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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: Treetotal on Friday 31 May 19 14:01 BST (UK)

Title: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Friday 31 May 19 14:01 BST (UK)
Hi All, I wonder if anyone can offer any ideas as to what type of establishment this was please. It's a postcard with a divided back so post 1902 and there is nothing written on the back. I don't know the first thing about building styles but It was bought in Hereford. I'm hoping someone might recognise it and I know you all like a challenge  ;D
Thanks for looking  ;)
Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Ruskie on Friday 31 May 19 14:11 BST (UK)
It's a tricky one Carol.

I don't think I can help except to say that if it still exists I would imagine it might be a hotel, nursing home or similar. It looks like some kind of manor house.  :-\

I'm not sure I would even hazard a guess at the age of the building though it seems to have some age to it, and there may be a couple of additions ....

I will have a closer look at it.  :)
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Friday 31 May 19 14:19 BST (UK)
Thanks for looking Ruskie...yes I think this one will be tricky...I don't know if I may be seeing things but there may be golf clubs to the left of the door!
Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Mike in Cumbria on Friday 31 May 19 14:20 BST (UK)
It's a tricky one Carol.

I don't think I can help except to say that if it still exists I would imagine it might be a hotel, nursing home or similar.

You don't mean a certain nursing home in North Wales?
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Ruskie on Friday 31 May 19 14:24 BST (UK)
It's a tricky one Carol.

I don't think I can help except to say that if it still exists I would imagine it might be a hotel, nursing home or similar.

You don't mean a certain nursing home in North Wales?


Yes, one and the same!  :)
If our old friend was still with us I'm sure he would have this one identified in no time.
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Ruskie on Friday 31 May 19 14:30 BST (UK)
The little "porch" is odd. What is in the protruding bit on the roof (looks a little like a mini bell tower)?

Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Friday 31 May 19 14:32 BST (UK)
It's a tricky one Carol.

I don't think I can help except to say that if it still exists I would imagine it might be a hotel, nursing home or similar.

You don't mean a certain nursing home in North Wales?


Ooooo!!!.....you are awful...but I like you  :P ;D ;D ;D

Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Ruskie on Friday 31 May 19 14:36 BST (UK)
I can't see much detail Carol - no golf clubs visible on my monitor. There is a pale/white 'thing' to the left of the door though I can't make out what it is.

Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: ChrissieL on Friday 31 May 19 14:41 BST (UK)
Is that some sort of crest above the front door

Chris
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Friday 31 May 19 14:43 BST (UK)
Here is a close up.
Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Rhododendron on Friday 31 May 19 14:54 BST (UK)
My first thoughts were that it was possibly a Jacobean house, that may have been extended.  Not much help I'm afraid.
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Friday 31 May 19 15:32 BST (UK)
Thanks for your thoughts, every little helps  :D
Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Mike in Cumbria on Friday 31 May 19 16:02 BST (UK)
There isn't a lot to go on, is there, unless someone recognises it?
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Friday 31 May 19 16:14 BST (UK)
Not a lot...it almost looks deserted and unoccupied...I thought I could see a golf trolley but it could be damage  ::)
Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: oldhippy on Friday 31 May 19 17:53 BST (UK)
With the arches, I would say its Gothic or Jacobean. I will go for Jacobean because of the windows. They are typical Jacobean.   
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Friday 31 May 19 18:19 BST (UK)
Ah thanks OH....I appreciate your input. I don't think this one will be solved, not enough clues  ::)
Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Jool on Friday 31 May 19 20:20 BST (UK)
It's a tricky one Carol.

I don't think I can help except to say that if it still exists I would imagine it might be a hotel, nursing home or similar.

You don't mean a certain nursing home in North Wales?

Mike, that certain nursing home in North Wales was the first thing I thought of (I do miss our old friend in a strange sort of way, he was entertaining  ;D)

My random searches for a Jacobean house with arched doorway, stone balls over the porch (and a possible golf trolley) have so far proved fruitless... but I'm not giving up just yet  ;D
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Jool on Friday 31 May 19 21:19 BST (UK)
I couldn't help myself, I had to have a peep....  our "old friend" hasn't posted since 2016 but was active on Rootschat a couple of weeks ago  :o ;D
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Friday 31 May 19 22:17 BST (UK)
I couldn't help myself, I had to have a peep....  our "old friend" hasn't posted since 2016 but was active on Rootschat a couple of weeks ago  :o ;D

Shhhhhhhhhh! He might here you, be careful what you wish for  :-X ;D ;D
Thanks looking Jool.
Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: barryd on Saturday 01 June 19 02:53 BST (UK)
Its not that exceptionally large. Downstairs, then Bedrooms and Upper Servants Quarters. World War One saw the demise of many of there properties. War is stupid. World War One was exceptionally stupid. 
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Ruskie on Saturday 01 June 19 02:57 BST (UK)
Oooo, yes, I see that old mate did pop in a few weeks ago.  ;) In an odd sort of way, I do miss him.

I agree that the house has Jacobean Features. Is it “real” Jacobean or revival though?  :)
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Ruskie on Saturday 01 June 19 03:00 BST (UK)
Its not that exceptionally large. Downstairs, then Bedrooms and Upper Servants Quarters. World War One saw the demise of many of there properties. War is stupid. World War One was exceptionally stupid.

Lots disappeared in other eras too, especially the 60s.

The house looks pretty big to me.  ;) Possibly another wing on the left as well.
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Saturday 01 June 19 14:24 BST (UK)
Strange looking outbuilding in the front looks like it could be a folly? There is a chance that the property was a casualty of war...or development     :-\
Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Ruskie on Saturday 01 June 19 22:59 BST (UK)
Strange looking outbuilding in the front looks like it could be a folly? There is a chance that the property was a casualty of war...or development     :-\
Carol

Do you mean the little porch thingy Carol? I commented on it earlier and wondered what was on it’s roof.

I hope this lovely building still stands Carol, but so many have been lost .... :'(
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Saturday 01 June 19 23:25 BST (UK)
Yes that's the one Ruskie...I hope so too and that it hasn't been altered.
Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Kay99 on Sunday 02 June 19 05:23 BST (UK)
Strange looking outbuilding in the front looks like it could be a folly? There is a chance that the property was a casualty of war...or development     :-\
Carol

Do you mean the little porch thingy Carol? I commented on it earlier and wondered what was on it’s roof.

I hope this lovely building still stands Carol, but so many have been lost .... :'(

I think the object on  the roof may be a cupula -used for ventilation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupola
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Ruskie on Sunday 02 June 19 13:01 BST (UK)
Ah, thank you Kay. I know of cupolas but always thought of them as huge ... and on churches.  :)

That area /extension / porch (or whatever it is) is so small you would not expect it to need ventilation.   :)
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: SusieK on Sunday 02 June 19 13:07 BST (UK)
This looks to me more like the back of the house, with a large patio/seating area and the walls around it, and the steps down to the garden. For such a big house it doesn't look very ornate either.

Sue
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Sunday 02 June 19 13:12 BST (UK)
I agree Sue that it is the rear of the property which is usually less ornate.
Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Ruskie on Sunday 02 June 19 13:17 BST (UK)
This looks to me more like the back of the house, with a large patio/seating area and the walls around it, and the steps down to the garden. For such a big house it doesn't look very ornate either.

Sue

That crossed my mind as well, but I think there is a driveway heading towards the entry .... Landscapes can appear foreshortened in photos, so there may be a bigger distance between the wall and the front of the house than there appears to be, allowing room for cars/carriages or whatever.   :-\
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: SusieK on Sunday 02 June 19 14:11 BST (UK)
Yes I wondered if that was a driveway but decided it looked more like a large path leading down the garden. But I may change my mind again tomorrow  ::)

I've only just noticed that there is a bay window on the left hand side of the house - which was another reason I thought it might be the back, as the front is more likely to have bay windows matching either side isn't it?

Also the guttering spread across the wall for some reason makes me think of the back of the house.
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Ruskie on Sunday 02 June 19 14:30 BST (UK)
Yes I wondered if that was a driveway but decided it looked more like a large path leading down the garden. But I may change my mind again tomorrow  ::)

I've only just noticed that there is a bay window on the left hand side of the house - which was another reason I thought it might be the back, as the front is more likely to have bay windows matching either side isn't it?

Also the guttering spread across the wall for some reason makes me think of the back of the house.

Good points about the guttering.  :) Unsure about symmetrical bay windows - it may depend on the era of the building, or any additions.  :-\
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: loobylooayr on Sunday 02 June 19 15:09 BST (UK)
Hi ,

I had wondered about this being the back of the house too. But couldn't think why there would be a postcard of the rear of a mansion/manor house.
The drive leading to the building could be for tradesmen if there was a rear entrance to the property.

It's rather a bleak looking house  :-\

Looby :)
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Sunday 02 June 19 16:25 BST (UK)
Thanks for your thought, Ruskie, Sue and Looby. I doubt this one will be found. I have searched for similar country houses in and around Hereford and come up empty. If only the lady at the window could talk  ::) ;D ;D ;D
Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: arthurk on Sunday 02 June 19 16:50 BST (UK)
I think this is the front of the house, not the back. The drive comes across the grounds, rather than round the end of the house, and I doubt the back of a house would have an ornamental fence like that.

I appreciate that some of the house looks rather plain, but if you look closely, you'll see that the window tracery at the left hand end is different from that at the plainer right hand end, which indicates that it wasn't all built at the same time. The line of the windows also indicates that the rooms will have progressively higher ceilings going from right to left.

I suspect that the oldest part of the house is to the right, then it's been gradually extended towards the left, possibly in 4 or more stages. Finally, as the owner got richer or wanted to make more of a statement, the left hand end was built with its bay windows.
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Sunday 02 June 19 17:50 BST (UK)
Thanks for looking Arthur and for your interesting observations...I see what you mean about the front access as there appears to be a gravel path leading to the structure that looks like a folly. However, I am mystified by the steps to the left of the photo which would make the rear of the property higher than the front. Having made numerous searches in and around Hereford I have reached the conclusion that it has either been demolished or has changed dramatically over time.
Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: despair on Sunday 02 June 19 18:15 BST (UK)
This looks like it to me.

Regards
Roger



Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: SusieK on Sunday 02 June 19 18:18 BST (UK)
Gosh it does look like it, and so much nicer in colour! And so much bigger! And it is the front, as Arthur said. I'm gobsmacked that you could find it.

Sue
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: loobylooayr on Sunday 02 June 19 18:25 BST (UK)
Wow, looks like it to me. Well done.
And yes , it looks so much better in colour  ;D
Looby
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Mike in Cumbria on Sunday 02 June 19 18:26 BST (UK)
Good grief.

Now, you must tell us how you found it.
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Mike in Cumbria on Sunday 02 June 19 18:27 BST (UK)
https://cefntilla.com/ (https://cefntilla.com/)
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Kay99 on Sunday 02 June 19 18:31 BST (UK)
Very well done - And the little extension at the front was a larder from the plan at the time the house was marketed  https://media.onthemarket.com/properties/629626/doc_0_7.pdf
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: despair on Sunday 02 June 19 18:37 BST (UK)
Nice link Mike in Cumbria.As usual a large degree of luck was involved.Carol said she had looked around Hereford with no luck,so I thought I would try "next door" and searched "Jacobean Mansion Monmouthshire" and it was the first image which came up!

Regards
Roger
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Sunday 02 June 19 18:53 BST (UK)
Wow!!!! Roger...very well done...I have googled images and been all over, Hereford, Powys, Hay on Wye, Malvern and Worcester this afternoon and not a bite. I can't thank you enough...take a bow young man  8) 8) 8)
Thanks also to Mike for the wonderful link  :-*
So please.
Thanks everyone for your time and interest  :-*
On to the next one now  :P ;D ;D ;D
Carol 
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: despair on Sunday 02 June 19 19:08 BST (UK)
To be described as "young man" is flattering,but stretches any definition beyond reasonable bounds,unless it is used relative to Methuselah!

Regards
Roger
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Sunday 02 June 19 19:09 BST (UK)
Very well done - And the little extension at the front was a larder from the plan at the time the house was marketed  https://media.onthemarket.com/properties/629626/doc_0_7.pdf


Great link Kay...how lovely....If I lived closer I would be door knocking to show them just how it was. Thanks for that  ;)

Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Sunday 02 June 19 19:11 BST (UK)
To be described as "young man" is flattering,but stretches any definition beyond reasonable bounds,unless it is used relative to Methuselah!

Regards
Roger

We are all young next to someone older Roger, we are only "Old" to our Grandchildren  ;)

Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: arthurk on Sunday 02 June 19 19:31 BST (UK)
Congratulations, Roger - excellent find!
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: janan on Sunday 02 June 19 19:37 BST (UK)
At least I've been searching the right country to no avail!

Well found Roger.

Beautiful house.   
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: despair on Sunday 02 June 19 19:40 BST (UK)
Here's some of the history of the building and it's extensions.

https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/300024741-cefn-tilla-court-raglan#.XPQXNC2ZNJU

Regards
Roger
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Kay99 on Sunday 02 June 19 19:54 BST (UK)
Well found re LB details - I think the small front extension is listed as  a "pyramid-roofed smoke-house - -  with louvred lantern"
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Ruskie on Monday 03 June 19 00:58 BST (UK)
I am thrilled it has been found and still looks gorgeous! Wonderful find Roger!!!!  ;D

So happy! (now to read up on the place)

Added: wow - what an impressive property - beautiful house, beautiful location. I wouldn't say no.
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: ChrissieL on Monday 03 June 19 08:16 BST (UK)
Well done! I'm so pleased the house is still standing. It looks absolutely gorgeous too.

Chris
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: CarolA3 on Monday 03 June 19 08:57 BST (UK)
So it's not a nursing home these days ??? :-\ ;D

Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Mike in Cumbria on Monday 03 June 19 09:00 BST (UK)
So it's not a nursing home these days ??? :-\ ;D

Carol

Naughty.
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Monday 03 June 19 09:21 BST (UK)
So it's not a nursing home these days ??? :-\ ;D

Carol

No...Thank Goodness, but it is in Wales...and it survived in all it's splendour  ;D ;D ;D

Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: despair on Monday 03 June 19 09:45 BST (UK)
It looks like an ancestor of the former famous inhabitant,Lord Raglan was later involved in a controversy over the status of Monmouthshire which had been "ambiguous"

The Local Government Commission for Wales established in 1958 included Monmouthshire within its review area, and in 1961 proposed merging the area into a new "South East Wales" county.[27] The proposed inclusion of Monmouthshire in Wales infuriated Lord Raglan, by now Lord Lieutenant of the county.[28] In reaction, a "Make Monmouthshire Welsh" campaign was launched in August 1961 to gain parliamentary recognition that the county was in Wales.[29] In November 1961 it was announced that a branch of the Royal Society of St George was to be formed, emphasising the county's English identity.[30] Another group, the "Monmouthshire is Welsh" society, was formed and was supported by local MPs Michael Foot and Leo Abse.[21] Two years later Monmouth Borough Council made representations to the Minister of Housing and Local Government seeking the transfer of the town to Herefordshire in the event that the reforms were carried out. Signs erected by Monmouthshire County Council welcoming motorists to Wales were defaced or removed.[31] The County Council placed a revised sign at Monmouth stating "Welcome to Wales and Monmouthshire"; first, the words "..and Monmouthshire" were painted over, and then the words "..to Wales" were also obliterated.[32]

The Welsh Office, established in 1965, included Monmouthshire within its remit. The Wales and Berwick Act was repealed in regard to Wales in 1967 by the Welsh Language Act 1967, which however also continued to use the phrase "Wales and Monmouthshire". The Interpretation Act 1978 hence provides that in legislation passed between 1967 and 1974, "a reference to England includes Berwick upon Tweed and Monmouthshire".

Regards
Roger
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: ChrissieL on Monday 03 June 19 10:33 BST (UK)
That's so interesting Roger, thank you

Chris
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: hepburn on Monday 03 June 19 11:18 BST (UK)
it's much bigger than I thought ..
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Monday 03 June 19 11:46 BST (UK)
Thanks for the update Roger, it makes interesting reading...I feel a trip out there in the caravan is a must do!  ;D ;D
Carol
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Gadget on Monday 03 June 19 13:54 BST (UK)
Interesting reading Roger's piece about Wales and Monmouthshire.

When I was in school in Denbighshire in the 1950s/60s, we were always taught that it was 'Wales and Monmouthshire', I must have been indoctrinated because I still don't really regard Monmouthshire as part of Wales. OK - I know it is but....

Gadget
Title: Re: Who lived in a House like this?
Post by: Treetotal on Monday 03 June 19 14:28 BST (UK)
I now know "Who lived in a House Like This"....Lady Julia Ann Raglan  ;D
Carol