their midst. The clean bright whitewash forms a
lovely contrast to the soft velvety look of the thatch. The red brick
chimneys, grey lichen-covered walls of the old church, the lofty elms,
and brilliant patches of garden, combine together to form a charming
scene of peaceful and homely life.
Up to within some five years back an old thatched cottage stood at
Shepherd’s Bush green, and another close to Paddington churchyard; both
have now disappeared, and we do not know of the existence of any old
thatched cottages within four miles of Charing Cross. Don’t let our
readers imagine that we should suggest the building of thatched houses
in London or any great city. Such structures would be contrary to all
architectural propriety in such localities, and dangerous in case of
fire.
(_To be continued._)
[Illustration: COTTAGE HOMES AT RYSLIP.]
[Illustration: THATCHED AND WHITE-WASHED COTTAGES, ESSEX.]
“OUR HERO.”
A TALE OF THE FRANCO-ENGLISH WAR NINETY YEARS AGO.
BY AGNES GIBERNE, Author of “Sun, Moon and Stars,” “The Girl at the
Dower House,” etc.