The concept of constructing hexagonal houses is not a new one, with examples surviving from the 19th century. Indeed in 1941 Sir Frederick Stewart, Minister for Social Welfare in Australia, was advocating “hexagonal houses with a hole in the roof for a chimney” as a solution to that country’s housing problem, as well as providing a … Read more
Harrington House was designed by Edward Welby Pugin (1834-1875), son of A W N Pugin, and famous in his own right for designing over 100 Catholic Churches at home and abroad, despite dying young at 41. It was built in 1869 at the north-west corner of Newbold Street and Newbold Terrace on land bought by local builder and … Read more
The Story of the House and a notable resident. Hamilton Terrace (called Hamilton Crescent until 1848) overlooks the broad avenue of Regent Grove (Holly Walk). The dwellings were built behind a carriage drive in 1833-1834. These are now mainly offices but functioned in early days as boarding houses or furnished lodgings for those visiting the spa … Read more
Originally the land on which houses in Aintree Drive were built belonged to Mr S McGregor, who ran a successful stud farm. This is the reason why, after he sold the land for building, many roads were named after racecourses. Valley Road runs through the middle of the estate and on either side are Aintree Drive, … 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
“Binsbrook and the quaint little Alpine Bridge by which it was crossed in Portland Place have both passed away, but the sylvan loveliness of this silver streak may be easily imagined by the observer who will glance at its deep delved bed still extant at the east end of old Comber House, Milverton, facing the … Read more
Lansdowne Circus has access from Upper Holly Walk, Willes Road and Thomas Street but still retains the atmosphere of a quiet, sedate cul-de-sac to this day. This Circus was built between 1836 and 1840; the first mention of the street in the Leamington Courier was in 1835 and two newly-built houses were for sale in … Read more
This pair of terraced cottages on the east side of Church Street (previously Church Lane), numbered 15 and 17, are a survival from about 1700. No other cottages from this date or previous to it, are known for sure in Leamington Spa. There is an isolated cottage at the eastern edge of Packington Place, behind … Read more
As part of the growth of Leamington Priors, Brandon Parade was set out in the 1830s on land originally belonging to Edward Willes of Newbold Comyn. Over the years, Brandon Lodge, Holly Walk was known as 10 Brandon Parade, 60 Holly Walk and Preston Lodge. By the 1840s, there were complaints about the ‘bad state’ … Read more
Beech Lawn, “Dr Henry Jephson’s splendid mansion” once stood at the south-west corner of the crossing of Warwick Street and Dale Street. It appears that the land was sold in July 1831 to several people including Daniel Winter Burbury. Designed by a local architect, William Startin, the house was built by Stephen Peasnall and a … Read more
In 1861, a Robert Hobson was living in York Terrace (now the Upper Parade) with his wife, eleven children (of 15) and eleven servants. In the 1861 census Mr Hobson was described as a “Gentleman”. He decided to purchase a piece of land between Beauchamp Avenue and Clarendon Avenue. The land is currently occupied by Kingsley … Read more
No 6 Beauchamp Avenue – originally No.2 Beauchamp Walk – was erected as part of a long-drawn-out speculative development undertaken by Edward Willes, an influential local landowner. A plan of 1822 shows the new town laid out for building up to Warwick Street. By 1834 the avenues between Warwick Street and the present Lillington Avenue … Read more
Contact the Secretary, Margaret Rushton: secretary@leamingtonhistory.co.uk
November 7, 2026
November 6, 2026
November 6, 2026