East Norton Hall

The WKG was most likely built post 1871 and has an area of 0.668 acre.

The 1886 O/S Map shows East Norton ‘Manor House’ located adjacent to buildings forming two yards to the north east. These yard buildings form the west wall of the walled garden and there is one large entrance from the northern courtyard into the garden. An orchard is shown to the north of the walled garden.

The shape of the kitchen garden was and remains almost a rectangle; the two northern corners are cut off and opposite walls are not quite parallel. The land slopes to the north west

Late 1980s a fenced riding surface was installed in the walled garden and was surrounded by a post & railed grassed paddock

Today a hedge forms the southern boundary of the garden (we found no evidence that there had been a wall here). Currently there are additional entries into the garden not indicated on the 1886 O/S Map.

Currently the WKG is mainly grass with some cultivated beds.

Transcripts of letters from Miss Heycock, sister of the owner of East Norton Hall to Messrs Messenger, Greenhouse makers Nov 1927 – May 1928

Sept 19^th ‘27

Miss Heycock will be obliged if Messrs Messenger will send her sketches and prices of greenhouses, ‘lean to’ and ¾ span - to be built by a wall – and about 15 – 20 ft in length, also will he please give prices of the same with fittings, hot water pipes etc. complete – and prices for the greenhouse only.

Does he send his own workmen to erect the building? And at what cost?

Sept 27^th ‘27

Miss Heycock thanks Messrs Messenger for their estimate.  The price seems very high for such a small greenhouse – nearly £100 pounds without the brickwork and floor pavement and 10ft wide is very narrow – could they do the work in a less expensive style and keep the width to 12 ft.

Oct 20^th ‘27

Miss Heycock thanks Messrs Messenger for their estimate for a greenhouse 20ft by 12ft – but was disappointed that the difference in price was only £2.0.0 between that, and the first class workmanship 20ft by 10.  Ninety four pounds exclusive of brickwork seems very expensive for such a small lean to greenhouse.

She would much like to have one of their make.

Will they kindly tell her the price of a 2^nd class one 20ft by 10ft, and also if they could supply one by Christmas if not earlier.  The brickwork could be done here without difficulty.

Oct 31^st’27

Miss Heycock finds that Messrs Messenger make so little difference in price between their first and second class greenhouse (only £1) that she has decided to accept their estimate for a lean to greenhouse 20ft by 10ft at £65-0-0.

She considers this very expensive and must depend on the work being thoroughly well carried out in all details for the price they name £65-0-0.

The heating apparatus fixed and complete for a further sum of £15-0-0.  Wood staging for the flowers will not be required.

The building of the walls will begin immediately – and Miss Heycock requests that Messrs Messenger will please arrange to have their part of the work done as early in December as possible – and certainly before Christmas as promised in their letter 24^th October.

P.S. Will Messrs Messenger say when they can begin erection?  It is especially hoped that the work can be finished by December 15^th when Mr and Mrs Haycock expect to leave home.

Nov 3^rd’27

Miss Heycock returns the plan.  It is most unfortunate that Messrs Messenger did not state in their letter that the plan was incomplete as the builder made his estimate from it and is here this morning to begin the work.  Will they please send a fully correct one as quickly as possible as the builder cannot waste his time.

Will Messrs Messenger give clear directions about the brickwork – if any – required for the boiler or connection with the present chimney.

Unless the plan can be here on Monday morning by first post will Messrs Messenger send a wire but Miss Heycock much hopes they will arrange to send it.

Nov 12^th’27

Miss Heycock will be much obliged if Messrs Messenger will kindly let her know which day their men (will) be here to put up the greenhouse.  She is very anxious for it to be finished quickly.

Jan 14^th’28

Messrs Messenger, Loughborough

Sirs

Now the weather is better I shall be much obliged if you will send men to finish the greenhouse – I am very anxious it should be completed as soon as possible, and hope your men can come on Tuesday this week.

You will remember it was impossible to glaze it owing to the frost before Christmas and for some time afterwards.  I understand the painting is to be done by the glazier.  I should like all the woodwork inside and out to be white or pale cream.  The ironwork inside to be a light blue and the outside ironwork can be the colour it is at present.

The door does not fit well and will not shut.  A short length of pipe to connect the down ?????? from the gutter along the front with the inside tank is wanted.  The man who put up the greenhouse will know the length I think – The boiler and pipes have got rusty.  Nothing has come by train yet as your postcard of January 11^th led us to expect.

Yours faithfully

(Miss) E.M.Heycock

Feb 16^th

Invoice for £82-0-0 was sent by Messrs Messenger

15^th May’28

Miss Heycock encloses a cheque for £82-0-0 in payment of Messrs Messenger’s account.  She could have paid it sooner, but the greenhouse was painted in such bad weather that it was doubtful whether another coat of paint be required.  However it appears to be ????? fairly well so far.

As Mr. Heycock pointed out to your workmen the measurements of the site were not quite correct and the work would have been more satisfactory had the floor been higher.

See our full research report on the Walled Kitchen Garden here:
East Norton Hall, East Norton

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