Jenny created these drawings at the time of the project to publish ‘The Westbourne Story’, but it was decided not to use them. We felt that they were too good not to be seen, and reproduce them here, with grateful thanks. They represent the situation as at the turn of the Millennium, but even that is now twenty years ago.
The images remain Copyright Jenny Stewart.
St Leger at the west end of the Square. William Poate, lived there from 1840, thus it seems likely that Poates cottage, next door, was associated. At the time of the drawing the occupants ( Elizabeth and Andrew – both Architects) would display images of the Three Kings at Christmas time, to the delight of villagers.
The George and Dragon has had a multi facetted life. Originally a public house, for a time including a haulage business, then seeds and groceries, bicycles and second hand goods (including a part time Lloyds Bank) and now a branch of Emsworth Surgery. See our Old Photos section for more.
Another claimant for an oldest building – 1,2,3 The Square with 1631. A claim to fame is that it is reported that a family in relatively recent times managed to raise six children with just the two bedrooms. Image the queue for the bathroom ! Not the original Market House, as reported by some.
Probably the newest of Westbourne’s remaining pubs, but still believed to be two centuries old. It stands on a triangle of land, including the premises of Tree & Comber and Trudgetts sweet shop, which would have been open market place many centuries ago.
These premises, known to all as ‘Morgans’, were built by Francis Morgan on the site of smaller premises bought from Mr/Rev Barham. The latter shopkeeper also ran a Baptist ministry in the buildings including a baptistery under the floor. After 108 years Morgans closed in 1986 and the shop has been let to other businesses including Manchester Blinds (Curtains, blinds) and The Art House, as above, (arts and crafts). Sadly the lovely mahogany shelves and drawers have been painted over.
Another building of many roles, now two dwelling houses. The Old Post Office and Yew Tree Cottage. The post office is said to have been located there until the 1960s, when it relocated to the Grove. Yew Tree Cottage has been a bakers; a haberdashery; textile studio, woodwork & pottery and an herbalist. One of our old photos suggests that the bakers also sold general stores including Cadburys chocolate.
Manchester Terrace, in North Street, was built by Francis Morgan, possibly for his staff, and bears the date of 1912.
See our Old Photos section for an image of the site beforehand with a pleasant looking house (The Laurels ?) which must have been demolished to make way.
Westbourne Mill in River Street. The bland frontage concealed a waterwheel driving three pairs of millstones, waterpumps that fed Stansted and an electricity generator. Believed to be one of the four mentioned in the Domesday Book, and some hope that the site might date back to Roman times. Closed in 1933 when a cast iron wheel spoke broke, it is now a private dwelling.
Houses in Mill Road. Often commented on as “the Council Estate” it really must be one of the best. Building is said to have commenced in 1939 and the estate expanded for some decades.
The Lodges must rank amongst the most photographed buildings in Westbourne. They served the Rectory, which is set well back from the road. Dated as 1860s, it is believed that they were added to give a more imposing entrance and provide staff accommodation. See our Old Photos section for smoke from the chimneys, no bay windows and (maybe) a person in the garden.
The Chantry is hard to describe in a few words, and is with us no longer, replaced by a small private estate. Known to most locals as ‘Chantry Farm’ due to the period of occupation by former chip shop owner Ray Tombs. During this time it hosted the resurrected Westbourne bonfire, and Mr Tombs was noted for his collecting, including music boxes, a fire engine and gypsy caravans. It was built by Rev J Mee (Rector) as his home and later homed his more famous son, Rev Dr J H Mee. 1878 inscribed over front door.
At last – we have some good images in our photo collection.
The most modern building in this collection, a seaside like design of terrace in Edgell Road, part of a major development of housing to the west of Foxbury lane. There is evidence that, centuries ago, the River Ems flowed through this area and thus down to the east side of the village.