Wooden Bungalow

At the time of the Inclosure Act in 1806, the land where the Wooden Bungalow, and a number of other properties have now been built, was Plot No 355, an allotment in Upper Church Field, 1-0-14 and was owned by Robert Barnard who also owned other land in Norton at this time.  There were no buildings on this side of Church Lane at all.  Robert Barnard appears to have been living at what is now Church House, next to the gates to St Mary’s, Norton.

[1806]

The Barnard family lost a son shortly after this date and the parish register for Norton records that on 2 February 1809 “John Baylis, John Holder, Richard Lea, John Bridgeman and William Barnard, were buried. The above five last named men were unfortunately drowned”. William still has a memorial at St Mary’s alongside his parents Hannah who died in 1817 and Robert who died in 1823.

“In memory of William the son of Robert and Hannah Barnard of this parish who died January 29th 1809 aged 18 years. Death with … when … my parents … twas God … time.”

“In memory of Robert Barnard of this parish who died Octr 9th 1823 aged 65 years. In action prudent and in word sincere. In friendship faithful and in honour dear Thro lifes vain scenes the same in every part. A steady judgement and an honest heart. Also of Hannah his wife who died May 11th 1817 aged 63 years. Meek was her temper pious was her life A tender mother and a faithful wife Alas ! shes gone dear object of my love To increase the number of the Saints above”.

I believe that at some time the plot of land came into the ownership of Benges Farm.

The Wooden Bungalow was built on land that belonged to Richard and Margaret Beale of Benges Farm shortly prior to 1960.

I have a brief record of the history of this bungalow written by Harry Cook, a long time Norton resident, and I will use that as a basis.

In 1955-57 Alan James Cormack Bennett was living at Court Farm, Bishops Norton, with Harry Cook, a cousin, and his family.  Harry recalled that The Wooden Bungalow was built in about 1956/57 by Alan Bennett and I can confirm that he was definitely living there by 1959 and remained here until his death in 1972.  For a long time after this the bungalow was occupied by tenants as recorded by Harry; 

Mr A A Smith, 30 April 1973 – 25 June 1973. 

Mr C F Hall, 20 August 1973 – January 1974.

Mr P Balmer, 1 May 1974 – October 1976.

Mr S A Hunt, 1 November 1976 – August 1978. They had a daughter; Yvette.

Mrs Gwyneth Powell became tenant on 22 August 1978.  Jeffrey K, Gwynneth A Powell and family left in April 1988. 

Let to Mrs Betty Barnes, 1 May 1988.

[2002]

Anthony M Waters and Phillipa Borthwick were here in 2002.

More recently it became the residence of Michael Phelps, a son in law of Harry Cook.  Michael moved here from Yew Tree Farm, Bishops Norton, in the early 2000s and remained here until his death in 2022.