Vernacular Architecture

Vernacular Architecture

Several cruck-framed structures have been identified within Warburton.

These buildings represent the earliest vernacular building traditions to survive in the area, and appear to date from the 15^th - 17^th century.  The second major timber building tradition in Warburton is that of box framed construction.  One of the earliest known buildings is The Bent farmhouse, which dates back to 1600.

Warburton also contains much evidence relating to the transition to brick building in this region.  The earliest all brick building is probably the former manor house, Park Farm, which appears to have been completely rebuilt in brick at the end of the 17^th century.

All these older buildings were thatched, and though this has often been subsequently removed, the roofs still retain the steep 42-degree angle, as they would have been if thatched.

Lower down the social scale in the township, brick was coming into use for additions and replacements, mainly in farmhouses.  By the early 18^th century, brick became the normal building medium in Warburton.

In the late 19^th century there was another period of rebuilding, this time associated with investment by the Egerton-Warburton Estate.  Much of this rebuilding was to a set style, designed by the noted Victorian architect, John Douglas

In 1918, the Egerton-Warburton family sold the village to the Co-operative Wholesale Society.  Since then, much of the village has been sold off, in particular, the larger farms and properties.

The only major development in recent times has been the erection of twenty-six local authority dwellings along Paddock Lane, Egerton Avenue and Beckett Drive. Whilst these are typical of the architecture of the time they are not, unfortunately, in keeping with the nature and character of the rest of Warburton.

This has been Warburton's only 20^th Century development.

Modern Warburton contains approximately 150 buildings (including dwellings and barns), some of which are listed, ensuring the continuation of Warburton's unique atmosphere, heritage and style.