The restoration of a medieval manor 

We were delighted to receive a lovely collection of material relating to Ockwells Manor in Bray, one of the most important medieval houses in Berkshire (D/EX3073).  Originally built in the 15th century, it sadly fell into disrepair in the 19th century, and concerns about it led directly to the foundation of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings by the great William Morris. Sir Stephen Leach purchased the house in 1889 and began the process of restoring it, which was completed by Sir Edward Barry. It was twice offered to the National Trust, but the cost of maintenance was too high and there were concerns that the restoration had replaced too many of the original features with copies, so it remains in private hands today.   

The new records include some prints showing the house in 1813 and 1877; and a wonderful set of photographs, some of the house at its most dilapidated in the mid-late 19th century, and some showing the process of restoration.  A curious inclusion is a set of watercolour sketches of three armorial stained glass windows in the style of the 15th century windows in the house, but which do not correspond to any of them. They may have been designs made for Sir Edward Barry but not used. The mottos are those of Barry and his Smith relatives, but the coats of arms do not appear to be correct. Could they have been arms were applied for but never officially granted? There is also an inventory of the contents of the house when it was sold in 1950. 

Advising on public office 

We have catalogued the minutes of two interesting Berkshire Advisory Committees.  The General Commissioners of Income Tax were an unpaid body appointed to hear and resolve disputes related to income tax, corporation tax, and capital gains tax assessments. They were first appointed in the 19th century. They, and the Special Commissioners who dealt with more complex cases, were replaced in 2009 by the First-tier Tribunal (Tax). County Advisory Committees like the Berkshire one were established in 1960 to choose suitable Commissioners. General Commissioners could not be involved in party politics, reside far outside the area, be over 65 years old, be connected with the Inland Revenue, or habitually advise clients on income tax matters, to avoid any conflict of interest; and selection of the right individuals was of paramount importance.  The Berkshire Advisory Committee first met in 1963, and the minutes go up to 2004 (P/AC1). Initially it covered the Berkshire County Council area, being adjusted in 1974 to match the area of the new Royal County of Berkshire, and it retained the 1974 boundaries after the more recent reorganisation of local government in 1998. 

Similarly, the Berkshire Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace selected candidates for the magistracy, the final appointment being made by the Lord (or Lady) Chief Justice. They were also involved in training of magistrates, monitoring any convictions of magistrates, and advising the Lord Chancellor in complaints against individual magistrates' conduct. Their minutes cover 1963-2010 (P/AC2). Both committees recorded personal data so are closed to public inspection for some time, but they will be a useful resource for future historians. 

Berkshire in pictures  

We have acquired a photograph of delegates of the Church of England Men's Society Oxford Diocesan Union to the Berkshire Archdeaconry Conference, 1952 (D/EX1854).  We have also received a small collection of slides showing inns and other buildings in Bray, Cookham, Datchet, Maidenhead and Windsor, 1963-1967 (D/EX2901).  The records of Watlington House have been augmented by a photograph of the building in c.1970, when it was being used as the Citizens’ Advice Bureau (D/QX27). 

You can find out more about all these records by searching our online catalogue.  Enter the collection reference given above in the Catalogue Reference field.