Historic Building Recording The Cottage Wettenhall

The survey was carried out in line with the agreed Project Design (Poole, 2025) for a Level 2 record based on Historic England in Understanding Historic Buildings: a guide to good recording practice (Historic England, 2016). Records produced on site were in the form of pro-forma recording sheets which have been used to produce the conclusion to this final report. Site recording comprised of a combination of handwritten notes, photographic recording and drawn record. The standing building was seen to contain seven phases of development, with the original structure dating from the early 19th century. A building is clearly present on the site by the 1839 tithe map, however, a map of Cheshire dated 1819 may also show the building in situ. The material and form of the central area suggest a Georgian date for the initial construction. Between 1839 and 1874 two outbuildings were erected to the north of the dwelling, which currently form two workshops. The building underwent several temporary construction phases in the mid 19th century, with outbuildings being erected to the west. Between 1910 and 1916 a two storey extension was added to the south of the original dwelling. This shows the growth of the farm, moving from a two up two down dwelling with outbuildings to a larger farmhouse with multiple outbuildings. The southern extension is located over the site of a water pump shown on the earlier OS maps. This suggests an upgrade to the plumbing of the site as well. Internally this phase of extension sees a homogenisation of fixtures, such as doors and windows. Two matching fireplaces in the southern extension first floor appear Edwardian in date. The latter part of the 20th century saw a phase of redecorating and modifications to the building, including blocking up and moving of doorways, and blocking up of fireplaces. Further outbuildings are erected to the west, including an external WC and a coal shed.