Issue 108 – May 2016
SCHOOLS COLLEGES - LEARNING BELLERIVE FCJ CATHOLIC COLLEGE RUNNEYMEDE ST EDWARD’S SCHOOL STUDIO @ DEYES LIVERPOOL LIFE SCIENCES UTC THE STUDIO SCHOOL ACCELERATE LEARNING POP VOX - CHOIR THE SEAONS ART CLASS
POOR RELATIONS
By Stephen Guy
THEY often survive when larger, more important, buildings and structures have long disappeared – reminders of lost landscapes and people. Things like stable blocks, outhouses and garden stores were the poor relations of big houses. They were workaday buildings which hosted vital services for the smooth running of estates. The most common survivors are entrance lodges. There was a wave of mass destruction after the First World War when large and small country estates were broken up. Death and taxes took their toll but often smaller buildings survived. Some, known as follies, were constructed to enhance landscapes created around stately homes. Roads and sometimes whole villages were moved so views would not be spoilt. Big houses employed large numbers of staff who lived on the premises. Buildings such as laundries were often constructed well
away from the main residence. Members of the family did not want to see their linen ÁXWWHULQJ RQ ZDVKLQJ OLQHV *UHHQKRXVHV PD\ KDYH EHHQ visible but potting sheds and stores were kept out of sight. Calderstones is one of several surviving former country estates in south Liverpool, long since transformed into public parks. Much survives intact including the mansion house, stables and other outbuildings. Neighbouring Harthill, however, was demolished in 1937 and later many of the estate buildings. Although Druids Cross was demolished in the 1970s, some outbuildings and a lodge survive. Sudley House features a late Victorian stable block with hayloft and coachman’s accommodation. Dry rot was often used as an excuse to demolish redundant mansions when the owners – particularly Liverpool Corporation – did not have the time, money or inclination to save them. Dry rot is often found in old buildings and can be eradicated. Harthill and Childwall Hall are among Liverpool’s lost buildings torn down after dry rot was discovered. Another was Allerton Tower, perhaps the most impressive. It was designed by Harvey Lonsdale Elmes, WKH \RXQJ JHQLXV ZKR DOVR FUHDWHG 6W *HRUJH·V +DOO DQG Liverpool Collegiate. Despite widespread protests, Allerton Tower was ÁDWWHQHG LQ WKH V EXW PRVW RI WKH RXWEXLOGLQJV including the orangery and stables survive. Another survivor is a mysterious circular structure (pictured) partly concealed under an earth mound. It may have incorporated an ice house or garden store. Accessed through a short tunnel, the interior is open to the elements. Q Learn more about the history of Liverpool at the Museum of Liverpool, Pier Head, open 10 am to 5 pm every day, admission free.
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