Around 1836, the noted architect, William Thomas, began to develop parts of North East Leamington including Holly Walk, Willes Road and Lansdowne Circus. He designed a series of houses for different income groups: semi-detached properties for the moderately wealthy, detached villas for the wealthy and immense and elaborate villas for the very wealthy. Two of … Read more

South Parade was the name of a row of eight houses on the north side of Charlotte Street towards the west end of the street. There was some confusion with the name South Parade because Clarendon Avenue was also known as South Parade until 1881. The name South Parade does not appear to have been used for the … Read more

Oak House was one of a pair of very substantial villas designed by William Thomas around 1836. However, The Furze, the adjoining villa (see article) stood at 89 Upper Holly Walk and was much the larger of the two. Originally the two houses stood at Nos 25 and 27 Holly Walk (Upper). Neal Einerson, a noted biographer … Read more

The Willes family were major landowners in Leamington, mainly in the east of the town. It was Edward Willes (1787-1847) who released much of the family land during the early part of the 19th century, which led to the development of the Leamington we know today, including the renowned Jephson Gardens. The family lived at Newbold Comyn … Read more

To the north east of Leamington are Newbold Comyn and the Campion Hills. It was here that the Willes family had their manor house (see article).  Slightly to the north was an imposing farm house and stables, (still in use today as the Newbold Comyn Arms) and again just further north and to the east, was … Read more

In 1860 John Gardiner sent plans to the local board to build a large house on the corner of Upper Holly Walk and Newbold Road (now Willes Road). The plans were eventually approved and the large house was built in a Classical style. It demonstrates the long period within which houses were built in the street; some on … Read more