southwell landscape setting - newark and sherwood...for the recording of key views to southwell...

Southwell Landscape Setting

November 2012

Revised Nov 12

Contents 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Planning background 3.0 Methodology 4.0 Southwell Views Baseline information: Topography and drainage

Historical designations and Historic Landscape Character Ecological designations Public Rights of Way Landscape Character

5.0 Historic information 6.0 Assessment points and View point Photography 7.0 Southwell Views - Policy Wording 8.0 Thurgarton Hundred Workhouse 9.0 Assessment of Historic Assets 10.0 Thurgarton Hundred Workhouse - Policy Wording 11.0 References 12.0 Appendices

Appendix 1: Drawings Southwell Views

Figure 1: Figure 2: Figure 3: Figure 4: Figure 5: Figure 6: Figure 7: Figure 8:

Topography and drainage Historical designations Ecological designations and Public Rights of Way Landscape Character and Policy for Southwell Historic Landscape Character Open spaces and Green links Zones of Theoretical Visibility, Viewsheds for the Minster and Holy Trinity Church

Assessment points and Southwell Views policy area proposal

Appendix 2: Drawings Thurgarton Hundred Workhouse

Figure 9: Figure 10: Figure 11: Figure 12: Figure 13: Figure 14: Figure 15:

Topography and drainage Ecological designations and Historical designations Sanderson Plan with parish boundaries Landscape Character and Policy Aerial view of Thurgarton Hundred Workhouse Zones of Theoretical Visibility, View shed of Thurgarton Hundred Workhouse Thurgarton Hundred Workhouse Immediate surrounding boundary.

Appendix 3: Record of Site Photographs Appendix 4: Assessment points and View point Photography (AP1 - 7)

1.0 Introduction 1.1 Southwell lies within the central area of Nottinghamshire approximately 7

miles west of Newark, 14 miles north east of Nottingham and 22 miles west of Lincoln. It is a small country town with a current population of over 6500 and principally famous for it’s large cathedral church, Southwell Minster.

1.2 The Southwell Conservation Area Appraisal (July 2005) states that: “The landscape setting of Southwell makes an important contribution to its character. It is set within an undulating landform that is well wooded which gives Southwell an enclosed and intimate atmosphere.”

1.3 This report outlines the underlying information and the approach taken to

define the principal protected views of Southwell, and the boundary of the immediate surroundings of Thurgarton Hundred Workhouse. These areas The methodology for this study follows the current guidance given by English Heritage and the Landscape Institute.

1.4 For the purposes of this report a study area of approximately 3km was defined around the centre of Southwell, which contains the closest ridge lines.

This document is an assessment of the views of the principle heritage

assets and the immediate surroundings of the Workhouse. Please note that the amendments made to the Study to address issues raised within Representations are indicated by underlined text

2.0 Planning Background 2.1 The National Planning Policy Framework states that “local planning

authorities should set out in their Local Plan positive strategy for conservation and the enjoyment of the historic environment including heritage assets most at risk through neglect, decay or other threats” .

NPPF Page 30, paragraph 126

2.2 It defines a Heritage asset as:

A building, monument, site, place or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, because of its heritage interest. Heritage asset includes designated heritage assets and assets identified by the local planning authority (including local listing).

NPPF 2 2.3 The National Planning Policy Framework then goes on to state that local

planning authorities should recognise that heritage assets are an irreplaceable resource and conserve them in a manner appropriate to their significance. In developing this strategy, local authorities should take into account :

the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets and putting them to viable uses consistent with their conservation;

the wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits that conservation of the historic environment can bring;

the desirability of the new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness; and

opportunities to draw on the contribution made by the historic environment to the character of place.

English Heritage guidance 2011 “The Setting of Heritage Assets” states “The significance of a heritage asset derives not only from its physical presence and historic fabric but also from its setting – the surroundings in which it is experienced”

Page 2 Paragraph 1 2.4 As described in the Newark and Sherwood Core Strategy in 2005, Southwell

Town Forum prepared a Town Plan which set out a Vision for the town’s development based on community consultation. One key point was that the “visual and historic assets are protected and put to best use for residents

and visitors” The Core Strategy document recognised the importance of the role and setting of Southwell with Southwell Area Policy 1 states that “the District Council and its partners will seek to ....identify, protect and enhance the setting of Southwell, including the views of Southwell Minster, the ruins of the Archbishop’s Palace and the Workhouse.”

2.5 Following on from the Core Strategy the Council prepared an initial

Southwell views approach which was the subject of public consultation in October and November 2011. The consultation responses were reviewed and it was agreed that further work be undertaken to address consultation concerns.

3.0 Methodology 3.1 The study followed guidance given within English Heritages Guidance

documents: Seeing the View in History (May 2011); and The Setting of Heritage Assets (2011), and the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2nd edition Landscape Institute and the Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment (2002).

For the recording of key views to Southwell information within “Photography

and Photomontage in Landscape and Visual assessment, Landscape Institute Advice Note 1/11” was followed.

For both the definition of the principle views of Southwell and the immediate

surroundings boundary of Thurgarton Workhouse the following methodology was used.

3.2 Baseline Information

Desktop work on Geographical Information Database (G.I.S) Map Info to collect base line information, including topics such as topography, drainage, landscape character, historic and ecological designations. These are shown on Figures 1-5 in Appendices 1 and 2

3.3 Preparation of Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) Maps

The initial topographical data was fed into G.I.S software application MapInfo. From this an initial map was created to show surrounding topography that was equal to or above that of the site. The eye height of the viewer was taken to be 1.6m above ground level and the top of the spires of the western Minster 45m high from ground level. The height of the top of the spire of Holy Trinity was taken to be 23.7m high from ground level. This G.I.S. information allowed an initial desktop analysis to be prepared, showing the visibility of the existing site based on topography only. (Information on the coverage of vegetation or buildings was not included as as it was considered that both tree cover and buildings could be removed in the future.) This produced a drawing which showed a “theoretical” zone of visibility known as the ZTV (‘Zone of Theoretical Visibility’) Although in reality landscape vegetation (in some cases seasonally) and buildings screen many of the views to these structures these drawings provide a useful base for site work to both check the extent of views and help to determine the principal views to Southwell.

3.4 Establishment of Viewing Places and Assessment Points

The following information was considered in order to define the key view points:

Application of English Heritage Guidance documents

Historic research using artistic records available and photographic records.

Discussion with Heritage conservation officers, May 2012

Consultation responses following publication of the Allocations and Development Management Options Report October 2011

ZTV maps produced by G.I.S Map Info

Site visits

3.5 Workshop

Prior to the detailed site work, a workshop was held with Newark and Sherwood District Council, English Heritage and National Trust to establish principles behind defining key views and surroundings of the workhouse, as well as to feed into the process itself.

3.6 Site visits and photographs

Photographs were taken with 550D Canon SLR 18 mega pixel digital camera on a tripod set at 1.6m. Photographs were taken on May 22nd 2012 and May 29th 2012. A4 copies are included within Appendix 3 Record of Site Photographs.

3.7 Desk work and analysis

Information collected from desk study and site visits was than assessed and the findings set out in Appendix 4, and sections 6.0 to 9.0 of this report.

4.0 Baseline Information 4.1 Topography and Drainage Southwell lies in a shallow basin which is surrounded by the hills of Norwood

Hill, Cundy Hill, South Hill to Park Hill in the west and south-west, and the lower ridge line of Cork Hill to the north. To the east, the land is relatively flat and low lying as it levels out to the Trent Valley. The higher land is fissured by streams, known as dumbles, running in a general east-west direction towards the River Trent.

Between Southwell and Nottingham many of these dumbles form narrow

ravines whose steep banks are covered in trees. The River Greet flows to the north-east of the town within a broader valley before meeting the River Trent just south of the village of Rolleston. The landform and drainage of Southwell is shown on Figure 1.

4.2 Historical designations and Historic Landscape Character At the centre of Southwell lies the conservation area designated in 1968,

and extended in 1970 and 1993. The most important features that contributed to the designation were the presence of the Minster, its well preserved historic layout, the high proportion of listed buildings and unlisted buildings of quality, its strong character and its attractive landscape setting.

Within Southwell Conversation Area there are:

2 scheduled Ancient Monuments the Archbishop’s Palace and the

Roman Villa. 2 Grade I listed buildings - the Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin

and Chapter House and the Bishops Manor and the remains of Bishops Palace, on Bishop’s Drive.

4 Grade II* listed buildings - the Gateway and flanking walls at

Minster Church yard, Westgate, and the residence and Vicars Court and adjacent walls along Church Street, as well as the Saracens Head Hotel and Cranfield House.

202 Grade II listed buildings, one of these is the Holy Trinity Church. Outside Southwell Conservation Area Southwell Workhouse is a Grade II*

Listed building which is set within a Grade II* registered Historic Park and Garden.

The Nottinghamshire Historic Environment Record (held by Nottinghamshire

County Council) also records a high number of non designated heritage assets within the vicinity.

4.3 Ecological designations Shady Lane Pasture, Potwell Dyke Grasslands and Meadow are all Sites of

Importance for Nature Conservation. The position of these and other open spaces that are protected with Newark and Sherwood’s Local Development Framework are shown on Figure 3 and Figure 6 respectively.

4.4 Public Rights of Way There are numerous footpaths linking the countryside around Southwell with

the town centre and several heritage trails have been established by the Southwell Tourism Partnership. The Southwell Trail links the town with Farnsfield to the north west and originally linked up with part of the Midland Railway Network carrying both passengers and freight.

4.5 Landscape Character

(a) National Character Area National Character Areas (NCAs) divide England into 159 distinct natural

areas which are defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and cultural and economic environment.

The study area falls within the Trent and Belvoir Vales NCA 48 as defined by Natural England and a summary of environmental data for this area is provided in the NCA 48 Trent and Belvoir Vales Key facts and data document. Natural England is currently producing a NCA profile for this area. The Countryside Character Volume 4 East Midlands The Character of England’s Natural and man made landscape (1999) Countryside Agency describes this area as having the following key characteristic features which are found within the Southwell area.

Gently undulating landform, with shallow ridges dropping down gently to broad river valleys.

Frequent nucleated villages with red brick houses, roofed with pantiles, spired churches prominent in long views.

Large market towns with historic centres and substantial churches visible from afar, notably Newark, Grantham, Southwell, and Lincoln.

The woodland is described as: “ to the north east of Nottingham, the land is more rolling and enclosed with full hedgerows and mixed farming. This stretch is cut by a series of small water courses known as becks and dumbles. Long strips of woodland line the dumbles and are often focal points within the rolling landform. Woodland cover in general is higher here and comprises small and medium sized deciduous woodlands. Some of these woodlands are associated with estates and are accompanied by areas of parkland, whilst others occur on the steeper valley slopes.”

(b) Regional Landscape Character Assessment

At a regional level the Natural England East Midlands Regional Landscape Character Assessment (2010) identifies 31 regional landscape character types across the East Midlands region. The area around Southwell lies within the Group 5b Wooded Village Farmlands with the adjacent Trent valley to the south east lying within the Group 3a Flood Plain Valleys landscape character type. Key characteristics of the Wooded Village Farmlands includes:

Varied topography, ranging from gently undulating farmlands to rolling hills, becks and steep sided valleys, known locally as “Dumbles”;

Scattered farm woodlands, ancient woodlands on prominent hills and tree lined valleys contribute to a wooded character;

Well maintained pattern of hedged fields enclosing pasture and arable fields, with evidence of decline close to urban centres;

Sparsely settled, with traditional pattern of farms and small rural villages linked by quiet country lanes; and

Strong sense of landscape history.

(c) Newark and Sherwood Landscape Character Assessment The area of Southwell lies within the Mid Nottinghamshire Farmlands

Regional Character area which is described within the Newark and Sherwood Landscape Character Assessment (2010) as follows. “Small nucleated villages, isolated farmsteads and quiet country lanes are important components of the regions character, along with undulating landform, hedged fields and woodland. These features and the fact that the

area is dominated by agriculture, ensure that the region has a traditional rural character. This is reflected in the pattern of settlement and enclosure. “ The landscape character for the study area is shown on Figure 4. The Landscape Character Zones surrounding Southwell are: Halloughton Village Farmlands (MN38) which surrounds the majority of the town to the south, and west. (Landscape Policy: Conserve and Reinforce) Maythorne Meadowlands (MN35) extending along the River Greet corridor to the north east of Southwell (Landscape Policy: Conserve and Create) Hockerton Village Farmlands (MN34) which lies to the north of the River Greet (Landscape Policy: Conserve and reinforce) Thurgarton Village Farmlands with Ancient Woodlands (MN39) further to the west of to the area. (Landscape Policy: Conserve) All of these have the same characteristic visual feature of “medium distance views to frequently wooded skylines, although often enclosed by vegetation – hedgerows, and woodland.” Further information on the character of these areas is contained within the Newark and Sherwood Landscape Character Assessment.

The national and regional landscape character assessments both highlight

the importance of the history of the settlements in this area. The inter relationship between the urban and rural landscape is not drawn out to the same extent by the Newark and Sherwood Landscape Character Assessment although this is viewed as a key factor in the areas development. The Historic Landscape Character is shown on (Figure 5) and clearly shows the position of 3 of the 4 deer parks established in the C14. New Park lies closest to the Minster to the south, Norwood lies to the north west and Hockerwood further out to the north east. The key also shows areas of destroyed field pattern These are areas where the C19 field pattern are no longer readable, lost or reorganised so that it is not possible to interpret the historical origins of the field pattern. (The Character of Nottinghamshire’s Historic Landscape, A report for English Heritage Nottinghamshire County Council English Heritage 2002)

5.0 Historic Information The word Southwell is derived from its location close to a line of springs and

the “South well” is thought to be around the junction of Fiskerton Road and Spring Hill which is now marked by the Paulinus Monument where the

waters were once thought to have therapeutic properties.

Recent evidence suggests that the Roman activity may have had a religious/ritual focus and highlights a very long significant role of the place in the areas religious heritage. Southwell Minster reflects the significant importance of the settlement as a destination and focus of religious activity.

5.1 The Minster In 956 King Wessex granted Oskyetel, the new Archbishop of York, land in

Southwell and a minster was built on the site of a Roman Villa. This was one of 4 Minsters (the others being Ripon, Beverly and York) built to be the mother church of the southern part of diocese of York.

Early 12th century Archbishop Thomas II of York authorised the rebuilding of

Anglo Saxon church on the site and the top of the west towers was complete by 1170. Since then the Minster has undergone many alterations and additions over the centuries with the Chapter house built at end of 13th century. Cathedral status was gained 1884 with formation of the Southwell Diocese.

Large houses surround the Minster, most being on the site of prebendal

houses, which were owned by 16 secular canons, supported by revenues from particular parishes, known as “prebends.”

Although little is left of the original prebendal houses the layout of these

buildings, on large plots of land surrounding three sides of a square around the Minster, is still evident. This arrangement has also allowed green space to extend in to the centre of the town with space for mature tree cover around the Minster.

The Minster and Arch Bishops Palace with its former deer park to the south

is also still partially evident, some of which is now managed for leisure, and recreation. Several water courses including dumble steams also extend in to the town which form wildlife corridors and contribute to the rural character of the town.

5.2 Heritage Values of the Minster as Heritage Asset - St Mary’s Minster: Grade I Listed building. Of exceptional interest,

and internationally important architecture.

- An example of Norman and Early English grand church and medieval collegiate site with importance as a centre of learning, arts and administration/governance.

- Built on a Roman site which extended to the east of the Minster. Villa thought to be located next to one of several springs found within Southwell. Very significant archaeologically.

- Link with the Minster site and the presence of springs with the

importance of tradition of baptism at the Minster. Water from Southwell spring used for local baptisms until end of Middle Ages. Continuity of religious tradition possibly dating back to prehistoric times.

- Cathedral to Nottinghamshire and parish church to Southwell,

provides centre for Church of England spiritual worship in town and county.

- Minster has communal value, used as place of worship, music, and

education in town and county.

- The Deer Park to the south of the Minster is an important archaeological and landscape feature and contributes to the significance and setting of Southwell.

5.3 Significance of the Minster as a Heritage Assets The statement of significance summarises the heritage values of this asset

as follows: Minster:

- Fine and intact example of Norman and Early English grand church.

- Development eventually led to becoming a Cathedral status when Southwell diocese was formed in 1884.

- Special character of Southwell derived from the large size of the

Minster for the relatively small town within which it sits.

- Archbishop of York had palace which was damaged during the Civil War in the 17th century. Ruins lie to south of Minster.

- Surrounded by large detached houses (Prebendal houses) which had

direct links with the Minister and it’s Chapter house through their 16 secular Canons

- The image of the minister is used on post cards and publicity

material. Attracts visitors and tourists to region.

- Popular building portrayed in both historic and contemporary photographs and paintings (Turner) line drawings (Hieronymus Grimm) Refer to 5.5 Artists Paintings/drawings of Minster

- The archaeological evidence from the site of the Minster suggest it has a long heritage as a significant (certainly local and probably regional, possibly national) focus of ritual activity, use and associated architecture.

5.4 Holy Trinity Church. The pointed spire of the Holy Trinity Church contrasts with the solid outline

of the towers of the Minster when seen in views incorporating the two churches. This church was built from money raised by public subscription in 1846 for the district of Westhorpe, due to the recognition that the Minster, with seating for 800 people, could not accommodate the expanding population of Southwell. The church was built in the Early English style of stone with a western bell tower and spire around 78ft high.

5.5 Artists paintings/drawings of Minster

Southwell Minster, north - east view f.183 by Hieronymus Grimm. (Date not specified) © British Library Online Gallery

Southwell Minster, north- east view f.182 by Hieronymus Grimm. (Date not specified) © British Library Online Gallery

Southwell Minster, f159 As seen from Sir Richard Suttton’s house 1773 by Hieronymus Grimm. © British Library Online Gallery

5.6 Historic Photographs

Title: Southwell Minster and Bishop’s House (Location: The Park, Date of image not known. Ref No: NCCE000478)

Copyright © North East Midland Photographic Record, The Dean and Chapter of Southwell Minster

Title: Southwell from the South (Location: Southwell, from the South Date of image 1900s? Ref No: NCCE003425)

Copyright © North East Midland Photographic Record,

6.0 Assessment points and View point Photography 6.1 Assessment points An assessment from each viewing place is described within Appendix 3 and

4 and the location of the view points is shown on Figure 8. Seven viewing places were selected and as these are all views of the same heritage asset, the Minster, a summary is provided below.

It is recognised that these views are not the only notable views from this

area of the Minster but represent key representative views within Southwell and the wider rural setting.

The following should be noted:

There are longer views out of the Minster from the wider landscape such as from the approach to Southwell from the north east along the Upton Road where the tops of the towers drop in and out of view as land form and vegetation changes.

Views out from Southwell within the town centre are generally enclosed by built form and vegetation. Southwell sits within a shallow bowl, occupying the valleys of the dumble and the River Greet and the wooded ridge of slightly higher ground to the between them. Views out to the rural landscape tend to be from areas of this higher ground within High Town. The landform in a 3km radius around Southwell is shown on Figure 1.

Views across Southwell from one ridge line to another should be considered. (e.g. views north – south across the main heritage assets which often cross the skyline). Views across the valley from one ridge to another are very significant as they incorporate the Minster and other key heritage components (such as the spire of Holy Trinity).

Views will change over time due to changes in land use and land management. The land use around Southwell has remained predominantly rural and the character of the views has remained fairly constant.

The areas defined on both Figure 7 and Figure 8 do not define the setting of the heritage asset of the Minster. The view shed of Southwell Minster (Figure 7) provides a theoretical zone of visibility which is produced using only terrain data to show where the Minster might be visible from a 3km radius. This provides only basis for

further refinement on site as it does not consider the screening by buildings and vegetation and longer views beyond 3km. Since this theoretical and only considers visibility this is not intended to represent the setting of the Minster.

It is acknowledged that there are also views out from the Minster building itself but these are largely from the tower where there is limited access.

6.2 Contribution of the Views to Heritage significance (Assessment points 1-

7) The contribution to the value and significance of the heritage of Southwell provided by the views includes the following components:

the Minster’s central position within Southwell and it’s relationship with other green space into the surrounding rural landscape.

the prominence of the Minster spires above the skyline of the surrounding roofscape.

The dominant scale of the Minster in contrast to the size scale and grain of the townscape.

The visual inter- relationship with other key historic buildings such as Holy Trinity Church.

The readily identifiable function as a place of religious importance and pilgrimage. The religious character of the Minster and its architectural identity characterising the town’s identity.

6.2 The heritage significance of the heritage assets within these views will

be sustained if:

the silhouette of the Minster spires and tower can continue to be seen as the principal built elements that cross over the horizon from the surrounding assessment points. Changes to the appearance of the town and landscape should therefore not introduce any visually competing elements and where possible remove existing competing elements, where this is desirable.

the inter-visibility between the ability to see the spire of the

Holy Trinity Church to the south and south west (Viewing places 1, 2 and 3) and in relation to those of the Minster is retained and not eroded.

Development will take the opportunity to reveal views of the Minster and workhouse and will consider density, layout and design in a manner that preferably enhances and demonstrably preserves the views.

the position, scale, colour and height of new development should not detract from the views of Southwell.

the longer views out across the town to surrounding ridge lines are considered particularly where new development would add to and potentially detract from wider views incorporating the key heritage assets within Southwell.

the ability to appreciate the historic environment within the views from the higher ground within the hills around Southwell particularly from rights of way is maintained and not eroded by the addition of visual distraction.

where possible trees and woodland planting are carefully designed to frame views of the Minster and the Workhouse rather than obscuring them.

wherever possible and appropriate the rural mixed farming landscape character of the area is preserved and enhanced.

7.0 Southwell Views - Policy Wording 7.1 Southwell Protected Views (So/PV)

The District Council will seek to protect views of and across the principal heritage assets of the Minster, Holy Trinity church, Archbishop's Palace and Thurgarton Hundred Workhouse including the view cones identified on the Policies Map. Therefore:

Development proposals within the view cones, as defined on the Policies Map, will be required to demonstrate that they do not negatively impact on the views of these heritage assets. Those proposals which do detrimentally impact on the views of these heritage assets will not be acceptable;

Beyond the areas defined within the view cones, as defined on the Policies Map, which have the potential to negatively impact on the

views of these heritage assets will not normally be acceptable. The level of potential impact will be dependent on factors such as scale, height and location and the scope for mitigation.

8.0 Thurgarton Hundred Workhouse

View from Workhouse Lane

8.1 Definition of Heritage Asset The National Planning Policy Framework defines the setting of a heritage

asset as: “The surroundings in which the asset is experienced. Its extent is not fixed and may change as the asset and its surroundings evolve. Elements of a setting may make a positive or negative contribution to the significance of an asset, may effect the ability to appreciate that significance or may be neutral” (Page 56 The National Planning Policy Framework)

The extent of a setting is often expressed by reference to visual considerations but an experience of a heritage asset is also influenced by other factors including:

Noise, dust, vibration, odour

Spatial associations and our understanding of the historic relationship between places.

(The Setting of Heritage Assets: English Heritage Guidance)

In the context of planning for a changing environment development proposals should therefore define the setting of the asset at the time which they are put forward as paragraph 128 of the National Planning Policy Framework states. It should be noted that the view shed of Thurgarton Workhouse (Figure 14) provides a theoretical zone of visibility which is produced using only terrain data to show where the workhouse might be visible from. This provides only basis for further refinement on site as it does not consider the screening by buildings and vegetation. Since this theoretical and only considers visibility this is not the setting of the workhouse. For the purposes of this report the immediate surroundings boundary has been defined using the guidance given within English Heritages “The Setting of Heritage Assets.” Figure 15 shows a boundary defining the immediate surroundings of Thurgarton Workhouse. Informed by desk and site survey this has been identified to provide a boundary to be included within the Local Plan in order that it can meet the requirements set out within paragraph 126 of the National Planning Framework. (Refer to Paragraph 2.3 of this report). This boundary is not the setting of the workhouse, and therefore, the significance of any heritage assets potentially affected by a development proposal and the contribution made by their setting should be considered and addressed by applicants. Appendix 2 contains drawings that show base line information (Refer to Figure 9 to 14). The main heritage assets of Southwell are set out in Section 5.0 but it is the relationship between the workhouse and the Minster, was assessed in more detail.

8.2 Thurgarton Hundred Workhouse Thurgarton Hundred Workhouse was built within the parish of Upton and

opened in 1824. It was designed by Rev. John Thomas Becher (1769-1848), who was an important social reformer living in Southwell, in association with a local architect William Nicholoson. The Workhouse is known under several names including Greet House, Thurgarton Incorporation Workhouse and Southwell Union Workhouse. It is a Grade II* Listed Building (reference:1001591) primarily brick construction, 3 storeys high, cruciform in plan, with ashlar dressings and a hipped slate roof. The former infirmary at Greet House is a Grade II listed building (reference:1117388) and is an outbuilding to the Workhouse.

The Workhouse lies 1.5km east of the centre of Southwell on the northern side of Upton Road (A612) which runs between Southwell and Newark to the north east. The site falls gently away from Normanton Road to the north to the River Greet to the south west. South east of the workhouse is Caudwell House, a children’s home built on agricultural land in 1937. The grounds of the Workhouse are registered as a Grade II * Historic Park and Garden.

8.3 The Workhouse was modelled on an existing smaller workhouse in

Southwell built in 1808 which used the deterrent regime introduced by Rev Becher. The general intention was to operate a deterrent system of institutional care based on the principles of supervision, classification and segregation. Becher’s aims were to both reduce the poor rates and improve the “moral demeanour of the poor.” Becher encouraged 49 parishes around Southwell to pool their resources to fund a new workhouse “a larger workhouse was erected within its own spacious grounds at Upton, on the outskirts of Southwell. It became an important forerunner of the radically planned workhouses erected as a result of the passing of the New Poor Law (1834).” National Monuments List Entry description (reference:1001591)

Using Bechers principles the plan of the building, its layout and setting were

designed to allow supervision, whilst separating out the deserving and infirm from the undeserving and idle, as well as men, women and children. In 1828 Rev. Becher published a pamphlet The Anti Pauper System which set out how the poor rates could be reduced based on his experience of running of a work house based on the deterrent system which led to the Poor Law Amendment Act 1834, New Poor Law.

The Workhouse is significant is important as it is considered: To be the best preserved workhouse standing in England today still

retaining workhouse character with relatively few alterations to the original structure; and

That the combination of Becher’s ideas in the use of a deterrent system and the design and layout of the workhouse provided a prototype for new workhouses through out the country. Examples include Stoke on Trent, Stafford.

In terms of the setting of the Workhouse the List entry describes the

following as important:

“The setting is rural, close by to the north-west the grounds of The Hall,

whose south east shelter belt of trees partially screens the Workhouse site. Views extend north west towards The Hall and its grounds, south-west towards Southwell and its Minster, and south and south-east towards distant low hills.”

“Views extend south-west from the upper two floors towards the River Greet

and Southwell Minster, but are partially obscured from the ground floor by the walls of the exercise yards.”

The National Trust document The Workhouse - The Spirit of Place highlights

an extract of a report by an English Heritage Investigator, Kathryn Morrison, who discusses the national significance of the workhouse as a historic property. On the wider setting the report states: “Given its purpose, The Workhouse was incongruously but deliberately located in a rural setting at arms length from the built up parts of respectable Southwell.” This has largely been retained as noted within this report: No other English workhouse can compete with this building in terms of its state of preservation. It is also unusual in that its rural setting has been preserved; most C19th workhouses have been engulfed by spreading suburbs”

The Workhouse - The Spirit of Place (National Trust) describes the workhouse. “The spirit of the place is a bleak one. Not a prison, the building and the confined spaces in and around it speak of a basic regimented existence for those within; an atmosphere of dejection and lost dignity pervades. The purely utilitarian nature of every element is repeated again and again throughout the building, yet there is symmetry and a sense of intent and design permeating the structure and detail which is solid quality. This building was built to last, a solution to the high cost of out relief for the poor, a means of providing a sanctuary for the infirm and for separating out the morally inferior of the Thurgarton Hundred. The rural location is a stark reminder of this fact; glimpses of Southwell Minister from the upper windows serve to reinforce this, beckoning poignantly towards a better world beyond.”

9.0 Assessment of Heritage Assets 9.1 The following key heritage assets lie within Southwell:

Asset Designation Level of importance

St Mary’s Minster Grade I Listed building

Exceptional interest, internationally important Norman and Early English grand church. Cathedral status gained 1884 with formation of Southwell Diocese.

Bishop’s Manor Grade I Listed building

International/ National - Exceptional interest

Bishop’s Palace remains. Scheduled Ancient Monument

International/National - Exceptional interest

Roman Villa Scheduled Ancient Monument

National Located east of the Minster, earliest evidence of a settlement of a town.

The Residence, Vicars Court and adjoining boundary walls

Grade II* Listed building

Grade II* buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest; National

Holy Trinity Grade II Listed building

Nationally important and of special interest

Thurgarton Hundred Workhouse

Grade II* Listed building

Grade II* buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest; Best preserved workhouse in England


Grade II* Historic Park and Garden

Nationally important

Assessment of how the setting makes a contribution to the significance of the Heritage Asset 9.2 Physical surroundings of asset

Asset Topography and Land use Relationship to other

heritage assets Definitions and scale of surrounding spaces, openness and boundaries

Materials, surfaces

History and degree of change over time

St Mary’s Minster

Set within the centre of Southwell surrounded by higher land to the north, south and west

Key heritage asset within Southwell. Outlying parish churches set within surrounding villages.

Large Minster whose spires and tower are visible from around Southwell, particularly to the north and south Immediate boundaries are walls.

Magnesian Limestone construction. Limestone from Mansfield.

History as in section 5 of report


Stands on rising ground over looking Upton Road to the north east of Southwell Workhouse building is set apart from Southwell lying in Upton Parish

Set within neighbouring Parish of Upton. Relates to social reform work pioneered by resident of Southwell Rev. J.T Becher within the parish of Southwell His other local interests included lunatic asylum. Friendly society for savings and house of correction.

Large brick building over looking productive garden area and beyond Upton Road across the River Greet Hedged boundaries in the wider landscape tie in with surrounding agricultural landscape.

Red clay brick building with slate roof. Stone window sills (Mansfield White limestone) Cast iron window frames.

Built in 1824 as Thurgarton Hundred Incorporated Workhouse, it became Southwell Union Work house in 1836. Over time it has altered relatively little A survey by the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England recognised that the Work house “was the best preserved in England”

9.3. Experience of Asset:

Asset Surrounding

Landscape/townscape character Visual dominance/ prominence

Visibility with other historic and natural features

Tranquillity, remoteness, and sense of enclosure,

St Mary’s Minster

Set within the heart of a conservation area surrounded by houses on sites of the large plots of prebendal houses Within The Minster and Prebendage Character area as described within the Southwell Conservation Area Appraisal Wider agricultural landscape of Mid Nottinghamshire Farmlands, Village Farmlands landscape character types

Dominant building within centre of town Character of Southwell derived from having a large church for a relatively small town

Green space immediately around Minster, as cemetery and green space central to town. Site of Bishops Palace and remains of Manor to the south east

Within the context of surrounding town centre such as along King Street with its busy, compact narrow layout, the area immediately around the Minster is a quieter space within the town Enclosure provided by walls and buildings and busy narrow roads to the north and west of the Minster Space around Minster dominated by pedestrian movement/access


Set within a registered historic park and garden. Surrounding landscape is within the Maythorne Meadowlands policy zone whose presence of the River Greet influences landscape character by both land use and vegetation

Over looks Upton Road, visually prominent on leaving Southwell along this road Views on the approach to Southwell from the east

Tops of tower and spires of Minster just visible over tree tops from higher ground along Normanton Road. Inside workhouse views out were controlled by absence of windows in the end walls and high walls around yards.

Workhouse surrounded by fields with only the built edge of Southwell to the south west. Maintains distinctive break as being located within adjacent parish of Upton. Some development garage, and buildings fronting on to Upton Road. Parts of Crew Lane Industrial Estate visible.

9.4 Views

Asset Views to Asset Views from Asset


Views up to Minster from Upton Road and from Normanton Road. Also visible from some surrounding foot paths, fields and edge of industrial estate.

Work house is orientated so main views from windows are to the north-east and south- west. This orientation allowed occupants some views out to the Minster a possible reminder of the both their separation from town and world beyond. Views of the spires and Minster tower are visible from part of Normanton Road. View is similar to that glimpsed from third storey of Workhouse where the top of the Minster is visible. Tree cover and subtle changes in land form screen most of the town and emphasise workhouse’s more isolated setting.

Asset Extent of surroundings Description of surroundings


The immediate surroundings boundary includes fields north of Normanton Road as the land rises up gradually to the ridgeline. To the east the boundary extends to Normanton Road, which including the Normanton Hall and boundary walls (Grade II Listed Building) and associated tree belt and farmland. Normanton Hall is a Gothic Revival country house, c1870, yellow brick with stone dressings and slate roof. To the south the land drops down to the former railway line which also marks to the edge of Crew Lane Industrial Estate. West of the Work house is Caudwell house, a twentieth century expansion of the welfare system.

The land sloping down in front of the workhouse to Upton Road is a Grade II* Registered park and garden. The River Greet and low lying fields and vegetation provide a rural context to the workhouse. The surrounding landscape lies within the Maythorne Meadowlands Landscape policy zone whose landscape strategy is to conserve and create. The relationship with Southwell is evident with the settlement lying to the south west of the River Greet. There is a visual link with the tops of the Minster visible from part of Normanton Road and the third storey of the Workhouse.

Summary

The immediate surroundings is the landscape within which the Workhouse sits (Figure 15)

Development proposals should recognise and describe the setting of the workhouse as it relates to their specific proposal and take account of the fact that setting also includes noise, dust, vibration, odour as well as the more traditionally recognised spatial factors.

The potential impacts on the Workhouse and its immediate surroundings and wider setting should be assessed and mitigated against.

The ability to see parts of the Minster within Southwell and to be able to appreciate the location and the sense of separation of the Workhouse from Southwell, itself should be retained.

Mitigation for development adjacent to the immediate surroundings area should reflect the Maythorne Meadowlands character.

10.0 Thurgarton Hundred Workhouse - Policy Wording Thurgarton Hundred Workhouse (So/Wh)

The District Council will seek to protect and enhance the setting of Thurgarton Hundred Workhouse. Therefore:

Development proposals within the area defined as the immediate surroundings of the Workhouse on the Policies Map should ensure that they do not negatively impact on these surroundings. Those proposals which do detrimentally impact on the setting of the Workhouse will not be acceptable;

Development proposals to the south of the immediate setting within the Crew Lane Industrial Estate should address the requirements above and of policy So/E/1; and

Beyond the boundary of the immediate surroundings of the Workhouse, as defined on the Policies Map, development proposals which have the potential to negatively impact on the setting of the Workhouse will not normally be acceptable. The level of potential impact will be dependent on factors such as scale, height and location and the scope for mitigation.

11.0 Reference documents

Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2nd

edition Landscape Institute and the Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment. (2002)

The Setting of Heritage Assets English Heritage 2011

National Planning Framework Document 2012

Seeing the View in History English Heritage May 2011

Photography and Photomontage in landscape and visual assessment Landscape Institute Advice Note 1/11

Southwell Conservation Area Appraisal Supplementary Planning Document Newark and Sherwood District Council July 2005

Newark and Sherwood Core Strategy Development Plan Document Adopted March 2011

Newark and Sherwood Core Strategy Allocations and Development Management Options Report 2011

Natural England NCA 48: Trent and Belvoir Vales Key Facts and Data

The Countryside Character Volume 4 East Midlands The Character of England’s Natural and man made landscape (1999) Countryside Agency

East Midlands Regional Landscape Character Assessment April 2010 East Midlands Landscape Partnership/LDA

Newark and Sherwood Landscape Character Assessment Mid Nottinghamshire Farmlands Nov 2009

National Heritage List for England: English Heritage List Entry Summaries for: Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin with attached Chapter House, Church Street (Listed Building) Church of Holy Trinity and attached boundary wall, Westgate. (Listed Building) Thurgarton Hundred Workhouse (Historic Park and Garden) Former Infirmary at Greet House (Listed Building) Greet House (Listed Building) Roman building East of Minster (Ancient Monument) Archbishop’s Palace (Ancient Monument) Normanton Hall (Listed Building) and boundary walls

Holy Trinity Southwell 1846-1996 Majorie Hustwayte and Penelope Young 1996

Southwell Minster, A History and Guide Philip Dixon 2008

southwell landscape setting - newark and sherwood...for the recording of key views to southwell...

Documents