rht13 updated 17dec(2)

The Rose and Crown, Henley-On-Thames: Heritage Impact Assessment

© 2013 Foundations Archaeology RHT13 109 Albion Street Swindon, Wilts SN1 5LP Tel 01793 525993/08700 780 555 Email: [email protected]

THE ROSE AND CROWN, 56 NEW STREET, HENLEY-ON-THAMES

OXFORDSHIRE, RG9 2BT.

HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT

NGR: SU 7619 8280

December 2013

Report No. 922 This report has been compiled with all reasonable skill, care and attention to detail within the terms of the project as specified by the client and within the general terms and conditions of Archaeological Management Services Ltd trading as Foundations Archaeology. This report is confidential to the client. AMS Ltd accepts no responsibility whatsoever to third parties to whom this report or any part thereof is made known. Any such party relies on this report at their own risk.

Quality Assurance This Document has been compiled and authorised in accordance with

Author: Mary Neale and Dr. Mark Grahame BA(Hons) PhD Date: 14th May 2013 Approved: Roy King QA Checked: Diana King

mailto:[email protected]

The Rose and Crown, Henley-on-Thames: Heritage Impact Assessment


CONTENTS SUMMARY 1 ASSESSMENT METHOLODY AND INTRODUCTION 2 SOURCES 3 AIMS 4 METHODOLOGY 5 SITE LOCATION 6 HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE 7 HERITAGE ASSET ASSESSMENT 8 IMPACT ASSESSMENT 9 STATEMENT OF JUSTIFICATION 10 BIBLIOGRAPHY 11 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS




LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Location map of site (in text) Figure 2 : Thomas Jeffe (in text) Figure 3: Ordnance Survey Map, 1879 (in text) Figure 4: Ordnance Survey Map, 1899 (in text) Figure 5: Ordnance Survey Map, 1913 (in text) Figure 6: Ordnance Survey Map, 1962 (in text) Figure 7: Ordnance Survey Map, 1989 (in text) Figure 8: Ordnance Survey Map, 1975 (in text) Figure 9: Building plans Figure 10: Elevations Figure 11: Phase plans Figure 12: Proposed Plans Figure 13: General Photographs Figure 14: Front Detail Photographs Figure 15: Rear Photographs Figure 16: Rear Extension Photographs Figure 17: Archway Photographs Figure 18: Dining Area Photographs Figure 19: Bar Area Photographs Figure 20: Severy Store and Kitchen Photographs Figure 21: Toilet Block Photographs Figure 22: Beer Cellar Photographs Figure 23: Letting Bedrooms 1 and 2 Figure 24: Letting Bedroom 3 Figure 25: Severy Store Photographs Figure 26: Living Room Photographs Figure 27: Front Bedroom Photographs Figure 28: Rear Bedroom and Dressing Room Photographs LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Impact Assessment on Proposed Works Proposal A Table 2: Impact Assessment on Proposed Works Proposal B




SUMMARY Site Name: The Rose and Crown, 56 New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2BT Grid Reference: SU 7619 8280 Site Activity: Heritage Impact Assessment Date of Project: 29th November - 6th December 2013 Authors: Mary Neale, Mark Grahame and Diana King Site Supervisor: Mark Grahame Site Code: RHT13 Summary of Results: A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) was undertaken on a former grade II listed public house, the Rose and Crown, in November 2013 (Figure 1). The HIA was undertaken in line with National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, 2012) and the local policies of South Oxfordshire District Council, in advance of formal planning application for the proposed conversion of the buildings into two domestic dwellings. The work was undertaken on behalf of Caldecotte Consultants. The historic core of the Rose and Crown comprises a 15th century structure with extensions of possible 16th-17th century date. The building was further extended to the rear in the late 18th and during the modern period. The existing building complex is the result of many alterations over the centuries and a number of earlier structures have been replaced. It is evident from the assessment that the Medieval character has been compromised; however, the essential character of each period of build has been preserved. The external overall character of the building will not be affected by the proposals. Proposals A and B involve the same impacts with the exception of the treatment of the wall between the dining area and archway. Proposal A explores the feasibility of insulating the 15th century wall between the dining area and archway. A protective and breathable membrane may be inserted between the wall and the insulation to protect the fabric of the wall. As this will obscure the historic fabric it is considered to have minor adverse affect. The implementation of Proposal B would require the demolition of 15th fabric that would affect the original layout and proportions of the ground floor. As a result it will have a major adverse affect. The remainder of the proposals are fully reversible.




1 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY AND INTRODUCTION 1.1 Between November and December 2013, a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) was

undertaken on a former public house, the Rose and Crown, 56 New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BT (NGR: SU 7619 8280) (Figure 1).

1.2 In line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, 2012) and the local

policies of South Oxfordshire District Council (South Oxfordshire District Local Development Framework Core Strategy 2012) and this HIA has been prepared in advance of a proposal to convert the former public house into domestic dwellings. The work was undertaken on behalf of Caldecotte Consultants.

1.3 The required Heritage Impact Assessment involved a site visit to the Rose and

Crown which was supplemented by a desktop study of presently available historical maps and photographic survey of the present building. Government guidance (National Planning Policy Framework, 2012) encourages a consideration of the conservation of any heritage assets present on a site where development is being considered, prior to formal planning applications being submitted. This allows a full assessment of the implications of the impact of any development proposal and an appropriate mitigation strategy to be identified and implemented.

1.4 Heritage assets can be defined as places of value within the historic environment that

should be conserved their significance, so that they can be enjoyed for their contribution to the quality of

, paragraph 126). Policy 128 of NPPF states that in determining applications, local planning authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting . Policy 129 states that Local planning authorities should identify and assess the particular significance of any heritage asset that may

considering the impact of a proposal on a heritage asset, to avoid or minimise conflic NPPF further states that local planning authorities should support a prosperous rural

local services and co including meeting places and public houses.

1.5 This heritage impact assessment was compiled in accordance with the principals of

NPPF and the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. The work was undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set out in the English Heritage publication Understanding Historical Buildings: A guide to good recording practice (English Heritage 2006) and the Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Investigation and Recording of Standing Buildings, issued by the Institute for Archaeologists (IfA 2008, revised edition), were complied with for the duration of the project. The code of conduct of the Institute for Archaeologists was adhered to throughout.




1.6 The site has not previously been the subject of any archaeological works. The study area includes the structure which comprise the Rose and Crown and the plot in which it stands (Figure 1).

1.7 The proposed development does not affect any Scheduled Monuments, Historic

Parks, Gardens or Battlefields and does not affect an Archaeological Priority Area. The building is Grade II Listed and lies within The Riverside and The Town Centre Conservation Areas.

2 SOURCES 2.1 All maps, plans and documents available in the Oxfordshire History Centre were

consulted. Historical Ordnance Survey Mapping was acquired from the Landmark Information Group. A copy of measured plans and elevations of the current extant buildings as well as proposals for redevelopment were provided by the client.

3 AIMS 3.1 The general aims of the heritage impact assessment were to, a) assess the impact of

the proposed scheme on the significance of the historic building complex, b) to gain an idea of the date of the building, c) to assess the preservation of original elements including fixtures and fittings, d) to gain a broad history, use and evolution, e) to preserve the observations for posterity, and, f) to make them available when and where they may be needed.

3.2 To this end a visual inspection of the building was made and graphic and visual

records, in the form of measured survey and photography, were used to illustrate the

uses over time since its construction, and its historical importance. 3.3 These aims were achieved through the pursuit of the following specific objectives:

i) to describe and characterise the nature of the structure and date it if possible; ii) to analyse its historical and archaeological significance.

4 METHODOLOGY 4.1 The heritage impact assessment was guided by the principles of NPPF. 4.2 Recording took the form of a detailed photographic survey using a high resolution

SLR digital camera. 4.3 The measured surveys as supplied by the client were annotated on site and notes and

sketches were completed on-site.




4.4 The remainder of this report comprises text descriptions of features not readily recorded or described graphically, supported by the measured survey and a representative selection of photographs and historical mapping.

5 SITE LOCATION 5.1 Henley-on-Thames is located on the west bank of the River Thames straddling the

county boundaries of Oxfordshire and Berkshire. The 12th century core of the town of Henley-on-Thames comprised Hart Street. This later expanded beyond with the formation of New Street, Bell Street and Friday Street. The properties in this Medieval core are within Conservation Area 3, The Town Centre and Area 5, The Riverside.

Figure 1 Location map of site

5.2 The Rose and Crown is situated fronting the south side of New Street with Grade II Listed Buildings Anne Boleyn Cottage to its left and a Georgian Town House to its right. The two cottages to the left date from the 15th century with further extensions and alterations in the 16th and 17th centuries, which stretch back from the New Street along an alleyway. The Rose and Crown is a public house with a Georgian façade dating to the late 18th century. The site for proposed development is shown in Figure 1.

6 HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE 6.1 This section is not intended as a complete historical discussion of the site and asset

itself, or a history of Henley-on-Thames. The historical background is intended to place the site in context and provide an understanding of the significance of the asset. The layout of the current building is shown in Figure 9 and its elevations in Figure 10. The rooms in the building have been named as shown on the plans for ease of reference.




6.2 Evidence of Prehistoric activity in the form of Mesolithic, Neolithic and Iron Age artefacts have been discovered in the town centre. One site of Roman activity has so far been identified as a result of excavation. A settlement was established by Henry II in the late 12th century comprising The early Medieval development of Henley-on-Thames is seen in the setting out of burgage plots. Where excavation has taken place, archaeologists have found evidence of stone and flint foundations and traces of these plots have been identified within the Medieval centre of the town. In addition there is documentary evidence of pre-1397 town walls. New Street is first mentioned in deeds of 1305. Other documentary and physical evidence of the early development of the town can be found at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Hart Street. The nave dates to the 13th century and the church underwent major remodelling around 1400. There are tablets and effigy in the 15th century chapel. Between the 12th and 15th centuries the port of Henley expanded and the market town grew. Many of the listed buildings in the town also date from this period onwards and it is around this time that we have the earliest evidence of the construction of the Rose and Crown.

6.3 While brewing had taken place in the immediate area from at least the 16th century,

the Rose and Crown did not become a public house until the early 20th century. It is listed as a public house in the Oxford and District Trades Directory 1908-1909. There are no listings prior to this date and it is likely that the building was originally a dwelling façade associated with the remodelling of the building during the latter part of the 18th century.

6.4 Limited documentary evidence regarding the Rose and Crown was readily available;

therefore its known history is predominantly based on visual inspection and survey work and map regression, with some information supplied by local residents.

6.5 The earliest available map to show the site dates to 1768

Oxfordshire (Figure 2), which shows the same detail around New Street as Richard Davis Map dating to 1797. This map depicts the building on the south side of New Street.

Figure 2




6.6 The first edition Ordnance Survey 1:500 map shows more detail (Figure 3, shown below). This shows the property as a single block with three smaller buildings running southwards and another minor building abutting it to the west. There is a garden at the rear. The map shows that Henley Brewery had developed by this time. Brewing and malting became increasingly important and during the early 19th century a number of thBrewery on New Street and to the east of the Rose and Crown. However all the evidence gathered indicates that the Rose and Crown did not become a public house until the early 1900s. Searches of eight directories dating between 1830 and 1895 did not reveal any connection with the brewing industry.

Figure 3 - Ordnance Survey Map, 1899 6.7 The second edition Ordnance Survey map at a scale of 1:2,500 (Figure 4, shown

below) illustrates some changes. A building on the western boundary, abutting the range of buildings to the rear, has been demolished and a large building at the end of the garden has been constructed.

Figure 4 - Ordnance Survey Map, 1899

6.8 The enclosed courtyard appears to have remained unchanged as it is seen marked on

various editions of the Ordnance Survey from 1899 to 1989 (Figures 5 to 7).







6.9 There are no changes in the site plan until the bar extension was added and the

building at the end of the garden was demolished, as shown on the Post-war third edition Ordnance Survey map at a scale of 1:2,500 (Figure 8, shown below).

Figure 8 - Ordnance Survey Map, 1975 7 HERITAGE ASSET ASSESSMENT 7.1 The façade is dated to the late 18th century as noted on the listing but the original

building is earlier and has been remodelled. The evolution and phasing of the building is shown on Figure 11, and discussed below.

7.2 The building of the Rose and Crown comprises a sub-rectangular building of three

stories plus a basement on the street frontage and single storey buildings to the rear of the plot (Figure 1, see above).

7.3 The historic core of the building is formed by a two storey 15th century timber

framed building with basement, which was extended to the rear during the 16th-17th centuries. During the same period the second floor may have been added. The façade, the extension over the archway and the rooms to rear of the second floor are dated to the later part of the 18th century. The right extension to the bar area dates between 1968 and 1975, and the kitchen extension and toilets are similarly of modern date.




7.4 The Rose and Crown was first listed in 1951 is a Grade II Listed Building (ID No. 1369153). This building is part of a group, though not part of an Asset Grouping, as noted in the listing text. The listing is as follows:

C18 facade. Silver grey bricks with red brick quoins and window dressings. Old

tiled roof. 3 storeys, 2 windows and 2 blanks on 1st and 2nd floors. Sashes with glazing bars. Carriageway arch with doors ground floor. No 2 also forms part of a group Nos 2 to 76 (even) and Nos 1 to 33 (odd) and the walls associated with Nos 32 to 40 (even)

Front façade 7.5 The 18th façade comprises a three storey brick construction, five sash windows and

one casement window, double timber door and a tiled roof. There are two timber framed, sash windows, three panes wide and four panes high, to the left of the ground floor façade. Below the left window is the beer chute access. A set of wooden doors are located on the right hand side of the ground floor. on the right door of the double doors. A swing sign is attached to the brick to the right of the blind window. The blind window is flanked by two timber framed, sash windows, three panes wide and four panes high. A pub sign is positioned across the centre at first floor level. The second floor has the same configuration of a blind or bricked-up window in the centre, flanked by a timber framed casement window to the left side and a timber framed sash window to the right side, both three panes wide and two panes high. The position of blind or bricked-up windows is left of centre and mirrors the window arrangement on the ground floor which accommodates the double wooden doors leading to the archway. The A-line roof has ceramic tiles and a red brick chimney stack is located to the left, with 3 pots.

Rear elevation 7.6 The rear elevation is again three stories with three windows on each of the upper

floors, with a southern wing and an extension on the ground floor and the remainder of the rear of the property is occupied by a beer garden. The southern wing houses a kitchen and is a timber framed structure with brick infill; the kitchen ha been extended and a toilet block added. The southern wing and extensions have a single pitched roof, tiled with slate. The extension with the French Windows has a pitched tile roof that slopes to the left and is constructed of brick that has been painted white. Above this, on the first floor, a small projection has been built out lit by one timber framed window, three panes wide and four panes high. The wall has been plastered and painted white and it is roofed with slate. Above this, is a timber framed, sash window with three panes wide and four panes high. The wall around this window has been pebble dashed. The pebble dash also extends across the west facing wall at the first and second floor levels. There are two timber framed, sash windows on the first floor and two on the second floor, three panes wide and four panes high. There are no windows on the south facing walls which has been rendered. The roof is pitched with ceramic tiles and lead flashing is visible on roof line.

Ground floor The kitchen and toilet block and garden shed




7.7 This is a single storey wing lit by two modern casement windows and once heated by a chimney breast and brick built chimney stack, with a single pot, rises from the end of the original kitchen; this is a later insertion. The modern kitchen extension, which is lit by a modern casement window, and the toilet extension - lit by a single modern window - are set back from the original kitchen range, and all are accessed through matching timber tongue and grove panel doors. As the roof line is continuous and built of slate tiles, then it is likely that this structure was re-roofed.

Enclosed courtyard (archway) 7.8 The double doors open into a large courtyard lit by the French Windows to the rear

and the door to the bar on the left wall which is half glazed, three panes wide by four panes high. The floors are of modern flagstone. The walls are brick built and painted white. The western facing wall is timber framed with horizontal and diagonal beams and brick in-filled and a timber wall plate at the base. It appears to have been built at the same time. By contrast the eastern facing wall is brick built with a more recent brick built section to the rear of the courtyard. The ceiling is rendered. Timber framing is visible on the lower part of the east facing wall, at waist height. Original features remain including the step in front of the bar door and the boot scraper. Iron hinges were noted on the double doors.

Dining area 7.9 With a step up, the bar door gives access to the stairwell and left, into the dining area

which is lit by glazing on the door, the sash windows of the façade and the glazing on the back door. This has been refurbished to modern standards with tongue and groove panelling from timber flooring to dado rail level, above the panelling the wall is papered or painted. The exposed area of the fire place is built of brick, a modern wood-burning stove has been inserted into it on top of red ceramic floor tiles and it has been decorated with a marble surround.

Bar 7.10 The back door opens into the stairwell and straight ahead is the door to the bar. It is

lit by glazing on the door and French walls. The left wall has tongue and groove panelling from floor to dado rail level and wall-paper above. The exposed area of the fire place is built of brick and a modern wood-burning stove has been inserted into it on top of red ceramic floor tiles. It has been decorated with a timber surround. The bar is faced with tongue and groove timber slats. The ceiling timber above the bar appears to be historic but not necessarily in situ. This front portion of the bar may be part of the buildingcore.

7.11 Floorboards are exposed up to the point where the dividing wall has been removed

and a brick built and painted pier has been constructed in its place, which supports a boxed-in beam or steel ceiling support. To the left of the boxed-in beam, the bar area may be dated to the 16th or 17th centuries as this part of the building appears to be an extension to the original core. To the right of the boxed-in beam, along the wall, the vertical timbers look authentically old but may not be in their original position. This is suggested from map evidence, which shows the bar extension as having been built before 1975.




Servery 7.12 The structural fabric within the Servery looks original including the ceiling timber

and the upright and diagonal supporting timbers. Kitchen 7.13 Few original features can be seen in this area as it is tiled from floor to the supporting

wall plate at ceiling level. The wall plate supports the slope in the roof line along the exterior wall of the kitchen and ends at the more modern part of the kitchen extension. A fire place has been blocked off and tiled over.

Toilet block 7.14 The toilet block is a modern construction and this is corroborated by the observation

that the wall plate does not continue through from the kitchen into the toilets. Stairwell to beer cellar 7.15 The treads on the stairs to the beer cellar appear old and the brick infill beneath each

appears secondary. The walls of the stair are rendered and the free space within the servery store is used for storage. Ceramic tiles are visible in the recess on the staircase.

Beer cellar 7.16 The cellar is of brick construction and painted and the ceiling is of plywood, with a

brick arch partially exposed. As well as barrels, air conditioning units and other modern equipment is stored here. Beyond this equipment there is a space that appears to be a fireplace, though not clearly visible. There is a beer chute to the front of the cellar that connects with the opening seen at street level.

First Floor Stairwell from kitchen and Servery Store 7.17 This area juts into the neighbouring property but without access to next door it is not

possible to establish its position within that layout. It may once have been part of a corridor connecting the buildings. There are structural timbers exposed at the top of the stairwell. This indicates that the structure is timber framed and of similar date to the properties next door, (dating from the 15th century with some alterations and extensions during the 16th and 17th centuries).

Store 7.18 This room houses the boiler and is lit by a top hung timber framed window, two

panes wide, above the door and a sash window, three panes wide and four panes high. There are a series of boiler pipes running along and through the wall but the nature of fabric of the wall was not visible due to modern plaster boarding.

Bedroom three 7.19 A step down gives access to the bedroom which is lit by one sash window, looking

west. The ceiling respects the height of the window and slopes away to the rear. This is reflected in the bathroom as a concealed timber running along the wall at door height that respects the slope of the ceiling in the bedroom. The ceiling of the




bathroom has been raised above the level of the concealed timber to the height of the ceiling of bedroom three. The en-suite has been fully modernised. Returning to the bedroom, there is a chimney breast but the fireplace has been blocked off.

Stairwell to first floor 7.20 The stairs are a modern insertion, with rendered walls that are papered and painted,

although the stair tower may be original to the 16-17th century extension of the building.

Bedroom one 7.21 This bedroom is lit by one sash window as seen on the front façade. The ceiling is

lower than the top of the sash window which indicates that it is part of a later refurbishment. On the chimney breast there is a Victorian style cast iron fireplace with a wooden surround. A small wooden step gives access to the en-suite bathroom that is lit by a sash window as seen on the front façade. Otherwise, all other features are modern.

Bedroom two 7.22 This bedroom is lit by one sash window as seen on the rear elevation. The ceiling

respects the height of the sash window and there is a loft hatch to the rear of the room. On the chimney breast there is a Victorian or Edwardian style cast iron fireplace with a wooden surround. The en-suite has been fully modernised.

Stairwell to second floor 7.23 The stairwell is lit by a single timber framed window facing east. The stairs are a

modern insertion, with rendered walls that are papered and painted. However, original timbers are visible running around the front and left walls, at ceiling height. These correspond to the timber running along the wall and over the door to the rear bedroom.

Second floor Living room 7.24 The living room is lit by a two by two pane timber framed casement window as seen

on the front elevation. The chimney breast is boxed in and to the right of this in the recess are traces of original timbers that run along the wall at ceiling height. The ceiling bows above the door, indicating that original timbers survive here also, but the fabric of the walls are not visible as they are rendered, papered and painted.

Front bedroom 7.25 The front bedroom is lit by a timber framed sash window as seen on the front facade.

It is plumbed for kitchenette facilities. Although the chimney breast exists, the fireplace is boxed-in, but a wooden mantel is still extant.

Bathroom 7.26 The bathroom is lit by a sash window as seen on the rear elevation and has been fully

modernised. Rear bedroom




7.27 There is an original timber above the door and a step down gives access to the rear bedroom. It is lit by a timber framed sash window. There is a loft hatch in the ceiling. The chimney breast is located centrally on left wall and the fireplace has been blocked up and rendered. The bulge on the left side may be due to a fireplace feature beneath. The walls have also been rendered.

Dressing room 7.28 The room is lit by a sash window, facing west. A chimney flue is visible on the

centre rear wall. Summary 7.29 This was originally a two storey building dating to the 15th century given the

relationship and connection between it and the structures next door via the servery store. It was extended to the rear to the rear during the 16th-17th centuries, possibly rising to three storeys. The façade is dated by the listing to the late 18th century. Given the façade encompasses the rooms above the archway it is likely that they date to this period as well. The lateral and rear extensions on the second floor may also be late 18th century in date.

7.30 The original timber framework to the building is exposed internally. All of the visible

timbers are painted, with the exception of the two timbers at the top of the servery store stairs, and in good condition. Only one observed timber shows damage. It is located in the kitchen and should be checked and stabilised if need be.

Phasing 7.31 Though the building has been remodelled, extended and refurbished for use as a

public house, visual inspection of this building revealed that it retains some of its original character on all three storeys and the majority of the shell of the building remains as built.

7.32 The earliest phases of the building may be divided into an earlier Medieval (15th

century) core and a later Post-medieval (16th-17th century) extension. The earlier part is on the street frontage and comprises the beer cellar and on the ground floor, the dining room and front portion of the bar area, giving a two-cell layout with one room to the front and one to the rear of the central stair tower. The left chimney stack also dates to this early phase.

7.33 The Post-medieval phase comprises the servery, servery store and kitchen on the

ground floor; the letting bedroom 3 and store of the first floor, and possibly the second floor living room and stair well, although the exact phasing of this part of the building is unclear. However, exposed timbers suggest that it was prior to the 18th century, but it seems unlikely that the 15th century house rose to three storeys when

. 7.34 The servery store is likely to be part of the Post-medieval phase because it extends

into the neighbouring property and those buildings were extended in the 16th and 17th centuries as noted in the listing. The most likely original use of the servery store was as a corridor connecting the building with next door that was later blocked off. This




explanation would also account for the angle on its northeast corner which could once have been a doorway.

7.35 Further observations that support the phasing described above is a change in floor

level and architectural style indicates a different and later phase. These changes are in evidence as a step down into the letting bedroom 3 and the sloping ceiling possibly indicating an additional build during the Post-medieval phase. However, the letting

s layout mirrors the ground floor plan and so indicates that it may have been present during the Medieval period. The wall of the store by the stairwell is uneven and likely to be early.

7.36 The façade is dated to the late 18th century and the windows also date from this

century. During the 18th century the classic Georgian style of two rows of three panes in each sash evolved and the reduced thickness of the glazing bars is typical of the era. The windows are set back from the brick work indicating they are from the later part of this century. Only the top left casement window of the facade is a later insertion. It has 2 panes by 2 panes and is dates from 1840 onwards.

7.37 The step down into the rear bedroom on the second floor and a change in window

style provides evidence that this is a later extension to the Post-medieval core. The size of the windows and the fact that they are similar sash style, though smaller, to those on the front façade indicates that the second storey rear bedrooms are part of the later phase of the structure, probably dating from the late 18th century, although a 19th century date cannot be ruled out.

7.38 The rooms above the archway are more difficult to date. A lack of exposed timbers, extant in the Medieval sections of the build, presumes a later date. The sash window of the first floor room, bedroom 2, is set in, similar to those on the façade. For this reason the first floor over the archway is dated to the late 18th century. If so, then the front bedroom and bathroom on the second floor must also date to this period as it seems unlikely that the façade of the building would have remodelled to first floor height and then subsequently remodelled to second floor level.

7.39 The rear bedroom and dressing room may be later in date, given the step down into

the rear bedroom. However, given the house was extensively remodelled during the late 18th century, it seems unlikely that these rooms were added at a later date.

7.40 The final major addition to the building is the construction of the bar extension on

the ground floor. Map regression shows this as having occurred between 1968 and 1975. It is not illustrated on later maps until 1996 but a local resident confirmed the extension was constructed 1960s or 1970s. The old timbers on the western wall have been added and are not structural and are larger than those of the original framing of the Medieval house. The wall between the two bars was removed and a beam, encased in plywood, supports the weight of the structure. The pier is difficult to assess. As it is painted visual inspection of the bond and the brick is not possible but given its regularity and association with the beam, it is probably modern. The kitchen was extended and the toilets were built in recent times.




8 IMPACT ASSESSMENT 8.1 This impact assessment assesses the impact of the proposed works on the historical

fabric of all phases of the building is shown on Figures 12 A and B. The numbers on the figure refer to the numbers in the tables below.

Table 1: Impact Assessment on Proposed Works Proposal A

Ground floor Fabric Affected

Significance Potential Impact

1. Insulate wall between the dining area (dining) and archway (car space)

Medieval. High. It is 15th century in date. This proposal will not alter the layout of the original core of the structure but will obscure historic fabric. A protective and breathable membrane may be inserted to protect the fabric of the wall.

Minor adverse.

2. Remove pier Modern? Low. Modern build. This proposal will not affect historic fabric and is fully reversible.

Negligible.

3. Add three conservation rooflights.

Modern. Low. This is an extension dating between 1968 and 1975. No historic fabric will be affected by this proposal.

Neutral.

4. Change the function of the kitchen extension to a lobby and toilet to rear. Constructing a wall to divide the room and to block off the fireplace and plumbing will be required.

Modern. Low. This area of the building has already been significantly remodelled in the 20th century. The division will not cause further impact to historic fabric.

Negligible.

5. Change the function of the toilets to utility. Stud walls will be removed and plumbing will be altered to accommodate a sink and other facilities.

Modern. Low. This area of the building has already been significantly remodelled in the 20th century. The removal of the walls will not cause further impact to historic fabric.

Negligible.




First floor Fabric Affected


6. Removal of a stud wall between the store and en-suite to create a study.

Modern. Low. The stud wall is modern. There is historic fabric along the eastern wall but the stud wall is modern.

Minor adverse.

Table 2: Impact Assessment on Proposed Works Proposal B Proposal B only differs from proposal A in respect of the treatment of the wall between the dining area and archway on the ground floor. The impact of the remaining proposals are detailed in Table 1.

Proposal B Ground floor

Fabric Affected


1. Remove wall between dining area (lounge) and archway (hall)

Medieval. High. It is 15th century in date and part of the original layout of the core of the building. This proposal will alter the layout of the original core of the structure.

Major adverse.

9 STATEMENT OF JUSTIFICATION 9.1 The Rose and Crown is situated within the Medieval core of Henley-on-Thames. The

building was once a dwelling but was remodelled, extended and refurbished for use as a public house in the early 20th century. Visual inspection revealed that it retains some of its original character on all three storeys and the majority of the shell of the building remains as built. Most of the first floor, the living room and stair well of the second floor are timber framed and date between 15th and 17th centuries. The date of bedroom two and en-suites above the archway may date to the late 18th century. The rear rooms on the second floor are difficult to date as there are no visible indications and much of the external elevations are obscured by rendering and pebble dash. As the windows of the rear bedroom and dressing room are of similar type to those on the façade, it is interpreted that the rear extension and the façade were constructed at the same time, in the late 18th century. Since it is unlikely that the front bedroom on the second floor was added subsequently it is probably that it too dates to the late 18th century. The bar, the kitchen extension and the toilets were constructed during the modern period.




9.2 The existing building is the result of many alterations over the centuries. It is evident from the assessment that the Medieval character has been compromised; however, the essential character of each period of build has been preserved within the existing complex.

9.3 The external overall character of the building will not be affected by the proposals.

Proposals A and B involve the same impacts with the exception of the treatment of the wall between the dining area and archway. Proposal A explores the feasibility of insulating the 15th century wall between the dining area and archway. A protective and breathable membrane may be inserted between the wall and the insulation to protect the fabric of the wall. As this will obscure the historic fabric it is considered to have minor adverse affect. The implementation of Proposal B would require the demolition of 15th fabric that would affect the original layout and proportions of the ground floor. As a result it will have a major adverse affect. The remainder of the proposals affect modern alterations and are fully reversible.

10 BIBLIOGRAPHY Documentary Cassey, Edward & Co. 1868 History Gazetteer and Directory of Berks and Oxon. London Department for Communities and Local Government (2012), National Planning Policy Framework. Department of the Environment (DoE) 1985, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest Dutton, Allen & Co. Directory of Oxon. & Berks, 1863. English Heritage, 2006 Understanding Historic Buildings: A guide to good recording practice. Gardiner, 1852. History Gazetteer and Directory of the County of Oxford. Harrod, JG, 1876. Directory of Beds., Bucks, Berk, & Oxon, 1860-1890. IfA, 2008, revised edition, Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Investigation and Recording of Standing Buildings Inventories for Henley Brewery 1826-1847. Oxfordshire History Centre. Kelly s Directory of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, 1883. Kelly s Directory of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, 1887. Kelly s Directory of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, 1895.




Oxford & District Trades Directory 1908-9. Oxfordshire History Centre. South Oxfordshire District Council, 2012, Local Development Framework. South Oxfordshire District Council, 2004, Henley Conservation Area Character Appraisal.

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire, 1830. Cartographic Davis, R. 1797. A New Map of the County of Oxford.

, T., 1767. Maps of English Counties, Oxfordshire. Oxfordshire History Centre. Ordnance Survey Plan, 1879, 1:500, Oxfordshire History Centre. Ordnance Survey Plan, 1899, 1:2500, www.landmark.co.uk Ordnance Survey Plan, 1913, 1:2500, www.landmark.co.uk Ordnance Survey Plan, 1962, 1:2500, www.landmark.co.uk Ordnance Survey Plan, 1989, 1:2500, www.landmark.co.uk Ordnance Survey Plan, 1975, 1:2500, www.landmark.co.uk 11 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Foundations Archaeology would like to thank James Sturgess of Caldecotte Consultants, the occupier of the Rose and Crown and the staff of Oxfordshire History Centre for their help and co-operation during the course of this project.


http://www.landmark.co.uk





rht13 updated 17dec(2)

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