PART V.
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. )
COTTAGE HOMES AT RYSLIP.
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.