THE MANOR HOUSE AT SOUTHALL
By Evelyn May Barnett
INTRODUCTION
The Manor House is probably our proudest historical possession in Southall today. It is that picturesque Elizabethan building on The Green, known as ‘The Manor House’. Certainly it should not be under rated. There are very few other examples of it’s type in London or even in the old county of Middlesex.
A ‘Manor’ was a freehold estate which carries with it certain rights, customs, privileges and obligations exercised by the owner who was styled ‘Lord of the Manor’. As proprietor of the land. he guided, directed and in some respects, governed those under him, who were called his vassals or tenants. These vassals paid a rent by way of providing service on land held by the Lord of The Manor and by service in time of war. When the Lord of the Manor made war on his own account, or when he had to furnish a contingent to the army of the crown in any war on behalf of the crown, the vassals were bound to do duty, or watch and ward the residence of their chief.
A court was held once a year, usually at Easter, which settled disputes, received dues and regulated all affairs between the landlord and Tennant. The Lords of the Manor had the power of life and death over all those who lived under their jurisdiction. They gathered taxes and distributed charity where it was needed at least until the Poor Law Act of 1601. The other local power over peoples lives was that of the parish priest. The whole life of the peasant was was divided between the parish church and the manor house. This made up the social existence of the ordinary people of the middle ages.
When one observes the ‘concrete jungle’ which is growing up around us in the twentieth century, it is small wonder that this house attracts the attention of the passer by and is certainly appreciated by almost all who enter it’s doors.
It is important to note that it was built only three quarters of a mile north west of the ancient church of St. Mary The Virgin at Norwood Green. When considering any historical evidence in the early centuries, we shall find these two buildings had a close relationship.
The Manor House is described in detail by the Royal Commission on Historical Monuments. A brief survey would show it to be a timber framed structure consisting of a central hall, of two storeys, flanked by gabled cross wings of unequal width. The central hall boasts of a very fine large fireplace. The overmantel is of five bays standing on an enriched shelf. The middle panel has a shield of arms of the Awsiter family and strap work with the initials R.A. The outer bays have vine an snake ornamentation. The hall is lined with oak panelling, as are also several of the main rooms. Some of the ceilings are richly embossed.
An entirely new north east wing was built in the late seventeenth century.
In the nineteenth century a clock tower was added. The clock held a bell of very good tone. Fortunately the bell was rescued when this wing and tower was demolished in 1913 for road widening. The bell was handed over to the keeper of Southall Park to sound the time of closing.
The whole frontage of the house was partially hidden from the road by trees and rather elaborate iron railings. There was a high brick wall facing on to the road and large large wooden entrance gates.
On the other side of the gates are three ‘Manor House Cottages’. The first of these was a bungalow type, the other two were much larger, each containing four bedrooms. All originally had front gardens. Latterly the front room of these cottages were turned in to shops; one was occupied by a clock smith, and the other a confectioner. These faced another large residence known as ‘The Roman’s’. This house was credited with historical connections. One legend being that Cardinal Wolsey occupied it when King Henry VIII was staying with the Lord of the Manor at ‘Dorman’s’.
The Manor House had many out buildings, barns’ bailiffs cottage, two stables a harness room and a large coach house.
FIRST RECORDS
It is difficult to trace the first habitation of this part of Middlesex. Certainly it was part of the ‘Great Forest’ stretching for much of the land north of the Thames.
Touching on the history of Southall, one cannot proceed without a brief look back at the seventh or eighth century to realise how closely this district is so closely allied to the church and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
One Imagines that the local inhabitants at this time were probably converted to Christianity. Thus King Wiglaf of Mercia saw fit to grant these lands to the Archbishop. In return, he sent a monk by the name of Werhard to minister to the people.
The first recorded reference is to be found in this priests will of 830 A.D in which he gives land back to the Archbishop. A copy of this interesting document can be found in the Library of Lambeth Palace. In it, we read that :
‘Firstly then I humbly return to Christ Church and my brother monks all the lands in and outside Kent which I have hitherto held as the gift of the Archbishop and the Community…… the names of the lands I give back are:- Hesa(Hayes), 104 hides. I duly given back another measure of land at Norwude (Norwood).
A ‘hide’ was a Norman measurement which approximates to 120 acres (48.56 hectares). Thus, the Archbishop of Canterbury was the largest land holder, holding over 7,000 acres (2833 hectares) in Hayes and Norwood.
Although they almost certainly never resided at Southall or Hayes, the Lords of the Manor at this time are easy to trace, being the Archbishops of Canterbury. They included Lanfranc, military adviser to King William I, ‘The Conqueror’, the unfortunate Thomas ‘A’ Beckett and Henry Chichele who gave considerable time and money to the rebuilding of Norwood Church in the fifteenth century. There is a cross to his memory erected in St. Mary’s churchyard.
After the Norman conquest the history of the manor lands is somewhat less clear and confusing because Archbishop Lanfranc leased the manor to laymen. The most likely site of the first manor house was at Dormans Well. We know there was a moated manor of some considerable size built comparatively early which must have stood somewhere near the junction of Dormers Wells Lane with Telford Road. It is also recorded that a chalybeate spring was near by (a spring containing mineral salt waters) and these mineral waters were supposed to be beneficial to health.
The owner of the manor in 1496 was Richard Cheseman, Cofferer to King Henry the Seventh. His office was comparable with that of Keeper of the Wardrobe and was a treasurer working under the Comptroller. He probably owed his elevation to services rendered during the ‘Wars of the Roses’. King Henry the Seventh died in 1509 and Edward Cheseman, a few months later. His son Robert succeeded him. In 1539 he was one of the esquires sent to meet Anne of Cleves on her arrival from Dusseldorf to marry Henry the Eighth. He was also concerned with the trials of Katherine Howard and Cardinal Wolsey.
In 1543 Henry the Eighth received the manors of Hayes, Norwood and Southall from Archbishop Cranmer in exchange for lands in Kent.
The two manors of Norwood and Southall were immediately sold to Robert Cheseman and he thus became the first resident lord of the manor. During his lifetime he supervised the building of his tomb in St. Mary’s Norwood Church. On his death in 1547, the manor passed to his son-in-law Francis Chamberlain and later on to Lord and Lady Dacre. The last of the line died in 1595. The trustees of Lady Dacre’s will sold the manor to Francis Awsiter in 1602.
FRANCIS AWSITER
Francis Awsiter was born in 1557 and was no stranger to ‘Norwude’ when he became Lord of the Manor on 12th April 1602. All records show him to be a man of very high position, a city Merchant and Alderman. He possessed large estates at Cowley, Cranford, Hanwell, Harrow and Wembley. The first possession which he had in this parish, and it would appear to be his residence was a place called ‘The Wrenns’.
Various records mention a house by this name. It was built by John Cannon in about 1500 and sold to Francis Awsiter on 18th April 1572.
As ‘The Wrenns’ is not shown on any early maps, we can only gather that this was probably the name given to the original manor house building.
The date 1587 roughly and unclearly carved in the pediment above one of the windows, has been offered as irrefutable evidence that Francis Awsiter was the actual builder. It is probably much more correct to state that he substantially altered the structure, or added a new wing in that year.
In a survey map of 1677, Robert Awsiter is mentioned at ‘The Wrenns’ and Robert Hampton was living at ‘Dormandswell’ so presumably the old manor was still standing. Probably ‘The Wrenns’ did not change its name to The Manor House until the original one was demolished.
Francis Awsiter married Jane Horseman. They had four children, Richard, Elizabeth, Mary Anne and Rebecka.
This family, although children of a nobleman must have been brought up under primitive conditions. There would have been only a few rough cart tracks instead of roads. No railway, no canal, no shops, no school. Probably a few peasant cottages around the village green by the church. However, the land was rich and Fertile, especially in corn and wheat. But plagues were common, water was scarce and was used for washing very sparingly.
The only suitable meeting place was the church. One gathers that Francis Awsiter was a Puritan. In 1612 he erected a gallery in Norwood Church. During the nineteenth century, this became unsafe and was pulled down. A beautiful oak plaque (recently restored) commemorating this gallery is still attached to one of the arches in the nave. It reads ‘This gallerie was sett up and finished at the coste and charges of Francis Awsiter, Gentleman, in ye yeare of our Lord God 1612’.
He died in 1624 and was the first member of the family to be buried within the church. In his will he left some strange bequests: Thirty shillings a year for ever is to be paid on Good Friday to the Church of St. Mary. Eight shillings of which is to be given to the preacher and two shillings to be given to the Parish Clerk ‘ to tole the bell halfe an hour before the sermon, and to make clean the gallerie in the sayd church or chapel which I caused to be built and set up at my own charge’. He directed that these sums ‘shall be distributed after sermon ended, above in the gallerie; and such of the poor widows as should neglect to come in the sermon, not being hindered by God’s visitation of sickness or infirmity, shall have no part thereof’.
Although all the charities have now been amalgamated, the Rector still receives Awsiter’s gift from the Trustees each year for preaching the Good Friday sermon.
RICHARD AWSITER
Richard Awsiter was the only son of Francis Awsiter. He inherited the title of Lord of the Manor from his father in 1624. He married a sister of Sir John Thoroughgood, a nobleman and owner of large estates. They had four sons, Francis, John, Robert and Thomas.
It is recorded that he preferred to reside in the more comfortable Elizabethan building rather than at Dorman’s well.
He had Christopher Merrick as his steward who was another important personality and land owner in the district.
As we now come deeper in to the seventeenth century, we find a high road passing through northcote from London to Oxford and another of greater importance leading to Brentford. The cheapest means of commercial transport was by navigable rivers. Brentford being on the Thames.
Richard Awsiter died in 1640. There is no memorial to him in the Church of St. Mary’s Norwood.
FRANCIS AWSITER II
Francis was the oldest son of Richard. He became Lord of the Manor in 1640 on the death of his father when he was still under 21 years of age. His wife was Dorothy Cole. Little is know about his family life.
The Civil War began in 1642 and affected the lives of the local inhabitants. There were Parliamentary camps at Uxbridge, Hounslow and Brentford.
During this period an Act of Parliament was passed which required parish registers to be kept. These were to record baptisms, marriages and burials. Those at St. Mary’s Norwood date back to 1654.
A tally of lands in 1649 describes Francis Awsiter II as the largest land owner with 425 acres, second was Christopher Merrick with 241 acres, third came Robert Hampton of Dormandswell with 203 acres.
A census of the population of Southall in 1653 was 81 households.
In 1666 Francis Awsiter II died, his younger brother John had pre deceased him and without issue.
ROBERT AWSITER
Robert was the younger brother of Francis Awsiter II. He in turn became the fourth Awsiter to hold the title of Lord of the Manor, and succeeded to the title in 1666. The residence was still called ‘The Wrenns’. Robert Hampton was living at Dormandswell.
Robert Awsiter was married twice. First to Rose who bore his son, Francis. He was a very sick boy and died at the age of seven. Rose died in 1661. In 1664 Robert married Margaret Awmsham of Heston, and was from one of the oldest families in Middlesex.
In 1665 the church register records ‘Richard the son of Robert Awsiter gent, was born Jamuarie the 8th ad baptised the 16th of the same month’.
In the same year, a daughter was born to Thomas Awsiter, and the birth is entered in the register as follows; ‘Susanna the daughter of Thomas Awsiter gent, was born April 9th and baptised the 30th of the same month’.
Other entries around these dates showed many notable personalities living in the district. It is probable that these noble men found it easy to access Westminster, Windsor and Hampton Court.
Robert Awsiter took a keen interest in parish affairs, as did his brothers Francis and Thomas. In the oldest local rate book that is preserved dating from the year 1652, their signatures are often to be found, showing that they were present at the Vestries. Until the inauguration of the District Council in 1895 these Church Vestries levied rates, and confirmed the disbursements made to the poor of the parish. The rates could not have been a grievous burden for an entry in 1653 has Mr. Christopher Merrick owner of 203 acres paying £1. 2S. 8d (about £1.13) and Mr. Thomas Awsiter £1.0.0. for that year.
One finds that even a small charity of Forty Shillings a year was carefully distributed to the poorest inhabitants. It comprised of 13 good and wholesome loaves to the poorest in Northcote on Christmas Day. 13 loves to the poor of Southall on Easter Day, and 13 loaves to the poor of Norwood on Whitsun Day, and the remaining shilling to the parish clerk for ever. One of many bequests in the care of Norwood Vestry.
IN 1683 Robert Awsiter was laid to rest in the chancel of Norwood Church. Four months later, his wife was placed beside him.
RICHARD AWSITER II
The Fifth of the Awsiter family to become Lord of the Manor, Richard Awsiter II, son of Robert and Margaret. He was only 18 years of age when he inherited the manor.
During the latter part of the seventeenth century, the Merrick family eclipsed the Awsiters family as land owners in the district. However the Awsiter’s continued to hold the Lord of the Manor.
Francis Merrick (a nephew of Christopher Merrick) lived in a large mansion on ground now known as Southall Park. In 1698 he obtained a charter from William III to hold a weekly cattle market on his land at ‘Northcott otherwise Southall’. It is very unusual for a charter to be granted to someone other than the Lord of the Manor and this was a most notable event for the district. The weekly cattle market is still flourishing, the largest and most important in South East England. The original charter hangs in the Southall library minus its seal (1).
Evidently there was much rivalry between Richard Awsiter and Francis Merrick, for the Overseers Account Book one reads;
‘Memorandum. It was agreed upon at a Parish Meeting held at Norwood in the Parish of Hayes in the County of Middlesex on Easter Monday being the fifth day of April 1697. By the Vicar and Churchwardens with the rest of the inhabitants. That Francis Merrick Esq. shall have the Second seats and that Wm. Sincleer Gent shall have the Third state upon the same Side to sit in, for them their heirs and successors having already payd for the Erecting them at their own propper costs and charges’.
According to custom the pew nearest the chancel would be assigned to the most important parishioner, descending in seniority or rank until at the back of the church there were a few rough benches for elderly paupers.
In 1705 Richard Awsiter died and was succeeded by his brother Robert.
ROBERT AWSITER II
Little is known of the Sixth Lord of the Manor to carry on the Awsiter name. He was married and had two children, but both died in infancy.
Slow changes were made to the ways of life of the people of the district. In 1714 the Turnpike Trust assumed control of the Uxbridge Road.
At Hanwell, Hayes and remote points on the road, toll gates were set up and small but significant amounts of money collected from the road users.
Robert Awsiter II died in 1730.
JOHN AWSITER
John was the Seventh and last of the Awsiter family to assume the dignity of Lord of the Manor. The relationship of John to his predecessors is unknown. There are over fifty entries under the name of Awsiter in the Norwood registers, and it becomes most difficultly to trace their relationships. However, we know that John had nine children, but only one survived infantry. This son, Thomas is the last one mentioned in the records.
From his memorial tablet in the church, we are told that John was a doctor of medicine. He claimed to be the discoverer of the beneficial effects of sea water to which Brighton and other resorts owed their prosperity during the Regency of George III.
The Reverend Daniel Lysons, the great historian of that period tells us ‘John Awsiter M.D. lives in an old mansion at Southall Green. In the garden are several yew trees cut in to the form of temples’. These Yew trees can still be seen today.
It is interesting to note that John Awsiter had a certain steward by the name of Joseph Biscos. Twenty years later, his son Elisha succeeded him in that position. Today his memorial still stands in Tentelow Lane. He founded a school in 1767 for children of poor parents, 34 boys and 6 girls from the parishes of Hayes, Heston and Norwood. This was undoubtedly the first school to be opened in these districts. It served its original purpose for 103 years, finally closing down in 1950.(2)
John Awsiter died in 1756 and the manor passed to his son Thomas.
THOMAS AWSITER
Thomas immediately sold the manorial rights to Agatha Child, widow of the banker Francis Child of Osterley Park. However, the family did not part with their old manor house until the early part of the nineteenth century. Thus it had the same family name for over two centuries, and through twelve reigns.
In the year that Thomas Awsiter took over The Manor House (1756), a census was taken of the dwelling houses in the district. They numbered 117 and were scattered over Norwood, Southall and Northcote. The population is given as 697.
But industrialisation was soon to come. By 1798 the waterway was under construction by the Grand Junction Canal Company cutting through from Brentford to Uxbridge. Three years later a branch was cut from Bulls Bridge to the small village of Paddington. For the first mile or two it ran parallel to Yeading Brook.
With this easy method of transportation close at hand, gravel pits were opened and brick manufactures commenced. In a few short years, Southall bricks became a commercial proposition and were used up and down the country.
The first postmaster for Southall took up his post in 1794. William Hayes, an artist, arrived with his wife and family of twenty one children. The post office at that time is believed to have been somewhere in the vicinity of the Red Lion hostelry on the High Street or Broadway). He embraced all the general postal duties that are now spread over several departments: receiving mail, delivering mail, selling letter forms and giving information about the next stage coach to Bath.
At this time, the life of a postman lacked the security of employment that came later, and by 1799 William Hayes was in such dire straits that the Vicar of Hanwell published an appeal to the public to supplement his income, which scarcely ever exceeded £90 per annum.
Gradually Hayes health broke, and weighed down with family worries he died soon after, for in an inventory of 1806, the humble cottage and land are shown in the name of his wife. As a hobby, he painted portraits of many of the exotic birds in Osterley Park. One volume of these paintings is displayed in the parish museum.
Thomas Awsiter died in 1801. It would appear that he was the last of the family to reside at the Manor House, but it was still in the Awsiter name until 1821.
WILLIAM WELCH
William Welch purchased the Manor House from the Awsiter family in 1821. He was no stranger to the district, having acquired the lease to the market from the Earl of Jersey in 1801. This market had become very popular and Welch almost completely rebuilt it at a cost of £1277.6s.4d.
During the twenty years after the death of Thomas Awsiter and the purchase by Welch, the Manor House had fallen in to a terrible state of disrepair. In about 1804, the building was a Roman Catholic School, and later a tenement for farm workers. William Welch restored it extensively. Probably, he added the new west wing and clock tower; this part was demolished for road widening after the First World War.
His son, Alfred lived opposite in an old farm house known as Featherstone Hall. This was also enlarged in 1876, and a high wall built round with windows in it. This building earned the name of ‘Welch’s Folly’, because the purpose for which it was designed puzzled the local inhabitants.
In about 1880, this became a private mental home and was ultimately demolished to make way for the Dominion Cinema.
While William Welch was in residence at the Manor House, a most important contribution to the development of Southall took place.
The construction of the Great Western Railway caused village life to gradually decline and industrial enterprise was encouraged.
Southall Railway Station was opened on May 1st 1839. For some twenty years it had a level crossing, with a large pond close by.
Eight trains per day each way, carried passengers between Paddington and Maidenhead. Since 1800, the population had doubled and was still increasing.
In 1838 a new parish was created when the church in King Street was consecrated in the name of St. John the Evangelist.
WILLIAM THOMAS
William Thomas took up residence at the Manor House in 1879. He was a corset manufacturer of Cheapside in London and was instrumental in introducing the lock-stitch sewing machine in to the country in 1846, securing the patent from the American inventor, and equipping his own factory with it.
The Thomas family was popular and did much lavash entertaining.
A small local newspaper published between 1885 and 1888 records some of these events. One reads of the fore most artistes of the day appearing at these concerts for the public. An announcement in the Southall news of November 30th 1887 reads ‘We have great pleasure in introducing a Grand Evening Concert to be given at manor House Barn Southall (by kind permission of Mr. & Mrs. W.F. Thomas) on Tuesday December 13th. Doors open at 7.30pm commenting at 8.00pm. Tickets 5/- and 2/6. This will undoubtedly be a grand success when it is known the total proceeds will be for the poor of Southall’. These concerts had to be abandoned after only a few years owing to lack of support. One gathers that the price of the tickets did not fit the pocket of the local inhabitants.
At this time there was a slump in work at the brick fields, causing much poverty. Mr. Thomas generously threw open the barn and provided penny dinners for 100 children, five days a week. These proved so popular that it was later extended for adults.
The four Martin brothers were already working in their Havelock Road pottery, producing the salt glazed stone ware which made them world famous. They arrived here in 1874 and carried on working until 1914.
JOHN EDWARD MUMMERY. CBE,FRCS
A famous surgeon of the day, John Mummery took up residence at the Manor House in 1895. His wife Mary Lilly Mummery died there on May 24th 1897. A stained glass window to her memory is in the nave of St. Leonard’s Church, Heston.
Mr. SCARRISBRICK
Mr. Scarrisbrick bought the Manor House from John Mummery in about 1898. Again it was a family home.
Mr. Scarrisbrick soon became a popular member of the community. He gave over one of the barns to a visiting priest to say mass every Sunday.
The walls and floors were were boarded, and heating was installed. It is from that barn that the Roman Catholic Church of St. Anselm originated. For a few years the stewards house was used as a Presbytery. This ultimately fell in to disrupter and was demolished.
In September 1970, at the invitation of the Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, the eldest daughter and son of Mr. Scarrisbrick visited their old home. Sister Emmanuel now 82 years of age, and father Gerald were delighted to make a tour of the house and grounds. To their amazement many of the rooms were still the same as in their childhood days. Though now these rooms were occupied as offices. Further excitement at finding the old Mulberry tree and lily pond. Tea was served in the Conference Room (their original dining room). Sister Emmanuel told us of the secret panel behind one of the fireplaces which led to an underground tunnel. In past centuries, the priests used to hide there from persecution. It is also believed that cardinal Wolsey had an association with the house.
Mr. Scarrisbrick left The Manor House in 1912. It was put in to an agents hands for sale.
SOUTHALL URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL
The Manor House was purchased by the Southall Urban District Council in 1913 at a cost of £6,100.
Now in official hands, it enabled very necessary road widening improvements to be effected in The Green after the First World War.
The west wing and clock tower were demolished. The grounds were made open to the public for the first time. These are both beautiful and imaginative. They are entirely maintained by the Parks Department of the Council.
Our local war memorial was erected and unveiled (3). A Bowling Green (4) was added, and became the headquarters of the Southall Bowling Club. It was in use for several years, but proved too small for matches and County games. Later it was incorporated in to the gardens. The Manor House was then occupied by the Public Health and Welfare Departments and later by the Borough Treasurer.
In 1936 the Council applied for incorporation as a municipal borough. This was one of the few charters granted during the reign of King Edward VIII.
In less than thirty years, Southall was to loose its distinction as a separate borough. The Minister of Housing and Local Government decided that it would be more desirable to have fewer and larger boroughs (5).
Southall was incorporated along with Ealing and acton in to the new London Borough of Ealing from 1 April 1965.
As a consequence, all departments located in the Manor House were closed down and transferred to Ealing. The Manor House was then empty and unused.
Several years went by, it was in need of structural repairs. Developers came up with several plans to make use of the site.
The Southall Historical Society became extremely anxious, the building must be preserved at all costs. Under its then chairman, Mr. A. Hilson, an approach was made to the Council for its restoration. Unfortunately, the Council would not negotiate, the Manor House stood empty and forlorn.
THE SOUTHALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Southall Chamber of Commerce had a new Secretary, Mr. Harold Hallett. A man of vision, he had ideas of a permanent Headquarters for the Chamber of Commerce, to extend its works. Gaining the authority of the Executive Council, he commenced negotiations with the Borough Council. These negotiations did not proceed smoothly. In fact they were on the brink of breaking down. Eventually, after many months of waiting, the exciting news was announced that The Chamber of Commerce was to lease the building at a nominal rent. The Borough Council spent in the region of £7,000 on repairing the exterior and making the inside structure sound. The Chamber of Commerce adding its own internal decorations and furnishings. Part of the building was to be let as separate offices.
On June 27th 1970 the Mayor and Mayoress (Councillor and Mrs Ernest Crook) accompanied by the Town Clerk and many Councillors, gathered for the official re-opening. The Chamber President (Mr. Bernard Bass) with the Secretary and members proudly the visitors around the restored ancient building.
Once more, the Manor House is dedicated to the business needs of the district. The comfortable and gracious office is always open with a welcoming smile to all. The conference room, with the portraits of past presidents gazing down from the wall, is now the meeting place of the executive Council of the Chamber of Commerce. On informal occasions the whole building is filled with the sound of music, laughter and gaiety.
Southall Manor House lives again.
SOMEONE BUILT A MANSION
By Patience Strong.
‘Someone built a mansion four hundred years ago to stand against the weather, the wind, the rain, the snow. He set it stout and sturdy a great Desiree to fill. His work was good to look at, and it’s lovely still. Upon a frame of timeer the russet tiles were laid. That roof is still a fine one for it was truey made.
The beams that span the ceiling, so cosy, smug and low reflect the shine and shadow from sun and firelight glow. The hearth that warmed his children on cold and wintry days still gives content and comfort within its modern blaze.
Someone built a mansion. His name I do not know but when he made that mansion four hundred years ago he would have been astonished to know that it would be an official home for someone in the twentieth century’.
With acknowledgement to Patience Strong,
Evelyn May Barnett
May 1974.
The market. Set up by Francis Merrick in 1698 continues in 2018, however, the last live stock were traded in 2007. Merrick road that runs along the line of Church Paths between the Canal Bridge at Norwood and Bridge Road, South was named after Francis Merrick and the name was submitted to Ealing Council by Miss Barnett.
Biscoe School
The War Memorial was unveiled in.
The Bowling Green was completed in.
Southall Brough Council ceased to exist on 1 April 1965 as a consequence of the passing of the London Government Act 1963.
Edited by Nick Taylor December 2017.
The Mansion House 1970-2020.
By Nick Taylor.
The Martin Brothers ornamental fountain was destroyed when the Manor House was subjected to an Arson attack in 1988.
The Southall Chamber of Commerce occupied The Manor House, until 2012.
The 16th century building was again in need of major repairs and Renovations and funds were again not easily found by a public body such as a local authority.
Ealing Council and Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College in partnership with The Mayor of London started working with Jamie Grainger-Smith, the restauranteur behind Jamie Oliver’s ‘Fifteen’ restaurant to refurbish and extend the building.
The Mayor of London’s regeneration fund contributed £770,000 towards the project.
A large glazed extension at the rear of the property for event hire and a new restaurant is being built with 80 seats and a training kitchen. The east wing of the building will be turned in to an education and business centre , including conference facilityes meeting spaces and seminar rooms.
The disused toilet block at the front of the building is being turned in to a kiosk cafe.
The idea is to provide high class restaurant facilities for Southall and by working with other local hotels and restaurants in the local area, provide a high quality level of training for the restaurant and hotel trade.
In October 2016 after many months of preparatory work, The Leader of Ealing Council, Councillor Julian Bell met with Garry Phillips, the Chief Executive of Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College attended the Manor House site for the start of the £1.5 million project which was due to complete in 2018. The site is as of February 2019 still being worked on.
For further information visit:
http://www.southallmanorhouse.co.uk