Western House

Western House stood on the north side of Horn Street on the site now largely occupied by Bevan Court. The photograph below shows it from the junction of Granborough Road and Western Lane.

Western House

1858: Bucks Herald, 25 Dec
Accident
On Monday last, a sawyer named Thomas Hounslow, of Oxford, employed in the erection of Mr. D.T. Willis’ new house at Winslow, met with an accident which fortunately is not of a serious nature. It appears that whilst shifting some timber he slipped and fell with his leg twisted under him, by which means he fractured the small bone of the leg. Thomas Newham Esq, who was on the spot, gave his immediate attention to the fractured limb, and the patient is going on favourably.

1859: Bucks Chronicle, 13 Aug
On Thursday the 4th inst., the workmen engaged on the new mansion of D. T. Willis, Esq., at Winslow, were presented with a liberal sum of money, to be disposed of amongst them as they might think proper.  They accordingly agreed to have a supper, which was provided by host Attwood, at the Bull Inn, in a style that reflected great credit both as regarded the quantity and quality of the viands provided, at which upwards of 40 sat down to partake.  After the cloth was withdraw, various toasts were proposed, amongst them the health of D. T. Wilis Esq., Mrs. Willis and family, and Dr. Newham, which were enthusiastically responded to.  The song and glass went merrily round, and a most agreeable evening was spent.  A game of cricket was played between two elevens in the afternoon...

D.T. Willis' daughter Maria Louisa and her husband Dr Thomas Newham were the first occupants: see the report of their wedding in 1859.

1859 & 1861 Rate Book 
Newham, Dr: House and buildings £75  0  0

1861: Census
Horn Street, Western House

Thomas Newham Head married 33 Doctor of Medicine of Aberdeen, Member of College of Surgeons London, Licenciate of London Apothecaries Hall b. Rothwell, Northants
Maria L. Newham Wife married 23   b. Winslow
Ellen M. Newham Daughter   9m   b. Winslow
Mary A. Jennings Servant unm 21 Nurse b. Claydon
Sarah A. Lomath Servant unm 21 Housemaid b. Winslow
Sarah King Servant unm 20 Cook b. Thornborough
William Edwin Servant   13 Footboy b. Winslow

Maria Newham was the daughter of David Thomas Willis the solicitor and his wife Maria, who now lived at Western Lodge (known as Western Cottage).

1864: Directory 
Newham, Thomas Esq  Western House

1869: arrival of the Greaves family, presumably brought to the area by the hunting; the Newhams moved to Western Cottage.

1869: Directory
Newham, Thomas M.D. Western Cottage

1871: Census
Horn Street

Henley G. Greaves Head married 52 no profession b. Kingston Bagpage, Berks
Elizabeth A. Greaves Wife married 58 do b. Melton, Yorks
George R. Greaves Son unm 26 do b. Hemsworth, Yorks
Emma Smith Servant unm 41 Cook b. Little Hinton, Wilts
Mary Squire Servant unm 42 Ladies maid b. Ingham, Norfolk
Jane Jackson Servant unm 25 Housemaid b. Hemmingston, Northants
Ann Shirley Servant unm 25 Kitchen maid b. Cropredy, Oxon
George Holdneay Servant unm 35 Butler b. Hurstbourne Farrant, Hants
William Foulks Servant unm 22 Footman b. Ashby Hay, Derbys
Edward Featherstone Servant unm 25 Coachman b. Hockington, Lincs
Herbert Taylor Servant   15 Boy b. Wirksworth, Derbys

The enumerator wrote Greaves as "Graves". Thomas and Maria Newham with their daughters Ellen aged 11 and Lilian aged 3, and two servants, were now at Western Cottage and David Willis, now a widower, also lived in part of the house.

1872, 17 Sep
Will of Henley George Greaves late of Western House Winslow Co Bucks Esq who died 14 Aug 1872 at Western House was proved at Oxford by George Richard Greaves of Winslow Esq the son the sole executor.
Effects under £3,000

1875: will of Elizabeth Anne Greaves proved

1877: Directory
Greaves, George R  Western House

1877: Will of D.T. Willis (proved 1885)
He leaves to trustees "my freehold messuage or tenement called Western House with the lawn conservatory Cottage stables and buildings thereto adjoining in the occupation of George Richard Greaves Esquire", to sell it at their discretion. Presumably they sold it privately to Mr Greaves.

1881: Census
Horn Street, Western House

George R. Greaves Head unm 36 Justice of the Peace b. Hemsworth, Yorks
Charles Horn Servant unm 20 Butler b. Faringdon, Berks
James Martin Servant unm 19 Footman b. Gt Hampden, Bucks
Emma Smith Servant unm 51 Cook b. Little Hinton, Wilts
Ruth Robbins Servant unm 35 Housemaid b. Chaddington, Oxon
Lucy Harding Servant unm 21 Kitchenmaid b. Winslow

1884, 29 Nov: Bucks Herald
FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR. D. T. WILLIS.
We last week recorded in our obituary column the death of Mr. David Thomas Willis, which occurred at this residence in Horn-street, on Nov. 14th, in his 80th year.   The deceased gentleman was one of the oldest inhabitants of Winslow; he was admitted a solicitor in Michaelmas term, 1826, was Clerk to the Justices for many years, and Clerk to the Union since its foundation in 1834, being no doubt the oldest clerk in the kingdom.  He was also Superintendent Registrar for the district, and Deputy Steward of the Manor. On the 17th April, 1868, a testimonial was publicly presented to him at a dinner at the Bell Hotel, at which Lord Cottesloe (then the Right Hon. Sir T. Fremantle) presided, and which which consisted of a silver tea and coffee service, given to mark the high esteem and regard in which for many years he had been held by the inhabitants of Winslow and its neighbourhood.   The funeral took place in the Parish Church on Thursday, November 20th.   The officiating clergy were the Revds. H. A. V. Hamilton and F. R. B. Pinhorn, and a temporary floor and seats had been placed in the chancel, where the choir were stationed, and sang the hymns “Thy will be done” and “Days and moments quickly flying.”  The procession then wended its way to the vault, the choir joining in as it left the church.  The mourners were — Mr. T  P. Willis, Mr. F. Willis, Mr. D. T. Willis, Mr. Geo. Willis,  and Mr. Charles Willis, Dr. Newham, Mr. G. R. Greaves, Mr. R. Newham, and Master B. H. G. Newham.   A large number of townspeople also followed including Mr. R. W. Jones, Mr. Geo. Wigley, Mr. J. St. Thos. Wynter, Mr. Neal, &c., together with the Rev. C. G. Hutchins (Dunton) and Mr. John Morris (Hogston).  Nearly the whole of the business establishments were partially closed as a mark of respect to the deceased gentleman.

1890, 22 Sep: Bucks Herald
Death of  Dr Newham of Western House [sic], Winslow. For upwards of 40 years past Dr Newham has figured in the social and political life of the parish being until about a year ago one of the most prominent inhabitants … Coming into the town as an assistant to the noted Dr Cowley, Dr Newham gradually worked himself into the position of the first medical man in the town. In politics he was an ardent conservative. He married a daughter of the late Mr D.T. Willis who died some seventeen years ago.

Dr Newham's daughter Ellen was by now married to George Greaves.

1890 & 1895: Directory
Greaves, George Richard J.P. Western House

1890: Bicester Herald, 16 May
  AT WINSLOW, AN IRON ROOM for mothers’ meetings and other work in connection with the Episcopalian Church, is being erected by Mr. George R. Greaves, on a spot of land opposite the Congregational Church.

1891: Census
Horn Street, Western House

George Richard Greaves Head married 46 Living on own means b. Hemsworth, Yorks
Ellen Mary Greaves Wife married 30   b. Winslow
Samuel Roskelly Servant unm 30 Butler b. Tywardreath, Cornwall
Henry Lakin Servant unm 18 Footman b. Hammersmith
Caroline Mary Dunkley Servant unm 48 Cook b. Crick, Northants
Mary Spencer Servant unm 22 Housemaid b. Limehouse
Charlotte Hawkes Servant unm 19 Kitchenmaid b. Stanton St John

1892: Buckingham Advertiser, 15 Oct
  SUPPER TO WORKMEN.- Upon the successful completion of the work carried out by Messrs. Matthews Bros., builders, of Horn Street, in adding a storey to Western House, a supper was given to the employees by G. R. Greaves, Esq., at the Bell Hotel, on Saturday last.  A capital spread was placed upon the table by host Neal, and full justice having been done to it, the remainder of the evening was spent in a convivial manner.  A hearty vote of thanks with musical honours was accorded to the giver of the feast, and the following toasts were duly honoured - “The Queen,” “The Army and Navy,” “Messrs. Matthews Brothers,” “The Host,” etc.

1897: Buckingham Advertiser, 9 Jan
Completion of extensive alterations and additions to Mr Greaves' hunting stables by Matthews Brothers.

1899: Bucks Herald, 4 March

           Death of Mr. G.R. Greaves (25 Feb)

It is with deep regret that we record the death, after an illness of but a few hours' duration, of Mr. George Richard Greaves of Western House, Winslow. Mr. Greaves had for so many years been the leading townsman that his death has come with a shock to all that can scarcely be expressed; in fact, the news was at first hardly credited, because he was at his post apparently in good health, at the Winslow Bench on Wednesday, the 22nd, and again on Thursday he attended the meet of the staghounds. Not till the evening of Thursday was there seen to be anything amiss, when he was noticed on his way into the High Street to the Post Office to be stooping, and apparently in pain. He transacted his business at the Post Office, and started back towards Western House, but when in the churchyard, he seemed to be unable to proceed and went across to the Bell Hotel instead, from which place he was quickly conveyed home in a fly. Dr. Kennish was sent for, and Mr Greaves was soon apparently much better. On Friday he was in good spirits, and appeared to be progressing most favourably, but in the evening, a second attack seized him, and he passed away early on Saturday morning. Mr. Greaves had resided in Winslow from about 1869, and having married a Winslow lady, he came to be thoroughly identified with the town, while his recent large purchase of property, and the extensive improvements which he was making in connection with them, intensified that interest. But apart from all this Mr. Greaves was most unostentatiously benevolent, and it is probable that no-one knew, except himself, the extent of this beneficence towards those who were in want or distress. He was also willing to help with purse or with personal assistance every movement for the good of the town, and it was generally felt that if he could be got to take the presidency of any movement the thing was as good as accomplished. He was chairman of the new Winslow Gas Company, and was largely instrumental in having the Gas Works removed from their old site to the present commodious one. The Flower Show found in him a liberal supporter, and he had for a number of years been its president. When the Parish Church was restored Mr. Greaves was not only a very generous helper but also acted as treasurer, and still continued to act in that capacity towards the Church Improvement Fund, while his help and advice was freely given to all branches of church work. Among other things, he erected the iron room in Horn Street which is used for the Mother's Meeting and the Coal and Clothing Clubs. As chairman of the Winslow Bench of Magistrates, he was distinguished for the exercise of common sense and shrewdness in his decisions, and his loss will be severely felt. In his younger days Mr Greaves was a zealous cricketer, playing with the Bicester and Winslow Clubs, and also with the County Team, and was noted for his swift bowling. But of later years, he had thrown himself more ardently into hunting, and had in particular devoted his energies towards promoting the success of the Whaddon Chase Hounds, of which he was secretary and treasurer. In nearly all the places of worship in the town on Sunday, Mr Greaves’ death was referred to in terms of sorrow and sympathy.

The Funeral
The interment of the late Mr. Greaves took place in Winslow churchyard on Wednesday afternoon, and was taken part in by a large number of persons anxious to pay a last token of respect to the memory of one so well known and liked. Shortly after two o’clock, the funeral procession entered the church, headed by the Vicar of Winslow, Rev. W.F. Armstrong, the two late Vicars, Rev. H.A.D. Hamilton and Rev P.H. Eliot (Slough), the Rev. T.K. Norman (Vicar of Padbury), and the Rev W.H. Shackel (curate). The coffin was borne by the outdoor servants at Western House, and next came the mourners, Mrs Greaves and Mr. Phillips, Mrs. Phillips and Mr. G. Phillips, Mr. Tompkins (Leckhampstead) and Mrs. Newman, Miss Ravensham and Rev. H.C. Tompkins, Mr. Perrys and Colonel England, Mr. T.P. Willis and Mr. Lesthall, Mr. John Thomson (Oxford) and Mr. Esam (family solicitor, Sheffield), Dr. Kennish and Dr. Vaisey (medical attendants). The servants at Western House followed, headed by the butler, Mr. Rosskelly, and the housekeeper, Miss White. The service was quite simple, and was conducted by the Revs. W.F. Armstrong, P.H. Eliot, and H.A.D. Hamilton. The sacred edifice was quite full, and as the procession reformed, its numbers were swelled by not only most of the tradesmen of the town (who had closed their establishments for the purpose), but by many of the gentlemen and farmers of the district. The whole of Mr. Greaves’ colleagues on the Winslow bench were present, consisting of the Hon. Cecil Fremantle, Mr. Meyrick Selby Lowndes, Mr. C.M. Prior, and Mr. Thomas Biggs. Lord Addington and the Earl of Orkney, and the following gentlemen of the Whaddon Hunt also followed – Mr. W. Selby Lowndes and Mr. W. Selby Lowndes jun., Hon. K.P. Bouverie, Rev. T.K. Bailey, Mr. H.J. Chinnery, Mr. J.H. Renton, Mr. Herman, Mr. F. Coates, Mr. N. McCorquodale, Mr. W. Gore Langton, Mr. R. Selby Lowndes, Col. Sawle, Major Green, Mr. W.J. Levi, Mr. Atherett, Mr. B. Clode, Mr. W. Fitt, Mr. Rogers, Mr. J. Brown, Mr Gerald Pratt, Captain W. Lambton, Rev. M. Milne, &c., And Huntsmen F. Cox (late Lord Rothchild’s), E. Bentley (late Whaddon Chase), C. Sturman (Whaddon Chase), J. Bone (Lord Rothschild’s). From the villages there were present – Rev. J. Chevallier (Great Horwood), Mr. W.J. Viccars, Mr. E.H. Baylis, Mr. B. Morris, Mr. C. Colgrove, Mr. W.G. Amos, Mr. J. George &c. The townsmen included Mr. G.D.E. Wigley, Mr. H. Bullock, Mr. W.S. Neal, Mr. Hawley, Mr. J.D. [=T.D.] Curtis, Mr. Langley, Mr. G. George, Mr. Cripps, Mr. A.G. Stevens, Mr. Clare, Mr. W. Ingram, Mr. H. Monk, Mr. G.A. Monk, Mr. T. Walker, Mr. J. Jennings, Mr. G.H. Thompson, Mr. H. Underwood, Mr. Horwood, Mr. W.N. Midgley (secretary of Gas Company), Mr. A.J. Clear (secretary Floral Society), Mr. W.H. Stevens, Mr Newman, Mr. Russell, Mr. Cowell, Mr. Clement Watson &c. The coffin was polished, with massive brass fittings, and bore the inscription “George Richard Greaves, born 8th March 1845, died February 25th 1899,” and it was covered with magnificent wreaths, including a handsome one from the tradesmen of the town, and others from Mr. Leopold de Rothschild, Mr. H.S. Leon, Mr. Stewart Freeman, &c., in addition to those from the family. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Matthews Brothers.

This poem in memory of Mr Greaves was published in the Buckingham Advertiser

IN MEMORIAM.
[Lines written on the death of G. R. Greaves, Esq., J.P., of Western House, Winslow.]
'Tis but as yesterday the bells rang loud
Their glad'ning chime upon thy wedding day,
While welcomed thee the gathering crowd,
And dance and music held the festal sway!
But now, in mournful crowd we silent meet,
And slowly from the steeple tolls the bell,
Whose solemn tones our ears do sadly greet,
Striking to-day, alas! thy fun'ral knell!
So frail are we—'tis but a week gone by,
Thou dwelt in life among us, join'd the chase,
Nor dreamt we that so soon thy end was nigh,
And that death's hand so soon would hide thy face.
Shall we not miss thee from our little town,
Where thou so many peaceful years hast spent?
But still to mem'ry shall thy name go down
As one who justice, still, with mercy, blent!
And we shall miss thee from the covert side,
When gath'ring there they greet each welcome friend,
Dr bursting thence they join the rushing tide,
And gallop, gallop gamely to the end!
The poor will miss thee, miss the generous hand
That oft was stretch'd to them with timely aid,
And mourning thee to-day they sadly stand,
And would death's hand might only have been stay'd.
We all shall miss thee, and can ill afford
To lose one member from our honor'd place,
And sorrow strikes a universal chord,
When from our midst death takes a well-known face.
God rest thee! and in writing Gentleman,
We pen for thee Old England's fairest name,
And may there follow thee, still those who can,
Spend lives among us thus as free from blame!
W. N. MIDGLEY.
Winslow,
1st March, 1899.

1899: Will of George Richard Greaves (made in 1895)

1899: Valuation of household furniture etc (Centre for Bucks Studies, D/WIG/2/1/33) [The individual valuations are given in Mr Wigley's code and have not been transcribed.]

Geo. R. Greaves deceased
Household furniture. The contents of:
Library
Jewellery
Dining Room
Hall & Vestibule
Drawing Room
Garden Room
Work Room
Butler’s Pantry
    China
    Glass
    Cutlery & Electric goods {Dining Room Butler’s Pantry Bill(iar)d Room landing cupb(oar)ds etc etc
    Silver plain 658 oz embossed 460 oz
House Maid’s Pantry
Servants’ Hall
Larder
Kitchen
Scullery
Basement Larder
Wine Cellar
    6 doz port
    8   “    Claret
    2   “    Champagne
    Moselle
    Sherry
    Marsala
    Sundry Spirits
[total] £1043  15s

First Floor
Best Rooms
Bachelor’s Room
Bow Room
Bow Room Dressing Room
Oak Room
Oak Room Dressing Room
Mr Greaves Dressing Room
Best landings
Mrs Greaves Bedroom
Butler’s Bedroom
[total] £446 10s

Servants’ Apartments
Bedroom 1
Housekeeper’s Room
Bedroom 2
Bedroom 3
Linen Room
Bath Room

Second Floor
Billiards Room
Bedroom 1
Bedroom 2
Bedroom 3
Bedroom 4
Landings

Horses
Monarch      79   16
Luxury         35   14
Acorn           89     5
Peacock       73   10
Borderer      47     5
Paddy          54   12

Mr French [entry in margin]
Grey Pony   19

Carriages   75

Outdoor Effects            
garden & greenhouses  }           
plants & saddlery           }            164    3
Horse Clothing &c &c &c

[total] £639 5s

[grand total] £1,917 10s

1900: Buckingham Advertiser, 17 Nov
  About 7.30 on Thursday morning an explosion was distinctly heard all over the town, proceeding from Western House, the residence of Mrs. G. R. Greaves.  It appears that Mrs. Greaves was away from home, and on the previous day the gas had been undergoing repair, and it is presumed that the dining room chandelier had in some way been left disconnected.  Mr. Rosskelly, the butler, smelt the gas very strongly the first thing in the morning, and proceeded to the dining room, which was closely shuttered up and consequently quite in darkness.  He unfortunately took a light and the result was a terrible explosion which went right through the main part of the house from back to front, blowing out plate glass windows and doors, smashing the front door, lifting up the dining room ceiling and leaving a big crack in the masonry of the dining room front, while the interior of the house is all confusion.  Mr. William Matthews, builder, who was one of the first on the spot, turned the gas off at the meter at once and so prevented the risk of fire, as the gas was blazing away tremendously in the dining room.  He also sent for the Fire Brigade who were soon on the spot, although, fortunately their services were not needed.  Mrs. Greaves being away there was no one sleeping over or near the dining room, and the servants’ rooms being some distance away no personal injury was taken, but the butler was we understand severely singed and hurt by the shock.  The glass from the windows was strewn all over lawns, back and front, large pieces of 1/4in. plate glass being blown twenty or thirty yards.  Had the explosion occurred in a slighter-built house there would probably have been little left of it, as the force evidently was tremendous.
It was later reported that the damage amounted to £1,000.

1901: Census
Horn Street, Western House

Ellen Mary Greaves Head widow 40 Living on own means b. Winslow
Samuel Roskelly Servant unm 40 Butler b. Tywardreath, Cornwall
Jessie Lauder Servant unm 39 Cook b. Ashford, Kent
Martha Thorpe Servant unm 30 Housemaid b. Stratton Audley
Amy Playle Servant unm 24 Housemaid b. London
Olive Pearce Servant unm 16 Kitchenmaid b. Highclere, Berks

1911: Census
Horn Street (25 rooms in house; Winslow Hall had 30)

Ellen Mary Greaves Head widow 50 Living on own means b. Winslow
Samuel Roskelly Servant unm 50 Butler b. Tywardreath, Cornwall
Jessie Lauder Servant unm 50 Cook b. Ashford, Kent
Amy Playle Servant unm 34 Housemaid b. Drury Lane, London
Elizabeth Hudson Servant unm 25 Housemaid b. Bicester
Beatrice Didcott Servant unm 17 Kitchenmaid b. Long Wittenham, Berks

1915: Assessment (TNA, IR 58/2346)
Situation              Horn St
Description         House & Garden
Extent                   2 acres 38 poles
Gross Value: Buildings   £238
Rateable Value: Buildings    £189
Occupier &  Owner     Mrs Ellen Mary Greaves, Western House    
Interest of Owner            Tenant for life Freehold except Racquet Court which is Copyhold of Manor of Winslow
Former Sales  Dates        No sale within period
Site Value Deductions Claimed   Yes
[stamp] 29 JAN 1915
[red] Include 74 379 &380 20 [see Tithe Barn]
Particulars, description and note made on inspection
A brick & slate Det(ached) Modern Residence containing Entrance Hall; Drawing Room 25 x 17 & bay : Library Room 20 x 17, Garden Room 25 x 15, Dining Room 23 x 17, Morning Room: Domestic Offices, lavatory, butlers pantry, cupboard, pantry, W.C. Cellarage, larder, kitchen, scullery, servants hall
1st Floor 4 Bedrooms & 3 Dressing Rooms, W.C. Bath (h&c) Linen Room, 4 Bedrooms
2nd Floor Billiard Room 27 x 17, W.C. 4 Bedrooms
Conservatory, Small garden
3 A 1 R 38 P
Valuation – Market Value of Fee Simple in possession of whole property in its present condition £5,175
Deduct Market Value of Site under similar circumstances, but if divested of structures, timber, fruit trees, and other things growing on the land                                240 for acre loss                                                                                £640
Add for Additional Value represented by any of the following for which any Deduction may have been made when arriving at Market Value :-
Restrictions Footpaths                                                                   £200
GROSS VALUE                                                                                                                    £5,375
Description of Buildings
Brick & Slate       Trap House, Coal place
                           Washhouse, woodbarm & loft over
Brick & Slate       Cottage:  4 up &  4 down
D(itt)o                 Double Trap House
Brick & Slate       2 Loose boxes & Washing box
                           Harness Room 4 Boxes Loft over
                           Coalshed, paved yard
Brick & Slate       Racquet Court W.C.
                           5 Loose Boxes & Loft over
GROSS VALUE                                                                                                                             £5,375
Less value attributable to Structures, timber &c. (as before)                                                         £4,535
FULL SITE VALUE                                                                                                                         £  840
Public rights of way or User                                                                                                          £  200
                TOTAL VALUE                                                                                                               £5,175
ASSESSABLE  SITE VALUE                                                                                                            £  640

1920: Directory
Greaves, Mrs, Western House, Horn Street

Western House 1931
Western House from the air, 1931
Source: www.britainfromabove.org.uk/image/epw036308

1921: Census
Western House (25 rooms)

Ellen Mary Greaves Head widow 60 No occupation b. Winslow
Samuel Rosskelly Servant unm 60 Butler b. Tywardreath, Cornwall
Selina Knight Servant widow 57 Cook b. Lavendon
Elsie Webb Servant unm 33 Housemaid b. Drayton, Bucks
Ida Ewers Servant unm 15 Kitchenmaid b. Ashendon

1937, 11 Feb: Death of Mrs Ellen Mary Greaves

1937, 19 Feb: Northampton Mercury

LOSS TO WINSLOW The town of Winslow has lost a great friend by the death of Mrs. Ellen Mary Greaves, widow of Mr. George Richard Greaves, of Western House, Winslow, and in tribute to her memory the Parish Church was filled with representatives of associations and townspeople at the funeral service on Monday, which was conducted by the Bishop of Buckingham (the Right Rev. P. H. Eliot), assisted by the Rev. J. H. C. Forrest, R.D., Vicar of Swanbourne (Bishop's chaplain), and the Rev. St. J. H. Beamish, R.D. (Vicar of Winslow). Claydon Deanery. The late Mrs. Greaves was a daughter of Dr. Thomas Newham, practitioner at Winslow for many years. She was born at Western House, and lived there after marriage. Her husband, Mr. G. R. Greaves, who was a well-known follower of the Whaddon Chase Hunt, unostentatiously benefited the town, and upon his death in 1899, Mrs. Greaves remained in Winslow keenly supporting the Parish Church and other associations. As memorial to her husband, she seated the Parish Church and presented the Litany Desk.

WIDE INTERESTS. One of her earliest interests was the Clothing Clubs, and for the benefit of the Mothers' Sewing Meetings she erected the Iron Room (now used by the W. I.) The District Nursing Association and the Women's Unionist Association received her support, and when Mrs. T. L. Kennish founded the W.I., in Winslow 14 years ago she gave it her patronage and placed the Iron Room at its disposal. Since its formation she had always been elected vice-president. The Parish Church choir, the British Legion and Men's Memorial Institute are other organisations which also had her encouragement, and all were represented at the church. The family mourners were: Dr. Newham (brother), Mr. Gerald Newham (nephew), Mr. and Mrs. Edgar (niece and nephew-in-law), Mrs. Gerald Phillips (relative), Mrs Haig, Miss Stote and Mrs. Carden (nurses), Miss Webb (maid for many years), Mrs. Maynard (cook), and other staff members. Church ushers were: Mr, Kenneth Robson (hon. secretary parochial council), Mr. George Pass (late headmaster, Winslow School), and Mr. W. Saunders (standard bearer, British Legion).

1937: Schedule of Mrs Greaves' property by Geo. Wigley, March (Centre for Bucks Studies, D/WIG/2/9/816)

1. Western House + garden in Church Yard and iron room
a. 34 Horn Street (Groom's Cottage), in occupation of District Nurse at 6/11 per week
b. Stable yard and stabling, in occupation of Captain Williams, rent £60 p.a.
c. 1 and 3 Parsons Close, a Pair of Old Brick and Tiled Cottages, in occupation of Rolfe (service tenancy) and Mrs Ellwood (5/- per week)
d. Brick and tiled or slated stables in Parsons Close, let to Messrs Smith Ltd [a riding school], £65 p.a.
e. Enclosure of Grass Land, no.75 on Ordnance Survey Map [=Parson's Close], about 1½ acres, included in tenancy d
Total valued at £3,250
2. 32 Horn Street, let to Mr J.S. Goss at £19 10s p.a. Valued at £325.
3. 30 Horn Street, let to Mr E.F. Gibbard at £19 10s p.a. Valued at £250.
4. Western Lodge (28 Horn Street): brick, stucco & slated house with stable yard, brick and slated stabling comprising five boxes, let to Mr K.J. Robson at £63 pa. Valued at £1,500.
5. A small piece of garden ground almost immediately opposite 4, with one corrugated iron building [=the Reading Room] and another timber and corrugated iron building. Valued at £100. One iron room was purchased by Mrs Greaves from the Freemasons according to an accompanying letter.
6. Enclosed piece of garden ground adjoining old Church Yard and new Grave Yard [=the Walled Garden], area 24 poles, in occupation of deceased. Valued at £65.

1937: Probate of will of Ellen Mary Greaves

1937, 15 May: Buckingham Advertiser
            Western House, Winslow
The superior and well preserved contents of the residence. Complete furnishings of 15 bedrooms ... six reception rooms
Geo Wigley instructed by Executors of the late Mrs E.M. Greaves
Auction 1st & 2nd June 1937

1937, 29 May: Buckingham Advertiser 29 May
            Auction Bell Hotel Winslow 18 June 1937

1937, 4 June: Bucks Herald
Winslow
Messrs. Geo. Wigley & Sons are instructed by the Trustees of the late G.R. Greaves, Esq., to sell by auction at the Bell Hotel, Winslow on Friday June 18th, 1937 at 2.30 o’clock
The well-known country residence “Western House” 5 reception, 13 bedrooms. Excellent stabling of 20 loose boxes (in all), garages, three cottages and 2 acres land; suitable for a hunting establishment, nursing home or school.
The bachelor’s hunting box “Western Lodge” 5 bedrooms. Modern stabling of 5 boxes. Early possession.
Two small houses (let to quarterly tenants), 30 and 32, Horn Street, and two pieces of garden ground.
For particulars and arrangements to view please apply to the auctioneers: Messrs. Geo. Wigley & Sons, F.S.I., F.A.I., Winslow, Bletchley;
Solicitors: Messrs. Scadding & Bodkin, 2 Endsleigh Street, Tavistock Square, London, W.C.1. Philip Wood, Esq., Winslow and Buckingham.

6 lots marked on coloured plan
Plan from the 1937 sale catalogue

Centre for Bucks Studies, D/WIG/2/8/339: full sales particulars

Lot 1 (coloured pink on plan).
THE WELL KNOWN COUNTRY RESIDENCE “Western House” is conveniently situated, with a Southern aspect, on the fringe of the central hunting centre of Winslow, 1 mile from the Station (L.M.S.), 6 from Buckingham, 10 from Aylesbury and 10 from Leighton Buzzard.

Soundly built of brick with slated roof, the residence is approached by a carriage sweep and well screened by ornamental trees and shrubs.  Leading by stone steps under a first floor Balcony (supported by a pair of pillars) is the

Portico and Outer Hall.
Inner Hall 14ft. 6in. x 13ft. (having gallery light) around which are arranged the

Lofty and well lighted Suite of Reception Rooms, comprising
The well proportioned Dining Room (having serving hatch) 22ft. 6in. x 17ft., generous bay windows.
The Library – a comfortable room – 19ft. 6in. x 17ft., generous bay windows.
Drawing Room 23ft. 6in. x 23ft. (into square bay) with five French windows opening to the garden.
Garden Room 23ft. x 15ft. (into curved bay) having French doors to garden.
Work Room 15ft. 6in. x 13ft. with French windows.
All the above are lofty, have moulded cornices and marble mantels.

Lavatory and W.C.

Approached from the principal staircase and off the main landing are
FIVE PRINCIPAL BEDROOMS (all of generous size, with bay windows) and three adjoining dressing rooms.

Leading from the main stairs is the EAST WING containing, on the SECOND FLOOR:- Four secondary bedrooms.
The well lighted Billiard Room 27ft. x 17ft. 6in. W.C.
FIRST FLOOR:- Four servants’ bedrooms.
Large bathroom fitted bath (h. & c.)  W.C.
Linen room having spacious cupboards, and a well fitted housemaid’s pantry.

THE AMPLE DOMESTIC OFFICES are on the Wing Ground Floor, and include:-
Butler’s Pantry, Store cupboard, Housemaid’s Pantry (with deep sink h. & c.), Servants’ Hall, Larder, Kitchen fitted Herald range and dresser, Scullery with force pump, and oven grate.

OUTSIDE is a detached range of brick and slated coal and wood barns, also a small garage, with loft over, and on the West side is the
Fine Conservatory or Winter Garden (with boiler house beneath) which could easily be made to communicate with the Drawing Room.

The Verandah on the garden front faces the
Pleasant Walled-in Garden and Lawn,
bordered with ornamental trees and shrubs, two kitchen gardens adjoining, heated greenhouse with frames, and a potting shed.

Main Electricity, Gas, Telephone No. 146.  Water supply by force pump to roof cisterns, also an auxiliary supply to the well, pumped from Parsons Close.  Main  drained.
The fireplaces are supplemented by radiators placed in the Hall, Billiard Room, and Landings.
The electric light fittings, blinds and curtain poles will be included in the sale.

THE EXCELLENT STABLING adjoining, is arranged round two paved yards, and includes:-
Brick and slated range of 5 boxes, saddle rooms, lofts over.
Another block of 4 boxes, and a brick and C.I. lean to corner box.
Two detached garages, or boxes, and another range of lean to box and a wash box.
Coal house, W.C., Pump, and several soft water tanks.
Also the racquet Court, or LARGE GARAGE, opening to the road.

The Detached brick and slated Groom’s Cottage
adjoins the yard, and contains:- 2 Sitting and 4 Bedrooms, Kitchen, Scullery, W.C., Electric light.

Adjoining, on the North side, is the
VALUABLE ACCOMMODATION ENCLOSURE
“Parson’s Close,” having road frontages on two sides, and comprising a area of about 1a. 3r. 21p., wherein is situated the second
BLOCK OF SPACIOUS STABLING
around the yard, comprising a brick and tiled lofty building, partitioned to form 7 boxes.  Harness room, 2 boxes and a saddle room, with loft over and a brick and slated range of Garage and 3 store rooms.  Timber and C.I. lean-to shed.  Pump.

The pair of brick and tiled Cottages face the approach to Parson’s Close, and comprise:-
No. 1. Parson’s Close, containing Sitting and Living Rooms, Scullery, 3 Bedrooms and Attic.  Garden; in the occupation of the gardener, on a service tenancy, while
No. 3. Parson’s Close has a Living Room, Scullery and 3 Bedrooms, now let to Mrs. Ellwood, on a registered de-controlled tenancy, at 5/- per week (Landlord paying rates).
Land Tax £4. 2. 4 (part apportioned for sale purposes)

SUMMARY
Western House, 5 Reception Rooms, Billiard Room, 13 Bedrooms, 3 Dressing Rooms, Bathroom.  Domestic quarters.  Gardens.  9 or 10 boxes.  Garages. Stabling adjoining, of 9 boxes.  Three Cottages, and 1a. 3r. 21p. of Accommodation Land.

VACANT POSSESSION on completion of the purchase, will be given of Western House, Groom’s Cottage, the Land and the second block of Stabling.  The Cottage No. 3 Parson’s Close is let on a weekly tenancy;  No. 1 Parson’s Close is now occupied by the gardener on a service tenancy;  while the Stabling adjoining Western House is let to Captain Williams, whose tenancy expires 1st September 1937.

Lot 2 (coloured green on plan).
THE HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE BIJOU RESIDENCE or BACHELOR’S HUNTING BOX BEING “Western Lodge”
standing well up and back from the road, built of brick, with rough cast front and slated roof, containing the following compactly arranged accommodation:-
Small Hall.
Dining Room, 19ft. x 11ft. 9in. (to square bay) with open grate, tiled fireplace and serving hatch.
Pleasant Drawing Room, 23ft. 6in. (into square bay) x 10ft. 9in., having open fireplace, front bay and French windows to the garden.
All the front windows have leaded lights. 
FIRST FLOOR:-
Two front Bedrooms, each 15ft. 9 in. x 12 ft.  Small Dressing Room.  W.C.  Large Bathroom fitted lavatory basin and bath (h. & c.)  Linen cupboard.  Bedroom 14ft. 9in. x 14ft.   While on the
SECOND FLOOR are two Servants’ Bedrooms.

Principal and secondary staircases.  Ample fitted cupboards throughout.

THE DOMESTIC OFFICES include the good Kitchen, with range and dresser, Pantry having deep sink (h. & c.), cupboards and drawers.  Scullery with quarry floor and fitted sink (h. & c.), also force pump to roof cistern.

The Extremely Pleasant Pleasure Garden
is completely walled around and includes front and back lawns with borders, fruit trees, clipped evergreen and ornamental trees.  Brick and slated W.C.

THE FIRST CLASS MODERN STABLING
is situated on three sides of the yard and comprises:-
Brick and slated range of 5 loose boxes (two also opening to another small paved yard, approached direct from the road) and loft over.  Forage store, Harness Room, brick and tiled Garage 17ft. x 7ft. with loft over.

Timber and felted roof double Dog Kennel and run.  Brick and c.i. lean-to Coal Shed.  Pump.  C.I. roofed lean-to Coal Store behind the stabling, with soft water tank.
Main electricity.  Telephone No. 107.  Land Tax £1. 15. 0.
Now in the occupation of Mr. Kenneth J. Robson, whose tenancy expires 29th September, 1937, thus enabling EARLY POSSESSION to be obtained.

This compact well equipped property is in excellent order throughout, ready to walk into for the next Hunting season, and should be of particular appeal as a small Hunting Box, or occasional residence for a sporting City man.

NOTE.- The lean-to greenhouse at the end of the garden, the electric pump in the scullery, the electric installation in the stabling, also the electric light fittings and tenant’s fixtures, are claimed by the tenant, the “Ideal” Boiler in the scullery is a replacement by the Tenant of one previously there.

Lot 3 (coloured yellow on plan).
The small piece of Garden Ground situate in Horn Street, opposite Western Lodge, with the TWO ASSEMBLY ROOMS thereon (adjoining and communicating).
One being constructed of corrugated iron, and match lined, comprising:- Porch main room 27ft. x 17ft. with heating stove, Ante room, fitted cupboards, and W.C. compartment;  and the other timber built with c.i. roof, measuring 16ft. x 13ft.
Main electricity.   Gas laid on.
The two rooms are in hand, the late Mrs. Greaves having allowed the use thereof by various public organisations, and the garden, being included in Mr. Robson’s tenancy of Western Lodge (Lot 3) will be vacated on 29th September, 1937.
NOTE.- The electric light fittings, and the Esan sanitary convenience, in the assembly rooms, are claimed by the Women’s Institute.

Lot 4 (coloured brown on plan).
THE WELL SITUATE Modern brick and slated Small House, No. 32 Horn Street,
Having the following accommodation:-
Entrance passage, two front Sitting Rooms with open tiled grates, lean-to Kitchen having quarry floor, and fitted self setting range, sink, copper and pump.  Pantry.  Landing and three Bedrooms (two with fireplaces).
There is a side entrance under the house, to yard and a small walled-in garden.
Brick and c.i. Barn and W.C.  Main Electricity.
Let to Mr. J. S. Goss on a quarterly tenancy at the low rent of £19. 10. 0 per annum (tenant paying the rates), but the fair rental value is estimated at £26. 0. 0 per annum.
Land Tax 1/6 (apportioned for sale purposes).
NOTE:- The rain water tank in the barn is fed, and drawn upon, by the adjoining house No. 30 Horn Street (Lot 5).  The purchaser of Lot 5 shall covenant to continue such supply, the purchasers of this lot and of Lot 5 to each bear one half the cost of cleaning and maintaining the said tank, in consideration of Lot 5 drawing therefrom.

Lot 5 (coloured blue on plan).
The picturesque Small House, No. 30 Horn Street,
brick and tiled, with gabled doorway and dormer windows, containing:-
Front Sitting Room, fitted open tiled grate.
Ditto, with s.c. tiled grate.  Lobby.
Kitchen having self setting range, copper and sink with pump.
Larder, and cupboard under stairs.
Two front Bedrooms, and two attics above.
Side entrance, and the small garden.  2 division timber and c.i. lean-to Barn and W.C.
Main electricity,
The property is in excellent decorative condition.
In the occupation of Mr. E. F. Gibbard – a quarterly tenant – at the moderate rent of £19. 10. 0 per annum, tenant paying rates.
Land Tax 1/2 (apportioned for sale purposes).  See note in Lot 4 as to rainwater tank.

Lot 6 (coloured purple on plan). [see Walled Garden]
The enclosed Kitchen Garden approached from the Church path, and adjoining the new Churchyard, completely walled in, having wall and espalier fruit trees, and covering an area of approximately 24 POLES, With VACANT POSSESSION on completion of the purchase.

1937, 26 June: Buckingham Advertiser
            Interesting Property Sale
            Lot 1 Western House not sold (highest bid received was £2,000 according to a letter from Wigleys)
            Lot 2 Western Lodge Mr K.J. Robson £1,500
            Lot 3 Garden ground with 2 assembly rooms Mr E.W. Green £125 (£215 in S.P. Wigley's notes)
            Lot 4 32 Horn Street Mrs Harrington, Fringford Rectory, Bicester £475
            Lot 5 30 Horn Street Mr Gibbard, the tenant, £290
            Lot 6 Enclosed garden adjoining the new churchyard Mr K.J. Robson £110 (+ strip of garden ground = no.5 in schedule above, sold to him for £25)

Centre for Bucks Studies, D/WIG/2/8/339: documents and notes concerning the sale by Geo. Wigley & Sons:
The cottage and stables (1a-b) were sold for £750 to the Countess of Lathom of Tinker's Corner. Wigleys offered Western House to various institutions such as the National Council of Girls' Clubs, Boy Scouts Association and Dr Barnardo's, without success. They suggested selling the eastern wing of Western House separately for conversion into two cottages. A second auction was planned for the remaining property, but £1,750 was offered by the Countess of Lathom for Western House, Parsons Close and 2 cottages with stabling; this was accepted on 9 Dec 1938. She demolished Western House in 1939. It emerges from the letter below that she planned to build a new house on the site, but this idea must have been abandoned after the outbreak of WW2.

Centre for Bucks Studies, D/WIG/2/8/294: correspondence with the Countess of Lathom after she sold part of the garden of Western House to Mr Robson of Western Lodge.

[from Geo. Wigley & Sons]
21st. October, 1939.
The Countess of Lathom,
Tinker’s Corner,
Winslow.

My Lady,
In order to make quite certain of your Ladyship’s position as regards the cottages in Parson’s Close, I saw Mr. Wood and asked him to refer to the draft Conveyances he prepared from Greaves’ Trustees to Mrs. Robson, and also the draft Conveyances from the same to you.
I enclose a copy of his letter.
Although I had spoken to Mr. Robson about the question of the drains, I was not able to meet him on the spot until yesterday. I have now convinced him that the boundary of his property does not project from the back wall of his house so as to include the Apple Tree, from which he took the fruit, and I have also convinced him that he has no right of way to the ground except from his own property.
So far as the Shrubs are concerned, he tells me that if it is your desire he does not mind if they are all done away with, so long as the Laburnum Tree is left, but in order to be on the safe side it might be best to arrange the clearing or cutting of those when he is present.
I am afraid that if you erect a fence off the line of the drain on your side, the fence will be so close on the flank side of your proposed new house, (assuming that you build on the same foundations), that it would leave no room for anyone to pass to the garden at the back. Mr. Robson was not inclined to join in the expense of a fence, nor was he prepared to put one up himself. One must bear in mind from time to time his servants may want to enter on his ground for clearing the drains, as well as cleaning the windows, and I am quite sure that your Ladyship has \not/ lost sight of the fact that the outlook onto his Scullery and other departments is not in its present condition all that could be desired.
I beg to remain, my Lady,
Yours faithfully,

[enclosure 1]
Philip Wood
Solicitor
Winslow,
Bucks

11th October, 1939.

Messrs. Geo. Wigley, & Sons,
Chartered Surveyors etc.
WINSLOW.

Dear Sirs,                                Lady Lathom & Mrs. Robson

Adverting to our conversation of to-day; the division between the properties to the above runs along the centre of the line of inspection chambers and drain pipes beneath, subject to a right-of-way for foot passengers with or without wheelbarrows to the owner of Lady Lathom’s property along the line of the pipes.

It is, therefore, not possible for either party to erect a fence unless Lady Lathom abandons her right-of-way. Mrs. Robson, of course, has no right whatever on Lady Lathom’s side of the boundary.

Yours faithfully,
Philip Wilson [signature]

[enclosure 2]
EXTRACT from the PARCELS in the Conveyances to
MRS E.F.A. ROBSON from GREAVES TRUSTEES
Dated 15th September 1937
Secondly ALL THAT irregularly shaped piece of land adjoining the land first hereinbefore described and extending to and running along the centre of the line of certain Inspection Chambers now situate on the same piece of land is delineated in the plan hereto annexed and thereon coloured pink Except and reserving unto the vendors in fee simple a full and free right-of-way for foot passengers with or without wheelbarrows only over and along the footpath which now passes over the said Inspection Chambers.

Copyright 24 October, 2024