MERLEWOOD - CHRONOLOGY

 1853

To Builders and Contractors

--------

TO BE LET BY TENDER,

            THE Building of the various RESIDENCES, &c, below enumerated: each department of the Work may be either Let separately or otherwise:-

            No.1 - Seven cottages at Over Staveley, near Kendal, for Mr Wm Philipson.

            No. 2 - A Mansion House and Offices at Grasmere, near Ambleside, for Stephen Heelis Esq.

            No. 3 - A New School and Master's Residence at Coniston, near Hawkshead.

            No. 4 - A Mansion House, Stables, and Offices at Grange, near Cartmel, for Alfred Binyon Esq.

            No. 5 - A Residence and Offices at Rothersyke, near Egremont, Cumberland, for Henry Jefferson Esq.

Plans and Specifications, and all particulars for the various Buildings, may be obtained on application at the Offices of Messrs THOMPSON and WEBSTER, Architects, Kendal; or at their Offices, Eller How, Lindale, in Cartmel; and at the Office of Mr FRANK WEBSTER, Kendal, and Eller How, Solicitor. …

            Bridge Street, Kendal, February 1^st 1853.[1]

 

Merlewood north elevation

 

1853     GRANGE IN CARTMEL - This delightful summer resort is gradually becoming known and appreciated by the lovers of nature as well as those in search of health, and may shortly vie with more favoured localities in the number and beauty of its villas. An impulse has been given by Alfred Binyon Esq., of the eminent firm of Thos. Hoyle and Sons, Manchester, who has recently become proprietor of a small estate in that neighbourhood, with a view of erecting a family residence, to be called Merlewood, the first stone of which was laid by Mr Binyon in the presence of a few friends, on Thursday, the 19^th inst. The situation chosen for the mansion is in every respect delightful, commanding most varied and interesting views of "flood and fell". The ceremony of laying the first stone was accompanied by a short but feeling speech by Mr Binyon, to the effect that he anticipated much pleasure from a residence in that beautiful neighbourhood. The Lancaster Borough Band, while on a tour through the country, arrived very opportunely, and enlivened the scene agreeably, playing the National Anthem and other airs with much good taste. Mr and Mrs Binyon, and friends, partook of luncheon upon the ground, after which all the workmen in Mr Binyon's employ were regaled with bread, cheese, and ale to their hearts' content.[2]

 

Merlewood from Eggerslack Wood 

 

1853          REARING DINNER - One of the most magnificent mansions in the district of Cartmel, is now in the course of erection, by Alfred Binyon, Esq., late of Manchester, but now of Yewbarrow Lodge, Grange. The situation is unequalled in Lonsdale North, being situate between the pleasant and healthy villages of Grange and Lindale-in-Cartmel, called Merlewood, having an extensive view to the south of Morecambe Bay - to the north-east over an inland country, bounded in the distance by the mountains of Westmorland and Yorkshire, the west and north-west being sheltered by a romantic woody hill called Eggerslack. Mr Binyon gave his rearing dinner on Saturday last to between fifty and sixty of his tradesmen and workpeople, at the house of Mr William Strickland, of The Slack, near Grange, when a most substantial dinner was provided. After which the usual loyal toasts were drunk followed by the health of Mr Binyon and his family, which were given with great enthusiasm. The afternoon and evening were spent in the most convivial manner, harmonizing with the season of the year. The whole was conducted in the most orderly manner, by those whose business it was to attend to the comfort of those invited.[3]

 

Merlewood south elevation

 

 

 

1853     Merlewood: for Alfred Binyon, by Thompson & Webster. A late Elizabethan-style gabled house with timber porches and characteristic interiors, sometimes rudely handled. I a letter to Thomas Remington [in fact, Henry Remington, see 1.1] of Aynsome on 15 Mar. 1862, [George] Webster wrote 'I made all the designs for Merlewood … after my retirement to oblige a neighbour … also for his lodge'. Miles Thompson [4] was left with the 'constructive part'. The garden had a serpentine ha-ha and the woods on the west show signs of landscaping. [5]

 

1854          Estimate for painting a new house at Grange (Merlewood):

1 coat stone colour per yard  /3d

Squares 1 coat white per dozen  /8d

Window sills about  /3½d

19 Transoms  2/3 each

2 coats in Tints per yard  /5d

Deep cornice per foot  /2d

Cornice per foot  /1½d

1 coat of Grain per yard  /4d

Ceiling 2 coats in Tints per yard  /5½d

Large squares painting  1/6 per dozen

Six coats plain colour per yard  1/-

Five coats two Tints per yard  -/11

Five coats plain colour per yard  -/10

Four coats Tints per yard  -/9

Four coats plain colour per yard  -/8

Four coats plain colour per yard  -/6

2 coats plain colour per yard -/4

2 coats of oil and 2 coats of varnish on Real oak per yard  -/6

Spouts 4 coats per linear yard  /2½ per linear yard

2 inch Staff Beads  -/2 per yard

Sash squares  1/8 per dozen

Best oak per yard 1s/2d

Seconds oak per yard 1s/-d

Common oak per yard  /10

Glazing Shut Glass including paint from  /7 to  /10½ shut

Crown Shut Glass including paint  /5½ crown glass

Perforated zinc per foot  /7½ [6]

 

1855     RAMBLES IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF MORECAMBE BAY.

But we heard that we passed on our way from Lindal the new mansion of our respected townsman, Mr. Alfred Binyon, and that a quarter of an hour's walk will bring us to its gate ... On the declivity of one of those undulating ranges of rising ground which are the predominant features of the district, which can scarcely be called hills, but which yet rise to a considerable elevation above the level of the sea, or rather almost in a valley, between two of these ranges, stands this mansion. It has the appearance of a well‑planned, capacious edifice of plain exterior, somewhat in the Elizabethan style of architecture. It is sufficiently low on the slope to be sheltered from the blasts that may sweep over the ridge behind, and is still so high as to command the most varied and extensive views that can be obtained in the neighbourhood; looking on the one hand over the valley that extends to the north, and on the other to the bay and towards Grange. When its plantations and shrubberies shall have grown up, and time shall have more matured its gardens and given a softer and more velvet‑like aspect to its lawns, it will not be surpassed in natural and artificial beauty by any rural seat in the neighbourhood. Happy must be the man of business, we are disposed to think, who can withdraw from the smoke and noise ‑ from the anxiety and bustle ‑ of Manchester life, to the clear atmosphere, quietness, and loveliness of such a scene as this, and has taste enough to hold fellowship with nature. We hope that our townsman may long enjoy, with his family, the pleasant change of circumstances which he has sought, and maintain the character which he has gained for intelligence, benevolence, and usefulness, in the locality.[7]

 

1856?   New cistern to Mr Alfred Binyons from Austick Quarrys.

            Dimensions are about 4'6" x 4'0" and 3' deep         3-3-0

            Carriage to Grange                                             2-5-0

Draining pipes @ Merlewood - found and laid down for 4 inch 2/5 per yard linear - 3 inch 2/3 per yard linear. [8]

 

1862     Letter from George Webster  to Henry Remington  confirming Webster as architect of Merlewood - see 1.1.

 

1872     Deed of conveyance dated 24^th October 1872 and made between William Henry Wakefield and the Revd John Henry Ransome of the first part Catherine Jeffray and Mary Cairns of the second part and William Pitt Miller of the third part.

The consideration mentioned therein is £25,000.

The said William Henry Wakefield and the Reverend John Henry Ransome were Trustees of Eliza Horrocks who was seised of the property …

The first described property … is "Merlewood" …, the contents of which then were 102 acres 3 roods 12 perches …

The said property was purchased by the said Eliza Horrocks from the Devisees in Trust under the Will of Alfred Binyon deceased.

The habendum … reads …TO HAVE & TO HOLD … Merlewood … unto and to the use of the said William Pitt Miller his heirs and assigns forever.

 

1873

NORTH LANCASHIRE.

Morecambe Bay and the Lake District.

TO BE LET,

COMPLETELY FURNISHED

From year to year, or for a short Term of Years, and with immediate or early possession,

THE very desirable FAMILY RESIDENCE known as "MERLEWOOD", near GRANGE-OVER-SANDS, with Offices, Stabling, Gardens and Pleasure Grounds, and with or without Pasture and Meadow Lands, extending, if required, to EIGHTY STATUTE ACRES.

The Mansion is charmingly situate on high ground within a well timbered park, and commands extensive views embracing the eastern portion of Morecambe Bay, with Silverdale, Lancaster, and the Yorkshire and Westmorland hills in the distance, and Holme Island, the estuary of the Kent, and some beautiful scenery in the foreground. It is approached by a drive (one-third of a mile long) from an entrance lodge, and is distant from the Town of Grange about three-quarters of a mile; from Newby Bridge (the foot of Windermere Lake) five miles, and from Lancaster thirteen miles. The Churches of Lindale and Grange are each within one mile, and there is a first-class station on the Furness Railway at Grange, from which Manchester and Liverpool may be reached in two hours.

The House, which is in excellent repair and condition, and decorated and finished throughout in the best manner, contains Vestibule, with fire-place; inner Hall, heated with hot water; spacious Dining, Drawing and Breakfast Rooms; Library, well filled with books; Eight principal Dressing and Bed Rooms, Eight Servants' and other Bed Rooms, Bath Room, and numerous Closets, Housekeeper's Room, Servants' Hall, Kitchen, Scullery, Butler's and other Pantries, Cellars, and all convenient Offices. The Furniture is modern and handsome, and in all respects ample for the comfortable occupation of the House.

The Gardens and Pleasure Grounds - which comprise an area of Nine Acres - contain Conservatory (accessible by a verandah from the House), Vineries, Peach Houses and stove, with a valuable collection of plants, vines, and trees therein, and a large and varied assortment of fruit trees in good bearing, and rare and well-grown shrubs and ornamental trees.

The Stable Yard includes stalls and boxes for seven horses; hay and straw lofts, good coach-houses, and other offices, and Coachman's House.

With the Land may he taken, if desired, a very compact set of Farm Buildings, with Bailiff's House and Dairy, distant a quarter of a mile from the Mansion.

For all further particulars, and cards to view, apply to Mr. J. W. Fair, Lytham, Preston.[9]

 

1873

GRANGE-OVER-SANDS

TO BE LET

With immediate or early possession,

AN excellent DWELLING HOUSE, at "The Slack", within a quarter of a mile of the Railway Station and Town of Grange. TWO reception and six bedrooms, with good kitchens and all suitable conveniences. A garden and orchard will be let with the house, and if desired a paddock of two acres and stable and cow house can be added.

George Paterson, at Merlewood House, will show the premises, and particulars may be obtained on application to J.W.Fair, Lytham, Preston.

 

1881          Some alterations were made in 1881 after the Millers bought the house. A tower was added to provide additional bedrooms for children and servants. A bay window was added to the right-hand gable on the south front, and a fireplace inserted in the downstairs room. This contains decorative coloured tiles either side of the fire grate. The tiles form rectangular borders depicting urns containing foliage. The borders each surround a central panel which depicts a romanticised medieval scene, one a male walking through dense woodland carrying a spear and a dagger as if hunting, the other a male stood in a woodland clearing outside a castle preparing to release a bird of prey for sport. [10]

 

 

1882     After an enquiry held in Grange by an officer of the Local Government Board, a provisional order was obtained in 1877, which empowered the Board to construct an embankment in the Newton Hills, about half-a-mile north-east of Ayside, on the Grange and Newby Bridge road, and to conduct a line of pipes thence to Grange District. … Since the construction of the works, the demand for the supply has steadily increased, and at the present time every one of the four Hotels use the water for drinking purposes, and it has been supplied to the principal mansions, viz: Hampsfield (J.T.Hibbert, Esq, M.P.); Merlewood (W.P.Miller, Esq.); and Holme Island (Alex. Brogden, Esq., M.P.); … [11]

 

1908     FIRE AT GRANGE - RESIDENCE BADLY DAMAGED

A somewhat serious fire occurred at Grange on Thursday [2^nd July]. Shortly after noon the butler at Merlewood, the residence of Mrs. E. M. Miller, observed signs of an outbreak of fire in the tower on the roof. The fire brigade was promptly summoned and turned out immediately. By the time they were on the spot, however, the flames had got a good hold, but the firemen soon had them under control, and prevented them spreading to any other part of the building. The tower and roof were destroyed, and the furniture of the rooms, mostly servants' bedrooms was badly damaged. The damage is estimated at about £300. Mrs. Miller only returned on Wednesday and it is possible that in making preparations in the kitchen in connection with her return, the flue had become overheated, and the fire got hold of some woodwork. The chief officer of the Brigade was unfortunately away from home, but the members worked excellently under Second Officer J. Chippendale. Mrs. Miller has expressed her warm gratitude to the Brigade, and other workers, for their prompt and timely assistance.

 

About mid-day on one of the hottest days in July a fire broke out at Merlewood, the residence of Mrs Miller. The Grange Fire Brigade was early on the spot, and a host of willing helpers rendered loyal service in assisting to get the flames under, and we are glad to say the damage was not so serious as it might have been. [12]

 

 

1931

Particulars, Plans and Conditions of Sale of

The Merlewood Estate

Grange-over-Sands, Lancashire

To be offered for Sale by Auction by Messrs E.J.Reed & Sons

At their Saleroom, 47 Fishergate, Preston, on

WEDNESDAY 10^th June 1931, at 3 o'clock p.m.

(unless previously sold by private treaty)

This Valuable Freehold Estate comprises the excellent stonebuilt and slated Residence of "Merlewood", with Gardens and Grounds, Conservatories, Garages and Outbuildings, Entrance Lodge, Farm Lands, Farmhouse and Buildings, Plantations, The Slack House, Cottages and Laundry, with a total area of about 138 acres, and is situated a mile from the Town and Railway Station of Grange-over-Sands and from 5 to 7 miles from Newby Bridge, Carnforth, Ulverston, and Windermere Lake respectively.

Permits for inspection of the property and copies of the Plans, Particulars and Conditions of Sale may be obtained on application to: THE AUCTIONEERS, 47 Fishergate, Preston; Messrs J.W.FAIR & REA, Chartered Land Agents and Surveyors, 8 Winckley Street, Preston; or Messrs WILSON, WRIGHT, EARLE & CO., Solicitors, 54 Mosley Street, Manchester and 6 Chapel Street, Preston.

NOTE - Owing to this property not having previously been in the market, there has never before been an opportunity of developing Grange to the north along the Windermere Road, where there are many magnificent building sites.

PARTICULARS

NOTE - The property will first be offered as a whole and if not so sold, then in the following or such other Lots as may be determined.

LOT 1

"Merlewood"

It contains Entrance and Inner Halls, four large Reception Rooms, with Billiard Room, Kitchens, Scullery, Pantries, Larders, Butler's Pantry, Housekeeper's Room, Servants' Hall Lavatories, &c on ground floor, with 20 Bed and Dressing-rooms, Bathroom, &c above. It is cellared and all in excellent repair and condition, and is ideal either as a Private Residence or as a Hotel, School, Nursing and Convalescent Home, or similar Institution.

The Outbuildings comprise Coachhouse, Garage for four cars, Stables, Harness Room, Loose Boxes, with Lofts and Living Rooms over.

The Entrance Lodge contains Kitchen, Scullery, Living Room, and three Bedrooms.

There are in the Walled Kitchen Garden Vinery, Peach and other Hot-houses, with Boiler-house, Piping, &c. The beautifully laid-out grounds contain many valuable Specimen[13], and Timber Trees.

The premises are all supplied with Town's Water from the Grange Urban District Council mains, and electricity is available at a short distance.

LOT 2

Merlewood Farm

… The Farm, which has been in hand for many years, is now let to Messrs James and W.J.Huck, on yearly tenancy, from 15^th April and 12^th May. … All supplied with water from the Grange Urban District Council mains. Electricity available at short distance. …

LOT 3

Accommodation Land, with frontage to the Newby Bridge and Windermere Road. … The land, of which about three acres have been ploughed, is let to Messrs J. & J.W.Huck, on yearly tenancy with Merlewood Farm. …

 

LOT 4

The Plantation … contains Mixed Timber and Coppice Wood, and having long frontage and easy access to the Kendal Road, in which are water and gas, this Lot also has very considerable value for building purposes.

LOT 5

Larch Plantation … well-grown and healthy.

 

LOT 6

… Meadow … at present occupied by Messrs J. & W.J.Huck with Merlewood Farm.

LOT 7

… Plantations, on the westerly side … with an area of 24a … or thereabouts, and containing valuable specimen Hardwood, Deciduous and other Trees and Coppice Wood. … The purchaser of this Lot will have to pay in addition to the

price of the land the sum of £150 in respect of the Timber.

LOT 8

… Plantation … at the southerly end of Lot 7.

LOT 9

… Building and Accommodation Land on the easterly side of and with frontage to the Grange and Windermere Road … at present occupied by Messrs J. & W.J.Huck with Merlewood Farm, together with the … Plantation on the easterly side. … £50 to be paid in respect of the Timber.

LOT 10

The excellent Stone-built and Slated Cottage and Laundry at "The Slack", at present in the occupation of Mr A.E.McClure, on monthly tenancy.

The Cottage contains Living Room, Sitting Room, Scullery, Pantry and three Bedrooms.

The Shippon for six, and loose-box with lofts over adjoining, are included in this Lot and are occupied by Messrs J. & W.J.Huck with Merlewood Farm … Town's water.

LOT 11

The substantial Stone-built and Slated Cottage and Garden … occupied by

Mr S.Tasker on service tenancy. … Living Room, Sitting Room, Scullery, Pantry and three bedrooms. … Town's water.

LOT 12

The substantial Stone-built Residence, with Slated Roof, known as "The Slack House", adjoining the Windermere Road at "The Slack" … in the occupation of Mr Sanderson for many years on yearly tenancy.

It contains two good Sitting Rooms, Kitchen, Pantry, Scullery, and five good Bedrooms, Bathroom, &c. … The premises are supplied with Town's water and are fitted with hot water system.

LOT 13

The Pasture Field, known as "Whinney Field" on the westerly side of Lots 11 and 12 … let with Merlewood Farm.

The … Pasture Field, known as "Moss Field" to the north-east of Lindale Village, with long frontage to the Witherslack Road, containing 3a … or thereabouts, occupied along with Merlewood Farm …

Plan at 208.33ft to 1 inch, approx 18" x 40", with key plan printed by Lambert Brothers, Printers, 46 Glover's Court, Preston.

Conditions of Sale

9 (2)     The property known as "Hazel Bank" between Lot 8 and Lot 10 including the land abutting the said roadway formerly belonged to the Vendor's predecessors in title and was conveyed to a purchaser from them …

14                 The Vendor reserves the right to hold an auction sale of furniture and effects in and about Lot 1 upon the premises at any time before completion of the sale.

Form of agreement

… between William Eustace Pitt Miller of 9 Ovington Gardens in the County of London, a Lieutenant (retired) in H.M. Grenadier Guards … [14]

 

 

 

1931

SALES BY AUCTION

By direction of W.E.P.Miller Esq

MERLEWOOD

Grange-over-Sands

(one mile from Grange Station)

On Tuesday June 30^th 1931

(and the following day if necessary)

T.B.Jackson F.N.A.A.

will sell by auction

The major portion of the valuable antique and modern household furniture and appointments comprising:-

FROM THE BEDROOMS

Exceptionally well-made walnut combination wardrobe, 10ft 6ins;

Pair of walnut toilet tables, 4ft 6ins;

Walnut pedestal cupboard, C.S. chairs, walnut-framed commode, antique mahogany combination wardrobe, 8ft;

Pair of mahogany toilet tables, on reeded legs, 3ft 9ins;

Pairs of toilet tables in mahogany, walnut, ash and satinwood;

Ash wardrobe, 6ft;

Mahogany-framed couch with cretonne cover;

Walnut combined wardrobe, 7ft 6in;

Mahogany combined wardrobe, 8ft;

Victorian mahogany framed robing mirror, birch gents wardrobe, 4ft;

French and Persian all-brass bedsteads, B. and B. bedsteads, hair and wire mattresses, box spring mattresses, ash book shelves, grained wardrobe, 6ft;

Lacquered pedestal table, fitted with Chinese porcelain panel;

Carved dark oak cabinet, on stand, with three drawers, on tapered legs, interior fitted with twelve drawers;

Rosewood-framed easy chair, with chintz loose cover;

Chamberware, marble mantel timepiece, antique oak linen press, on stand, fitted with three drawers;

Mahogany and oak swing toilet mirror, oak gents wardrobe, mahogany and oak-framed bidettes, rosewood window table, on claw feet, 4ft 6in;

Small pitch-pine corner cupboard, walnut and mahogany towel rails, lacquered single chair, with cane seat;

Pictures, carpets, etc.

ENTERTAINING ROOMS

Antique white enamelled four-fold draught screen, in Chippendale style, carved wood frame, fitted with silk brocade panels below and shaped bevelled glass plates above;

Carved Indian blackwood plant stand, with marble top;

Fine-toned horizontal grand pianoforte, by John Broadwood & Sons, in rosewood case;

Antique carved oak armchair, initialled I.K.;

            Antique carved oak armchair, dated 1678;

Massive brass pedestal plant stand, on claw feet;

Easy chairs, beautiful satinwood china display cabinet, 7ft;

Two very fine inlaid rosewood display cabinets, 3ft, in Sheraton design, with shaped front, on tapered legs;

Inlaid mahogany octagonal table, with shelf below;

Antique Sheraton inlaid satinwood two-tier oval table, antique inlaid walnut kidney-shaped table, fitted with drawer under shelf and brass gallery rail;

Two handsome inlaid satinwood display tables, with glass tops, on tapered legs, 2ft 10in by 1ft 8in;

Carved oak child's rocker, mahogany-cased 8-days' grandfather's clock, by E.Cowburne, Preston;

Inlaid mahogany oval table, with shelf below, 22in;

Settee, upholstered in silk brocade, with loose cretonne cover;

Occasional tables and chairs, three Japanese swords, two cases of light spears, arrow gun, beaded-topped footstools, pair of bronze figures, 24in, on fluted scaglioli pillar plinths;

Antique carved oak court cupboard, 5ft long by 6ft 6in high, initialled T.P., dated 1644;

Light oak-cased barometer, clock and barometer, in oak case, with glazed front, by Callaghan & Co, London;

Easy chairs, rosewood fold-leaf card table, elaborately carved dark oak sideboard, 8ft 3in, initialled W.H. and dated 1652;

Several water colours, oil paintings and engravings, mounted tiger's head and paws, in glass case;

Pair of stuffed sea birds, in glass case;

Carved mahogany crested hall chair, mahogany cupboard, with glazed bookcase above, 6ft;

Two antique carved oak brackets;

Antique mahogany two-tier circular dumb waiter, on reeded claws mounted on brass castors;

Magnificent pollard oak dining table, on reeded legs, 4ft 8ins wide and extending to 17ft;

12 oak framed dining chairs upholstered in crimson morocco, on castors;

Oak-framed gent's easy chair, 3 oak-framed dining chairs, covered in green leather;

Fumed oak knee-hole writing table, with incised leather top, fitted with nine drawers and two cupboards, 4ft 6ins x 3ft;

Pair of bronze vases, etc.

KITCHEN AND OUTSIDE ITEMS

Deal-topped grained kitchen dresser 10ft, fitted with bins, cupboards and drawers;

Deal oblong kitchen table, 9ft;

Deal tables, Windsor chairs, metal plate warming cupboard, 8 copper pans, large oak-cased marble-lined mortar and pestle, Singer hand and treadle sewing machines, 2 good hot-bed frames, plants, plant pots, and a host of items too numerous to particularise.

On view morning of sale

Refreshments may be obtained on the premises at a reasonable charge

Auctioneer's office: Victoria Buildings, Carnforth [15]