Saltford Manor Saltford Somerset
An unexceptional terraced house of 1900 will carry the evidence of much use and change: four or five generations of occupation, two world wars, and quite probably innovations such as the introduction of electricity, central heating and communications technology. Think, then, how much change England’s oldest house must have experienced. In 2005, following a Country Life
competition, the oldest house in continuous domestic use was agreed to be the Manor at Saltford, between Bath and Bristol. This house is believed to date from a few years before
1150.At that point, the country was still adjusting to the effects of the Norman invasion and its innovations such as a French-speaking nobility. England was at civil war as conflict for the throne raged between Stephen and Matilda; the second crusade was just beginning; and now-venerable monastic houses such as Dore Abbey had just being founded. At a domestic level, life was based on an agricultural economy, with feudal service and the potential for famine. Domestic life was far more communal than our own. Saltford Manor, built in stone and with
fashionable Norman detailing, must have been imposing and impressive when new. It is a remarkable survival, and this rarity and weight of history has rightly made it a grade I listed building in the 21st century. It might be argued to deserve treatment as careful as that offered to other national treasures such as Sutton Hoo or Silbury Hill. Nevertheless, it is of historical interest for its continuity of use, and it would be wrong to stifle this by preventing all further alteration or addition. Sympathetic change will add new interest and chapters to the building’s extraordinary story. The Society was not therefore opposed in
principle when the idea of constructing an extension was put to us through a listed building application. But we were far from convinced that the scheme was backed by sufficient work to understand the impact on the house or that its
design responded to the historic parts.We have advised the council not to approve the present scheme, but hope there will be opportunity to have constructive input into the development of fresh proposals.
Matthew Slocombe
The SPAB was recently consulted by Rick MatherArchitects, following the firm’s appointment to design the new library at Christ’s College, Cambridge. The SPAB was asked to consider the current proposals to
Christ’s College Cambridge Library Court project
Saltford Manor, identified as England’s oldest domestic building in continuous use, is likely to date from the mid 12th century. SPAB has objected to extension proposals
replace the existing 1970s library with a building that meets contemporary requirements, a fitting project for the architectural firm which has received public acclaim for its extension to theAshmolean Museum, Oxford. While the project is still at a preliminary stage, the proposals demonstrate the detailed and careful consideration of the architects prior to the formal application. The current library occupies a small plot in
the southern corner of the college site between the First Court Buildings (16th-19th century,
Casework
Extend England’s oldest continuously inhabited house? Not like this; Elmswell Hall saga now heading in the direction of the Secretary of State; ringing the changes at Wookey church – but do keep using the fine ancient bell frame; an ancient chimney partially removed, for the good of the rest of the building; more Croydon heritage comes to light; Welsh community triumph
12 Cornerstone, Vol 32, No 2 2011
JOHN LAWRENCE
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