This week’s #featurefriday detail is from the bridge when you first come into #HeywoodHouse going across the stream. You may not immediately notice it when driving in, but this stone motif is on the left-hand wall of the bridge.
I don’t know about you, but the way the lichen is growing across it really adds to the character of the stone work coat of arms.
Some of you may recognise the oak leaf and acorn motif, but for those who don’t it is from the National Trust.
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The #Nationaltrust had their Finance Headquarters here at Heywood House from 1987 – 2004. They then relocated to their head office in Heelis House in Swindon, where they are still based today. It was in 2005 when the current owner purchased Heywood House, that it was used for #officespace.
So why, did they put a motif like this onto the bridge? A hint as to why can be seen directly opposite, on the other side of the bridge.
Stonework coat of arms at Heywood House
This stonework coat of arms has the initials S.H.B, with the date 1948, which is when the stone work was created. One of the fantastic things about working at a place like Heywood House is deciphering all these little details! It is like being Miss Marple or Harry Potter deciphering the initials.
The beauty of #historicalbuildings is the clues it gives us to discover the past of a person or the place, and here at Heywood House there are so many features and details to intrigue you when wandering around outside or in the #workspaces and #meetingrooms.
The owner of Heywood House in 1948 was Sydney Herbert Barnes. He lived in Southwick and had a family business supplying steam rollers and threshing machines. He bought Heywood House in 1934 and owned it up until 1982.
He undertook extensive restoration to the house. He had to demolish several buildings including the servants’ wing linking the Mansion to the Butchers Shop, to support repairs and use the materials to shore up the more historic fabric. Without his timely intervention, it is unlikely that the house would have survived.
On his death, the house was used as a school and then in 1982 acquired by the National Trust.
The Trust were clearly inspired by Sydney Barnes’ contribution to the fabric of the building and grounds and in true historical style added their own mark as owners of the house and estate themselves, to sit as a record in time.
We are unsure of the stonemason who created the stone work, but imagine it would have been someone local.
If you have ever wondered what it would be like to work in unique #business surroundings like these at #heywoodhousewiltshire then why not get in touch with us today to come and have a look at our available #officespace to rent or our #coworking area?
For those wanting to be part of the #businesscommunity here, we have our Heywood House Membership as well as our newsletter to keep you up to date on everything happening here on site.
Thanks for reading and there will be another #featurefriday post next week, so keep your eyes open for it!
Charlotte