Internal Fittings and FixturesThe fittings and fixtures of a property are one of the most transient parts of its history. Over many years, things wear out and replacements are introduced. When buying replacements it is often impossible to obtain exact originals and often more desirable to use more modern materials. In this section we will attempt to show some of the old fittings and fixtures present in the property and also describe (from historical research) what the originals may have been like. DoorsOriginally, doors would have been constructed of oak using a simple pattern. Traditionally there were no door frames and the doors would be attached straight to the timber frame with wooden hinges. Most doors would have been painted, which is very different from the modern fad of having exposed and stained timbers. An example of an original door (the door to bedroom 3) is shown in the photo below:
With the improvements in iron working, most wooden hinges were replaced with cast iron alternatives. As time progressed and the old oak doors deteriorated, these were generally replaced with modern softwood alternatives, using materials such as pine.
WindowsWindows were generally of a type known as lead casement windows. There were often constructed of a timber frame with metal supports set into the timber. Small pains of glass were then inserted into the frame and help in place with ties and lead strips.
Where windows had an opening part, this was normally made of iron and attached to the wooden frame with iron hinges. Glass would again be attached with ties and strips of lead.
Fire PlacesWhen old properties were originally constructed, they may not have had fireplaces and chimneys. These features would normally have been added at a later date when building with bricks became more common. Early fireplaces would have been large and deep inglenook fireplaces as the primary building material would have been large logs. The fireplaces may have been replaced by range stoves later during the life of the property. The photo below shows the original fireplace in the living room filled in with a modern marble effect alternative.
We have since removed the modern fireplace to return to the original opening. We are now investigating what the contents of the original fireplace would have been.
FloorsLarge timber framed cottages like Monks Chambers almost always had oak floorboards upstairs. Downstairs, quarry tiles would traditionally have been used to help stop damp coming up through the floor.
The oak floorboards would generally be left exposed and would be polished regularly to strengthen them and keep them in good condition. A traditional polish can be made by mixing grated bees wax with turpentine and leaving it for a couple of days. This makes a lovely beeswax polish that can acutally strengthen the floorboard and only needs applying one a year in most places or three of four times in heavily used areas.
FurnitureTradional furniture would almost certainly have been made of wood and was often large, heavy and ornately carved. Much of the furniture from the 17th century retains a distinctly gothic feel to it. Fitted bathrooms would probably not have been added until Victorian times and would have usually been a free-standing rolltop bath and a high-level W.C. Kitchens would also not have been fitted and would usually consist of a number of free-standing units, one of which would usually be a dresser. Some examples of traditional, period furniture are shown below:
|
