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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Staffordshire => Topic started by: CezzaE on Tuesday 07 March 17 15:21 GMT (UK)
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I don't know if anyone can help, we have a bit of a mystery (which my brother is driving me daft with)
My parents live in an area called the Grange in upper longdon, we know these houses were built in the 1960's but the previous house appears to be a mystery.
We know it was quite a big property and had tennis courts at some stage.
There is also a farm connected to the building and the road next to the area is called after the Grange.
We have found a Douglas Thomas Seckham living in the house in 1937 and before that it was a Francis Forster (Who died 1930) but we would like to find out who built the house and when and if there are any surviving photos of it.
We also know that there used to be a tunnel from the Grange to the Priory down the road.
Any help would be great (I'm even struggling to find it on Ancestry)
Thank you
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Hi
I've had a look on the old ordnance survey maps on the National Library of Scotland website.
In 1900 it is Longdon Grange but in 1882 it is called 'The Brambles'.
That might help you track it down at a earlier date.
Strangely though on the 1901 census it is Longdon Grange again -Francis Villier Forster 50 barrister born France and his wife Harriet Susan.
Ciderdrinker
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Hi thanks for that, that really will help :) :)
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http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/sidebyside.cfm#zoom=18&lat=52.7287&lon=-1.9106&layers=176&right=BingHyb
You can change map series using the pull down list in the top left.
Zoom and scroll using mouse.
A local archives or history centre might be able to help you with photos or more detailed maps.
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1881 The Brambles
2 servants Mary Adams 28 house keeper and Amy Berrisford 15 kitchen maid only occupants.
Ciderdrinker
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thank you both
Ruskie - I like that website that is most useful
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thank you both
Ruskie - I like that website that is most useful
Fabulous isn't it? So useful! :)
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I hope this link works:
The Brambles:
https://www.old-maps.co.uk/#/Map/405500/314500/12/100599
(I think you need to drag the map a bit - The Brambles is a bit further right)
Added: Out of interest, do you know whereabouts the Priory was? A tunnel to the Priory reminds me of The Famous Five and their adventures! How exciting! :)
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The House that became the Grange is on that map is opposite the "Chapel" - interestingly that chapel is still there but got converted into a house.
The Priory is down the road in the area called Hawksyard Park (the building is still there and now used for wedding receptions) - you can get there by following the road to the right (Brereton hill Lane), then when you get to the road junction (now the A51) go straight over the fields and it is down there
You are right it is very famous five :D :D :D
Historical maps are great to view :) :)
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I live at the Grange now, so this is sooo facinating :).
A man who lives at Russel's Bank said that there had been a couple who lived on Lower way, who worked on the forests during the 30s and that the lady at the Grange had used to invite the men to play cards at the house. The house was of Italian style with pillars.
I have literally just found a great article with a picture, which Gareth Evans has written. http://www.longdon-staffs.info/uploads/Longdon_Life_60.pdf.
Any other updates would be great, like why/when was it knocked down.
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Thanks sljrice, that article about the grange was so interesting. My grandmother was born at the house next to the chapel and opposite the Grange in 1876, her parents having farmed there from 1850. I wondered why their address was given as The Brambles on the 1851 census as I had not thought the house had ever been given that name, it was obviously the area not the house. As a child I often stayed at the house and played in The Dimbles at the back, I remember all the blackberry bushes. The chapel next door was still used and there was a lane down the side down to the well. We got off the Midland Red bus on the main road opposite St James Church and walked up Dark lane to the cottage, I remember the steep banks on each side. It was a treat for my sister and I to be taken to the kennels to see the hounds.
There were open fields opposite my great grandparents house and we played Cowboys and Indians with homemade bows and arrows. My family were the Harvey's and the house was sold when my great aunt died in 1963. It was demolished and a new house built. I visited Longdon about four years ago and was amazed to see all the housing.
My childhood was in the 1950s and I have no memory of the Grange but I do remember the name being mentioned as many of the female members of the Harvey family were in service in the late 19th and early 20th century and may have worked there.
Sorry to have rambled on but it did bring memories of happy summer holidays.
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That's an interesting post Thornwood thank you for that
The Gareth Evans that has written the article is my brother and he has written 3 installments for Longdon Life (the local free mag) I believe that only the first installment has been published and there is another 2 in the offing. - it was meant to be just 1 but he has got a bit carried away with his research ;) ;) ;)
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Thanks sljrice, that article about the grange was so interesting. My grandmother was born at the house next to the chapel and opposite the Grange in 1876, her parents having farmed there from 1850. I wondered why their address was given as The Brambles on the 1851 census as I had not thought the house had ever been given that name, it was obviously the area not the house. As a child I often stayed at the house and played in The Dimbles at the back, I remember all the blackberry bushes. The chapel next door was still used and there was a lane down the side down to the well. We got off the Midland Red bus on the main road opposite St James Church and walked up Dark lane to the cottage, I remember the steep banks on each side. It was a treat for my sister and I to be taken to the kennels to see the hounds.
There were open fields opposite my great grandparents house and we played Cowboys and Indians with homemade bows and arrows. My family were the Harvey's and the house was sold when my great aunt died in 1963. It was demolished and a new house built. I visited Longdon about four years ago and was amazed to see all the housing.
My childhood was in the 1950s and I have no memory of the Grange but I do remember the name being mentioned as many of the female members of the Harvey family were in service in the late 19th and early 20th century and may have worked there.
Sorry to have rambled on but it did bring memories of happy summer holidays.
I know this is an old thread but I live in the House next to the Chapel and it wasn't demolished - possibly just added to. I'd be very happy to find out its history. Based on the above its at least 1850.