4 - v> 
 

THE 
 
 COTTAGE HOMES 
 
 OF 
 
 ENGLAND; 
 
 OE, 
 
 SUGGESTED DESIGNS AND ESTIMATED COST 
 
 OF 
 
 IMPROVED COTTAGE ERECTIONS. 
 
 BY J. W. STEVENSON. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 HOULSTON & STONEMAN, 65, PATERNOSTER ROW. 
 Nottingham : Stevenson and Co. 
 
 1851 . 
 
ENTERED AT STATIONERS’ HALL 
 
TO THE LOVERS OF SOCIAL REFORM, 
 
 AND ESPECIALLY THE 
 
 FRIENDS OF THE LABOURING POPULATION; 
 
 AND TO ALL WHO DESIRE TO 
 
 ELEVATE THE POSITION OE THE WORKING MAN, 
 
 BY 
 
 ^rnmntiug tjj? IkilMag nf Smjmmrii Itollnrgs, 
 
 AND THUS 
 
 GIVING TO HIM A BETTER AND HAPPIER HOME, 
 
 THESE PAGES ARE DEDICATED, WITH RESPECT, 
 
 $tj tjj t Intjinr. 
 
PREAMBLE. 
 
 It must be gratifying to all philanthropists to observe the interest 
 taken by His Royal Highness Prince Albert in the improved 
 construction of “ Lodging Houses for Labourers,” and it is to be 
 hoped such a worthy example as that set by the Illustrious Prince 
 in the actual erection of Cottage Homes for the people will be 
 followed by thousands. 
 
 His Royal Highness has been graciously pleased to order a copy 
 of this work to be added to the Royal Library at Buckingham 
 Palace. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 It has long been the expressed opinion of great and eminent men, 
 that very much remains to be done by “those in authority,”—by 
 noblemen, by owners of property, and others,—to raise the fallen 
 and depressed condition of the working classes of this country, and 
 to elevate them to a higher and better position than many of them 
 now occupy, in their Cottage Homes and Dwellings. 
 
 To the credit of a portion of the English aristocracy be it recorded, 
 that several villages and hamlets in the immediate vicinities of their 
 mansions, present honorable memorials of philanthropic and bene¬ 
 volent endeavours to place their servants and labouring dependants 
 in a better and prouder position than, some years ago, was occupied 
 by them. Well would it be if others would follow so worthy an 
 example. For is it not unquestionably true, that human lives are 
 considered as only of secondary importance, where feudal grandeur, 
 preservation of game, exclusive privacy, and broad acres are the 
 ruling passions of titled and monied men ? 
 
 Nothing would have a greater tendency to improve the circum¬ 
 stances of the much-neglected working man, than building for him 
 a home of comfort and convenience, and surrounding him with 
 associations of an elevating character. 
 
 Much that is praiseworthy and great has yet to be achieved, ere 
 our noble land shall stand beautifully decked with happy homes for 
 the sons and daughters of toil. 
 
 The accompanying pages have been written from a strong desire 
 to witness a better state of things, and with a sincere hope that 
 they may be instrumental in promoting so desirable a consummation. 
 
 JOHN W. STEVENSON. 
 
 Newark-upo n- Trent , 
 
 Oct., 1850. 
 
 B 
 
THE COTTAGE HOMES OF ENGLAND. 
 
 There is no description of buildings in the British empire which 
 requires the prompt attention of the wealthy and philanthropic 
 members of the community, more than those which these pages are 
 intended humbly to delineate : nor is there any class of individuals 
 that has a greater claim to the possession of those necessary “home 
 comforts ” only to be found in the well-built house, and little 
 arrangements judiciously but inexpensively provided, than those for 
 whose benefit this work is published. 
 
 It is acknowledged that “labour is wealth,” in whatever form it 
 is produced, so long as it is honestly attained; and the real 
 producer of it ought, in justice, to participate therein; not ad libitum , 
 but in proportion as he benefits others; not in a pecuniary sense, 
 for then no line of demarcation could be drawn, or social happi¬ 
 ness be long preserved; but in an indirect manner should the 
 labouring man be rewarded for his labour and toil, by the counte¬ 
 nance and protection of his employers, who are morally bound to 
 provide, or see provided, for his use, a suitable and comfortable 
 “Cottage Home.” This provision is due to the honest and indus¬ 
 trious labourer, and the well-being of the whole community, in a 
 much greater degree than is generally supposed, is involved in its 
 being made, and that speedily. The possession of such a home 
 would be an equivalent, combined with fair wages, for his labour 
 and toil,—a home of comfort , convenience , recreation, and profit. 
 
 Of comfort , because, on his return from his daily toil, it would be 
 to a cottage whence disease would be excluded; where the plain but 
 cheerful appearance of his little home would bind him to it; and 
 where the well-conducted partner of his joys and sorrows, free from 
 the perplexing cares to which she is now so frequently subject, 
 would welcome him to his frugal but cleanly repast, and his chil¬ 
 dren hail him with pleasure as their protector and guide. 
 
8 THE COTTAGE HOMES 
 
 Of convenience , because, in a well-arranged and wisely-constructed 
 cottage home, he will possess this essential to contentment. The 
 warm kitchen; the tidy house-place or parlour; the private sleeping 
 apartment; the small but useful larder or pantry; the little store 
 chamber or landing; the tool-house and out-offices; the soft and 
 hard water provision; with the various other auxiliaries that con¬ 
 stitute convenience, to which he must have been a stranger, while 
 his habitation was badly-ventilated and constructed, and where no 
 inducement to improve it was held out to him. 
 
 Of recreation , for here, after the toils and labors of the day, might 
 the well-disposed and well-informed labourer improve his mind,— by 
 attention to his garden, to his books, and to his children,—and make 
 himself, by so doing, a happier and a better man, instead of saun¬ 
 tering away, in idleness or in drunkenness, those moments which 
 he calls his own. 
 
 Of projit, from the circumstance of producing from his garden 
 those articles needful for existence which otherwise he must dearly 
 pay for. The profits of industry no man can fully compute, but the 
 thoughtful and provident man will use his endeavours to keep him¬ 
 self respectable in the sphere in which he moves; and although he 
 may not amass wealth, he will effectually exclude beggary and gaunt 
 famine, by his exertions and endeavours to provide all “things 
 honest;” the claims upon his heart strengthen his hands; the dis¬ 
 position to excel in his garden produce; the ambition of being praised 
 for his trouble and care in cultivation, are motives which will urge 
 him forward to continued industry; and, at gathering time, he 
 is more than amply rewarded by the beneficent hand of that 
 Providence which sendeth “the early and the latter rain,” and 
 ordereth all things in their season. 
 
 Upon the realization of these four points of comfort, convenience, 
 recreation, and profit, by the great mass of the labouring popula¬ 
 tion, in a moral sense, greatly depends their well-being and orderly 
 conduct: more, they may be regarded as the very germ of peaceful 
 quietude and national happiness. Placed on this foundation no 
 superstructure can fall. Of its ultimate good to the poor but honest 
 
OF ENGLAND. 9 
 
 heart there cannot exist the least doubt. 
 
 It would be a happy and wise legislation, if our ruling powers 
 were seriously, earnestly, and effectually to set about improving the 
 condition of the poorer classes by enacting laws for the better 
 construction of tenements, cottages, and residences for all grades, 
 based upon the broad principle of that humanity which is due to all, 
 and which each owes to the other. Such regulations could not be 
 otherwise than extensively beneficial, inasmuch as the stream of 
 idleness, debauchery, and crime would be constantly driven back by 
 the opposite current of habits of honest industry, frugality, and 
 independence, habits which form the stronghold and bulwark of 
 integrity, and which operate as a terror to the profligate and dissolute. 
 Take a man from the midst of evil companions; erect him a humble 
 but neat cottage; give him employment suited to his capacity; 
 surround him with intelligent minds of his own station in life; let 
 him pay moderately for his occupation; place half a rood of land 
 or garden at his disposal; give him access to useful books ; teach 
 him to be frugal and industrious; patronize his exertions; and that 
 man, in all probability, will become a provident man, a good mem¬ 
 ber of society, a pattern to others, a kind father, a good husband, 
 and an ornament of his condition; and he will bless the means and 
 day whereby he was induced to cease to do evil. 
 
 Contrast such a home with the miserable dwelling-places of too 
 many of the honest and industrious labourers of this country. Con¬ 
 trast it, also, with the wretched dens of squalor, contagion, and 
 disease; inhabited by the drunken father, the untidy and gossipping 
 mother, and their wretched offspring; with the low, damp, ill- 
 arranged, and badly-constructed dwellings, from which fever is never 
 absent,—where profanation and evil practices abound, and, as an 
 ultimate result, where infamy insensibly fixes its brand upon the 
 family; and thus a prison, workhouse, madhouse, or one of our penal 
 settlements is made to become the receptacle of those who, under 
 other circumstances, might have been useful members of society, 
 and good citizens of the world. 
 
 It is by association with others that the mind of man becomes 
 
10 THE COTTAGE HOMES 
 
 more impregnated with evil or with good. The man who, after the 
 toils of the day are over, has no inducement to remain at home, will 
 associate with the idle and reckless, and soon learn to assimilate 
 himself to their habits. However cleanly and tidy his cottage may 
 be, if it has no attraction of a garden, of conveniences, of recreation, 
 or profit, he will not be induced to stay at home. In the summer 
 months, however engaged the labourer may be with his employer, 
 he will possess some little time to call his own; and although that 
 man may be affectionate to his wife and children, respectable in his 
 station, respected by his employer, and tolerably well-suited with 
 work, and fair wages, yet, if he lacks the principal means of improve¬ 
 ment, he is not so happy and contented as he otherwise would be. 
 Perhaps, in the same village, or elsewhere, is to be found some 
 better dwelling than his own, with garden and all necessary appur¬ 
 tenances, inhabited by some one not so deserving as himself; this 
 will lead him to be dissatisfied with his condition. He murmurs at 
 his wife, and becomes petulant with his children; envy has destroyed 
 his peace, and to drown recollection, he must e’en go down to the 
 village tap, to hear the gossip of the w r eek, or meet some companion 
 as miserable, envious, and wretched as himself. This is the com¬ 
 mencement of his ruin. From his weekly visit, he goes thrice. 
 Again and again does the fatal poison urge him to renewal, until 
 nightly visits, under the semblance of enjoying himself, become his 
 practice. All that is unmanly and brutal follow in course. His 
 work is neglected; his home deserted; his employment lost; his 
 family beggared; and to crown all, some evil end is the result of 
 that one false step to that unfortunate, unhappy man. 
 
 0, ye landlords of England ! ye nobles and magnates of the land ! 
 save the poor labourer of your country, city, town, parish, or hamlet. 
 One little effort, properly applied, will produce a harvest of gratitude, 
 of honest, heartfelt thankfulness, which will more than repay you 
 for your exertions. Freely bestow upon the poorer classes that 
 which truly enriches them, raises them in the scale of society, keeps 
 them from becoming burdensome to the parish, or the recipients 
 of occasional charity; that which soothes the afflictions of the aged 
 
OF ENGLAND. 11 
 
 and infirm when unable to work for their bread; combine to uproot 
 contagion, pestilence, and disease, and give a healthier, livelier tone 
 to the power and influence of renovated and improved life amongst 
 the labouring population. 
 
 There is every argument for improving the dwellings for the 
 cottager and labouring man. The social condition of mankind, 
 generally speaking, is most pure when placed under proper classifi¬ 
 cation. The most striking and characteristic feature of a great 
 nation far advanced in intelligence and morality is, a due regard to 
 her law's and institutions. This affects every grade, from the hand 
 that sways the sceptre to the lowest condition of society. 
 
 England ! oft quoted as the envy of surrounding nations and the 
 wonder of the world, has yet much to do to ameliorate the condition 
 of those who have not the power or inclination to better themselves. 
 She is not yet sufficiently advanced in civilization to cry out, “ my 
 work is complete ! ” So long as the dens of squalor, wretchedness, 
 misery, crime, absolute beggary, and starvation remain amongst her 
 inhabitants and their dwellings, discontent, like a plague spot, will 
 increase, till it becomes incurable. Instead of rising, as a country 
 should do, in morality, intelligence, religion, and prosperity, she 
 must and will retrograde, and ultimately be reduced to the condition 
 of her less advanced neighbours. 
 
 Let, then, every owner of property, prompted by a truly noble, 
 benevolent, and patriotic impulse, engage himself in this new and 
 great work. Let him examine his own immediate neighbourhood, 
 and if possessing little or much that is not properly built, venti¬ 
 lated, or fit for human habitation, at once order its removal or 
 alteration, and substitute thereon an improved cottage or cottages. 
 Singly, much may be done: unitedly, all can be accomplished. 
 Instead of the present unsightly appearances on the face of nature, 
 so forbidding and objectionable, will appear a host of dwellings 
 harmonizing with civilized life, and producing to the owner a return 
 for his outlay. The amazing amount of good that will thus be con¬ 
 ferred upon the hundreds and thousands no pen can write or tongue 
 declare. 
 
12 THE COTTAGE HOMES 
 
 It must be allowed, that to place a man of bad dispositions in 
 any position of life we please, so long as that man’s mind remains 
 tainted we do not improve his moral condition. On the other 
 hand, since poverty is not crime, should we, in the least degree, 
 elevate the position and character of the wretched but honest heart, 
 we achieve, perhaps, more for the good of our country and the well¬ 
 being of society, than by the application of talent or wealth in any 
 other form. 
 
 With all due deference to the various works by clever and intelli¬ 
 gent men already issued from the press, on “ Improved Dwellings 
 for the Poor,” the Author of this little treatise entertains the 
 opinion, that the whole of them are deficient in not presenting the 
 great inducement to the good work of elevating and bettering the 
 position of the labourer. It is in furtherance of so great, so noble, 
 and so benevolent an object that these pages are submitted to the 
 world, and an attempt made to point out an improved method of 
 constructing for the labourer a cottage of comfort, convenience, 
 recreation, and profit; and this attempt is earnestly and respectfully 
 recommended to the fair and impartial notice of every well-wisher 
 of his country and his fellow man. 
 
 Many arguments might be deduced from the varied and important 
 features of this interesting subject, to shew that the accomplishment 
 of the object in view would prove alike beneficial to all classes of 
 the labouring population of town and country, and that it is intimately 
 associated with all that is praiseworthy and valuable in the social 
 world, and identified with the interests of station and the pecuniary 
 advantage of those whose incomes are derived from, or produced by, 
 rent or other similar sources, more than, at first sight, many may, 
 perhaps, feel disposed to allow. 
 
 With honest feelings, and a deep conviction of the necessity and 
 importance of prompt attention being paid this subject, this treatise, 
 with the accompanying instructions, specifications, plans, and esti¬ 
 mates, in detail, is submitted to the consideration of all whom it 
 may concern; trusting that it will make its way upon any merit 
 it may possess. 
 
^' sWE,ANDG X 
 
 
14 THE COTTAGE HOMES 
 
 The fir#t and principal thing is a proper and judicious selection of 
 THE SITE. 
 
 It is obvious that low, marshy, and damp land should be avoided; 
 also ponds, pools, ditches, stagnant waters, and other similar places, 
 should be as far as practicable from the intended erection. The 
 cottage should be built alongside, or adjoining the road or public 
 highway, sufficiently back to admit a little flower garden in the front 
 of it; care to be taken not to make a cottage erection look isolated 
 or solitary. A cheerful appearance in a building adds much to the 
 apparent respectability of it, and gains the attention and commen¬ 
 dation of the inhabitants, and also casual passers-by. 
 
 This arrangement causes the occupier to cultivate his plot of land 
 with care; and as he probably expects a little praise for his exertions, 
 it encourages him to pay attention to, and makes him proud of, his 
 garden. Get a man to the point of keeping neat and pretty his 
 front plot, and you may rely upon his becoming attached to his 
 cottage and all it contains; it will lead him, also, to a proper culti¬ 
 vation of his kitchen garden, and thence to the improvement of his 
 own station and respectability, and the education and welfare of his 
 family. 
 
 ASPECT AND POSITION. 
 
 For rural erections, and where the owner of the property is not 
 particular to a few yards of land, he should not insist upon such 
 cottage being built parallel with the road, or uniform, as it is termed, 
 with others already built, or in a line with them; especially when 
 such existing buildings are not placed north-west, south-west, north¬ 
 east, or south-east, for it is of the utmost importance so to place 
 them, in order to get the sun all round the building. These aspects 
 apply to all buildings for human habitations, and should always be 
 borne in mind by the intelligent workman, builder, and owner of 
 property. 
 
 This arrangement will, no doubt, be strongly opposed by the pre¬ 
 judiced admirer of “ order and linebut no excuse for deviation 
 
OF ENGLAND. 15 
 
 therefrom can be sufficiently important or convincing to justify 
 departure from it. 
 
 In constructing buildings in populous villages, cities, and market 
 towns, it would be in vain to attempt to impress the necessity of 
 keeping to these aspects. Yet, even there, “to build wisely is to 
 build well;” and so it is not wise to exclude the beneficial action of 
 that glorious luminary which is so necessary to our health and 
 comfortable existence. 
 
 No lover of health would object to the plan; and the admirer of 
 the picturesque would feel rather pleased than otherwise with an 
 irregular line of cottage houses, on undulating ground, placed singly, 
 in pairs, or intermixed, to suit the fancy, with a serpentine road, 
 moderate woodland around, combined with other accessories, so 
 beautiful in appearance, and to be found in many parts of the varied 
 and fertile village spots of “Merry Old England.” 
 
 EXTENT OF LAND REQUIRED. 
 
 The cottage should be placed midway its width of land, so as to 
 admit the action of the sun’s rays all round, as well as to allow 
 access to the garden and back premises. The front portion of land 
 should be laid out as an ornamental flower and herb garden, with 
 small grass plot, (to taste). This garden, of the full-length of the 
 house frontage, and not exceeding twelve yards, or less than eight 
 yards, in width; but this arrangement must, in many instances, be 
 guided by circumstances. Where the land is tolerably wide, the 
 gardens could be cultivated and laid-out at the ends and back of the 
 houses ; where narrow, the back portion only. 
 
 Each cottage should have not less than a rood and a half of 
 land for its site and gardens, and where its owner could appropriate 
 more it would be desirable. 
 
 STYLE OF BUILDING. 
 
 The projectors of new cottage tenements should study, in all 
 cases, to give spacious and ample room for all purposes. If the 
 ornamental style is adopted, it is frequently at the expense of the 
 
16 THE COTTAGE HOMES 
 
 comfort of its interior: the cost of embellishment detracting from 
 what otherwise would be the area of the rooms. It is a sad mistake 
 to make cottage tenements too small for comfortable occupancy. 
 By giving a genteel and (by some considered) handsome exterior, in 
 elevation, or in the introduction of large projecting breaks, set-offs, 
 high gables, bay and dormer windows, barge board finishings, 
 clustered lofty chimnies, and other varied matters; it must be 
 distinctly understood, that these are not trifling expences in the 
 erection of a cottage,—for wherever a broken line is made in a 
 building, there, of necessity, must follow its roof, valleys, and 
 finishings, causing additional labor and expensive material. 
 
 By keeping the rooms uniform and square, substituting for the 
 cost of the broken line of roofs and decorations above-named, an 
 enlarged size of the cottage is obtained. A good, substantial, and 
 well-finished building, plain hut neat in its exterior, and sufficiently 
 spacious and convenient in its interior arrangements and fittings. 
 
 It is, therefore, strongly recommended to the owners of property 
 and the builders of new cottages, to adopt simply all work that is 
 square on the plan as the best and most economical style for 
 cottage erections, in any position or under any circumstances. In 
 some cases, the owner may produce a tasteful appearance in the 
 arrangement of cottage dwellings and out-offices by studying to 
 please the eye, assisted by the natural adjuncts of the locality or 
 position, &c. It does not follow that any peculiar style should be 
 adopted or any previous neat dwelling copied, because it looks 
 pretty, tasteful, and neat. If economy is any object with the pro¬ 
 prietor, he will do well to avoid unnecessary and expensive 
 embellishment; and although a mean-looking dwelling would be 
 open to censure, nothing can be said against the house where all is 
 to be found that the inhabitant requires, built more for convenience 
 than beauty, more for comfort than taste, and more for the advan¬ 
 tages of pleasure and recreation than to suit the eye or the fashion. 
 
 ARRANGEMENT, SIZE OF ROOMS, &c. 
 
 No house or principal living room should be less than thirteen 
 
OF ENGLAND. 17 
 
 feet by twelve feet, or bed-room than eleven feet by nine feet; 
 kitchens about twelve feet by twelve feet, with nine feet by five and 
 a-half feet pantries or larders where stores are kept, or six feet by 
 six feet otherwise. The lower rooms should not be less than eight 
 feet high from floor to ceiling, and the chambers less than seven 
 and a-half feet. Closets should be provided for family purposes, if 
 practicable. Where not convenient to do so, a wide landing on top 
 of stairs might be made available for such purposes, and for the 
 reception of boxes, chests, trunks, &c. An outer detached room 
 for coals, sticks, tools, &c., is requisite, which might be erected in 
 such situation and of such form as will best suit the taste and 
 inclination of the owner and occupier, or be best adapted for general 
 purposes, and form or position of land. Connected with the coal 
 and stick house above-named, and underneath a portion of the same 
 roof, or otherwise, as may be deemed best, should be a privy, plainly 
 but decently fitted-up; and connected therewith, and at the back or 
 side, a large ashes pit or cistern should be formed, sinking a great 
 portion of the depth thereof in the earth: taking care that these 
 things are far removed from the well and the dwelling-house. 
 
 Landlords and others concerned in building new cottages should 
 discountenance the breeding or keeping of swine by the occupier of 
 the cottage, as being primarily detrimental to health when kept in 
 close contiguity with the tenement, frequently unprofitable and very 
 expensive, and often a great temptation or inducement to dishonesty, 
 by purloining the property of others to feed the animals. Encou¬ 
 ragement might safely be given to the keeping of fowls, as a means 
 of profitable income; or of bee keeping, with any other pursuit that 
 might honestly bring in a few shillings in the year. This liberty 
 most landlords will allow. 
 
 Provision underneath staircase or any other suitable situation for 
 housing away potatoes or other vegetables, for winter use, should be 
 made. 
 
 In building a pair of cottages under one roof, take the precaution 
 so to fix and arrange both doors and windows that one neighbour 
 cannot overlook the other. This will prevent much evil, as privacy, 
 
18 THE COTTAGE HOMES 
 
 in all domestic matters, is worthy of consideration. 
 
 The writer would strongly advocate the fixing of distinct staircases 
 to the chambers; and he earnestly recommends, in all cottage 
 erections, that they may be fixed so as to be approachable from 
 both house and kitchen, without interference with the privacy of 
 either. This is desirable in case of affliction ; because the medical 
 attendant can then visit without interruption, and the tidy and well- 
 ordered housewife, also, will better be able to keep clean and 
 comfortable both herself and dwelling; so that on any stated or 
 periodical visit of the esquire, his lady, or the clergyman, all will 
 appear in quiet and good order; and in case of death, the remains 
 of the departed can be brought down stairs without annoyance to 
 the relatives and mourners, by unnecessary bustle and stir. 
 
 If there be no good spring in the vicinity, a well should be sunk, 
 to serve the two occupiers, in such situation as will be most servic- 
 able, taking care to keep it a good distance from the privy and ashes 
 cistern, as already noticed. 
 
 Provision should be made for the reception of rain water by 
 building a tank underneath a portion of the kitchen floor, over 
 which a small sinkstone should be fixed, and small common hand 
 pump with two barrels, one from the cistern underneath, and the 
 other to get a supply from the well. This may seem a superfluity 
 in the estimation of some persons, but when the advantages of 
 comfort, combined with cleanliness, are intelligently considered, 
 their trifling cost must plead their adoption. From this sinkstone, 
 cistern, and yard, suitable drain-tile soughs should be laid, to take 
 all overflow, drain, and surplus water effectually away; and if not 
 disposed of at once, to make cesspools or dry wells, (properly trapped 
 to prevent effluvia), sufficiently capacious to contain a large accumu¬ 
 lation of silt or sediment. This refuse will, by the good management 
 of the occupier, prove advantageous to his garden. 
 
 The pantry or larder should be sunk a few steps in the earth, in 
 order to render it cool; and to give sufficient headway underneath 
 the stairs; on two sides of which pantries, plaster-run benches upon 
 brick arches should be fixed, with a sufficiency of shelves. 
 
OF ENGLAND. 19 
 
 The bed-rooms should be strictly private, and accessible from one 
 landing or passage, having a window casement looking thereon, to 
 ventilate as well as throw light on the landing, the passage, the 
 stairs, and to each bed-room door, being so hung that, at proper 
 times, this, as well as every window casement, may be set open. 
 
 Upon the plan above-named, and a casual glance at the general 
 plan attached, it will be seen that an entire course or current of 
 pure air can be got in and through every room, which is the most 
 natural as well as the most inexpensive and best system of ventila¬ 
 tion. 
 
 DECORATIONS, COST, &c. 
 
 Where the outlay is intended as an investment for capital to pro¬ 
 duce interest, there arises a material question that must affect the 
 cottage dimensions. It could not really be afforded, generally 
 speaking, to add any decorative work to the cost of a building, 
 which, if erected in the plainest and simplest manner possible, fully 
 amounts to the expense for which a remunerative rent could be 
 obtained. Now, although individuals here and there may build 
 cottages without regard to pecuniary return, it may be assumed, 
 generally, as an undeniable fact, that no class of cottages will be 
 erected which do not command reasonable interest for the money 
 expended upon them. 
 
 The ornamental workmanship even upon the necessary material 
 required in the building of cottages, does not, as already observed, 
 add to the comfort or convenience of it, while it materially increases 
 the expenses to the proprietor. 
 
 Where there is a desire to have elegance of design and chasteness 
 of decoration, although unnecessary, it can, of course, be obtained 
 to any extent, and at any cost, according to the taste and inclination 
 of the owner, and the talent of his architect, and the skill of his 
 workman. 
 
 It is not possible to erect and complete, substantially and honestly, 
 a really good cottage tenement upon an improved plan, with three 
 sleeping rooms of sufficient size, with offices and other conveniences 
 complete, even very plain, and with the usual advantages, in any 
 
20 THE COTTAGE HOMES OF ENGLAND. 
 
 district of England, for a less sum than one hundred and ten 
 pounds. 
 
 Minuter details will be given in the specification accompanying 
 this publication, to which the reader is referred, and also to the 
 plans as to the general design and intention; any deviation from 
 which will either increase or lessen the estimated cost. But, taking 
 the assumed size, form, character, and intention as data of the cal¬ 
 culation made and annexed hereto, in two separate detailed sums, 
 for a cottage in its plainest state, and the ornamental additions, to 
 carry out the suggested style and finishing laid down as per per¬ 
 spective elevation, (see Frontispiece), the additional charges therein 
 mentioned will arise. 
 
 SUGGESTED IMPORTANT MEMORANDA. 
 
 In the building of a pair of cottages under one roof, it is advisable 
 to form them alike, with the same arrangements and conveniences, 
 &c. This will save much contention and envy, and be one great 
 means of the parties living harmoniously and comfortably together. 
 
 In the allotment or distribution of cottages when built, avoid any¬ 
 thing like partiality amongst tenants; endeavour to conciliate all, 
 and, by firmness and determination, insist upon regular and strict 
 attention to general instructions, that cleanliness may be maintained, 
 with respect to the dwellings, out-buildings, gardens, and, as far as 
 practicable, the personal appearance of the inmates. 
 
 Deal kindly with the erring and inconsiderate, look over their 
 first faults, punish them not too harshly, and they will remember 
 the chastisement beneficially for the future. 
 
 Offer small premiums for competition amongst the tenants, for 
 their garden productions, &c. This will excite them to industry 
 and a laudable emulation. 
 
 Establish and maintain, as far as practicable, a library of useful 
 books, for loan amongst the labouring classes. 
 
$ 
 
 
 
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22 
 
 GENERAL SPECIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION OF 
 WORK REQUIRED IN THE ERECTION AND COM- 
 • PLETION OF LABOURERS’ COTTAGES. 
 
 CONDITIONS. 
 
 The materials used throughout these erections shall be the best 
 of their several kinds, and the labour thereon of satisfactory and 
 approved workmanship, executed under the directions and subject 
 to the entire approval of the proprietor or his agent. 
 
 No bad or unsound material shall be suffered to be used iq the 
 building, or be allowed upon the premises ; and in case any inferior 
 workmanship or material be attempted to be so used or brought 
 upon the works with such intention, the contractor shall be bound 
 to remove them after receiving a w T ritten notice to that effect from 
 the proprietor or agent aforesaid; and proper materials and labour 
 thereon shall, be substituted, or they shall have power in case of 
 refusal or default to obtain from any party or place they may think 
 proper, suitable materials and workmanship, and charge the entire 
 cost, with all expenses thereon, upon the contractor, who must pay for 
 the same out of the monies which may be due to him from the 
 proprietor. 
 
 The contractor shall be expected to enter into an agreement to 
 perform the whole of the intended work, as shewn upon plans or 
 described in this specification, which, with the conditions thereof, 
 are to be considered separately and annexedly the basis of the 
 contract between the proprietor and himself, and shall be considered 
 binding, with no power of appeal, legal or otherwise. 
 
 No deviation from the same contract shall invalidate or alteration 
 
THE COTTAGE HOMES OF ENGLAND. 23 
 
 destroy it, and the cost caused by any alteration or deviation 
 shall be added to or deducted from the amount of tendered 
 contract, as the case may be; the price thereof to be apportioned 
 by any respectable valuer the proprietor may appoint. No alteration 
 in excess of contract -whatever will be allowed, unless by a written 
 order given by the proprietor, prior to the same being commenced. 
 
 The proprietor or his agent shall have power to order the removal 
 of any workman, for incompetence, neglect, or other cause, if they 
 think proper so to do; and the contractor shall not, without permis¬ 
 sion, re-employ such workman. 
 
 The contractor shall be required to clear away, at the completion 
 of his work, all rubbish that may have been made during the 
 progress of it, and shall leave the whole in every department of his 
 trade in a clean and satisfactory state, and shall deliver to the owner 
 the property so built, free from any charges that may be upon it of 
 district or other fees. 
 
 Payments shall be made as the work progresses, at the rate of 
 £75 per cent, upon all work actually executed, upon the builder 
 producing a written certificate from the proprietor’s architect or agent, 
 and the balance of contract within two months of its completion. 
 
 The proprietor will not bind himself to accept the lowest tender, 
 nor will any remuneration be given for the preparation of estimates. 
 
 EXCAVATORS AND BRICKLAYERS’ WORK. 
 
 Dig out trenches to receive walls of house and out-offices, at least 
 1 foot below the surface. Excavate for pantries 2£ feet below 
 level of kitchen floors, and dig out water cistern underneath each 
 kitchen floor, 7-6 by 5-6 by 5-6. Excavate for all required ashes pits 
 
 feet from natural surface of land. 
 
 If no good spring is near the dwelling, sink a well in such 
 situation as will be convenient to each house. 
 
 Level on garden all useful good soil, and cart away all rubbish 
 and surplus refuse, and leave clean and in a satisfactory state. 
 
24 
 
 THE COTTAGE HOMES 
 
 The bricks used in this erection shall be those known as the best 
 common, hard, sound, and well burnt; those used for the front and 
 ends shall be carefully selected therefrom at the time of leading on 
 the premises, and the whole to be truly and firmly laid in old 
 English or Flemish bond, in mortar composed of good, fresh, and 
 well burnt lime, (generally used for building purposes in the locality 
 where such erections are placed), and loamy pit sand. 
 
 Footings in two courses to be laid under all walls, and a plinth 
 six courses deep to project one inch from face of work, and continued 
 allround the external walls. All outer walls and gables to be not less 
 than one brick thick, and inner walls half brick. 
 
 If the soil is of a damp nature, lay the footings in strong asphalte, 
 and build for three courses in the same material , or lay a course of com¬ 
 mon Welsh slates in cement all round the said walls, the full 
 width thereof. 
 
 Build in cement the water tanks, of the finished internal sizes of 
 6-0 by 4-0 by 4-0, or lay one-brick walls to form same in strong lime, 
 raked joints, and rendered in like material; double pave the floor 
 in cement; turn a half brick arch over the whole, and form manhole 
 for access, making suitable provision for both inlet and outlet. 
 
 Set all window and door frames in reveal of 4£ inches. 
 
 Build and parge all chimneys and the inner shafts thereof, turn all 
 arches and skew backs, form all sills (except for doors), pave all 
 floors with 6-inch squares in mortar, bed all frames, set and run 
 all benches, cut all work required, make good and leave perfect. 
 
 Lay common tile drain to each house in such situation as may be 
 ordered. 
 
 STONEMASONS’ WORK. 
 
 Provide and fix York stone step to front and back doors, 3-6 by 
 12 by 3 ; also hearth stones to all fire places where required, 6 inches 
 longer than their several openings at each end, and of the width of 2 
 feet in the lower rooms, and 18 inches in the chambers. 
 
 Provide and fix two small sinkstones and pump troughs of the 
 value of 10s. each. 
 
OF ENGLAND. 25 
 
 Provide and fix York stone well-cover 3-6 by 3-6 by 3. 
 
 All the window openings to have dripped, throated, and cleansed 
 sills 7 by 4. 
 
 CARPENTERS AND JOINERS’ WORK. 
 
 The timber used in these erections to be Dantiz, Memel, or Riga 
 fir, free from sap, shakes, loose or dead knots and other imperfec¬ 
 tions, and to be well seasoned. The battens and deals to be Peters- 
 burgh, and all the wood required for the joiners’ work to be Chris¬ 
 tiana deal or yellow pine. 
 
 The roof to be formed of lock couple principals, with timbers of 
 the following scantling, viz :— 
 
 Wall plate, 5f by 3. 
 
 Purlins, 5f by 3. 
 
 Bond, 4f by 3. 
 
 Common rafters, 3 by 2f, fixed 12 inches apart. 
 
 Eaves Boards, 5f by 1. 
 
 Hip Rafters, 7 by If. 
 
 Ridge Boards, 5f by 1. 
 
 Ceiling Beams, 7 by 2f, (No. 3 in each house). 
 
 Ceiling Joists, 3 by If. 
 
 The out office and privy roof to be of like character in all respects 
 excepting ceiling joists. 
 
 Lintels, 4f by 3, to all door and window openings. 
 
 Chamber floor Joists, 7 by 2f, fixed 12 inches apart. 
 
 Bed Plates, fixed 12 in. apart, 4f by 1. 
 
 Smaller openings or bearings to have half battens, bridged. 
 
 Provide and hang If-inch 4 panel square framed doors to all 
 internal doorways, on 5f by If rebated casings, hung with one pair of 
 2f cast butts and screws, and furnished with spring catch latches. 
 
 The outer doors of house to be If-inch bead and flush in four panels, 
 hung in 5f by 3 solid fir frame, with 3-inch butts and screws, 7-inch 
 iron rim lock and two 7-inch barrel bolts thereon. 
 
 All out houses and privies to have 1-inch ledged doors, in 4f by 3 
 solid fir frames, hung with Tee hinges, thumb latch, and stock lock. 
 
26 THE COTTAGE HOMES 
 
 The whole of the window openings to have Yorkshire lights, lead 
 lights, or iron casements in fir frames, hexagonal pattern; frame 
 5£ by 3, the inner side of which finishes with plastering of room. 
 
 Single mouldings round house doors and saslies, with window 
 boards to all windows, on small brackets. 
 
 Angle staffs or beads to all chimney broasts. 
 
 Provide and fix wood chimney-pieces to house and bed-room, 
 value 6s. each. 
 
 Provide and fix f plain skirting, 4 inches wide, all round the 
 rooms. 
 
 Provide and fix l-inch treads in risers, to form stairs, on 
 sufficient carriages, with 3 by 3 newel, 1-inch bar ballusters, and half- 
 round handrail. 
 
 Provide and fix 1-inch privy seat on £ riser and carriages. 
 
 Find all moulds, wood bricks, make all centres, and fully and fairly 
 perform all requirements in a satisfactory manner. 
 
 PLASTERERS’ WORK. 
 
 Render two coats all internal walls of house, and lath and prick up 
 two-coat ceilings, and stooth partitions throughout same. Run 2^-inch 
 plaster floors to bed-rooms, if required, and leave perfect. 
 
 In localities where plaster becomes expensive, substitute, if cheaper 
 or equal, 1-inch folding white deal floor boards on 9 by 1£ joists, 
 (12 inches apart,) and trimmed for hearthstones, cross herring¬ 
 boned, and left sound. 
 
 Run plaster benches in cellars, or perform the same in tile, stone, 
 or Keen’s patent cement. 
 
 Lime white tool-house, coal-place, and privy three coats. 
 
 Repair all damaged work and leave perfect. 
 
 SLATERS AND TILERS’ WORK. 
 
 Cover the roof of building with good Bangor countess slates, 2£-in. 
 lap, upon strong red deal laths, two nails of copper in each slate; 
 well toach same ; lay, in coloured mortar, Newcastle flanged ridge 
 tiles. 
 
 Provide and tile in with pantile the out-offices, and toach. 
 
OF ENGLAND. 27 
 
 PLUMBERS AND GLAZIERS’ WORK. 
 
 Lay 61b. vallies and 51b. flashings to chimneys on roof, 20 
 inches wide, glaze with good seconds Newcastle crown glass all the 
 windows throughout, and leave at completion of the work all in a 
 sound state.' 
 
 Provide and fix one double barrelled pump complete to each house, 
 of the value of 70s. each set, including standard, ironwork, and laying 
 on service from well-laid cistern. 
 
 Provide and fix zinc tubings 2 inches in diameter, to ceilings of 
 all rooms without fireplaces; carry the same through the rafters and 
 slates, and mount with conical cover, above roof level, into which 
 air can have easy access. 
 
 IRONWORK. 
 
 Provide No. 2 30-inch proper oven and boiler, and fix the same. 
 
 ,, ,, 2 Sham stoves for house and ditto. 
 
 „ „ 2 Chamber grate for bed room and ditto. 
 
 ,, ,, 2 Irons for chimney bars to kitchen fireplace, and ditto. 
 
 Half-round spouting on brackets to all eaves, with 2|--inch cast 
 
 iron downrights, with heads, shoes, &c., complete. 
 
 Air bricks to be fixed where directed, for ventilation. 
 
 PAINTERS’ WORK. 
 
 The whole of the work usually painted to have three coats good oil 
 colour internally, and the outer work four coats, and all ironwork to 
 have four coats in oil. 
 
28 
 
 THE FOLLOWING PLANS 
 
 Are the result of a long and extensive experience in almost 
 every class of building, and it is the object of the author in the 
 present work to exhibit by drawings and description that which 
 appears to him to assume the most pleasing form, without any 
 sacrifice of the comfort and convenience so essential to health. 
 
 It will be found, on reference to the drawings, that the object is 
 not to confine the owners of property to one monotonous style of 
 Cottage erections in their external appearance or inner arrange¬ 
 ments, but upon the principle “that variation of construction of 
 dwellings is as important to the improvement of our towns and 
 villages, as the infinitude of employments in which society is 
 engaged are to its existence; or, the multiplicity of objects to the 
 grandeur of a landscape.” 
 
 With each plan is annexed a brief description, with probable 
 cost of construction. 
 
 *** J. W. Stevenson will be happy to supply further particulars relative to 
 any of the designs, on prepaid application—enclosing stamps for reply—to him 
 at his offices ; or will furnish plans, elevations, sections, working, drawing, bills 
 of quantities, &c., for any locality and circumstances. 
 
 He is prepared, for a given sum, to superintend the erection or alteration of 
 any number of cottages, in which case all charges for plans, &c., will be included: 
 or arrangements may be made for the building of any number of cottages, in 
 any district, at a stipulated sum, complete—embodying all expenses. 
 
-9 
 
 $ 
 
 ***** °* C0T ^ 
 
 
 < 2 & 2 > 
 
 ^ ^VATIOW, KSD ^ 
 
PLATES. 
 
 Plate 1. Ground plan of house, of which the frontispiece is a 
 perspective view. 
 
 „ 2. Chamber plan of ditto. 
 
 „ 3. Back elevation. 
 
 „ 4. Longitudinal section. 
 
 „ 5. Front elevation. 
 
 „ A. Elevation and ground plan of pair of one-story labourers’ 
 cottages, 1st design. 
 
 „ B. Ditto ditto ditto ditto, 2nd design. 
 
 „ C. Elevation and ground plan of pair of dwellings for farm- 
 bailiff, or small landholder, 1st design. 
 
 „ D. Ditto ditto ditto ditto, 2nd design. 
 
 ,, E. Ditto ditto ditto ditto, 3rd ditto. 
 
 „ F. Ground plan and front and back elevation of pair of 
 labourers’ cottages, 3rd design. 
 
 „ G. Ground plan (only) of three cottages. 
 
 „ H. Ground plan (only) of four cottages. 
 
 „ I. Cruciform block ground plan of sixteen cottages (more 
 or less). 
 
PORCH PORCH 
 
BACK EL E VAT I 0 N 
 

 % 
 
 LONGITUDINAL SECTION. 
 
! 
 
 FRONT EL E VAT ION. 
 
31 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF THE PRECEDING DESIGNS. 
 (bearing reference to the frontispiece.) 
 
 It will be seen, upon examination of the drawing, that the ground 
 plan provides an 
 
 Entrance Porch, 
 
 with private approach to chambers—a spacious 
 
 House-place or Parlour, 13 ft. by 12 ft. 6 in.; 
 
 A Pantry, 6 ft. 6 in. by 6 ft., with 
 Store Closet underneath stairs; 
 
 A Kitchen, 12 ft. by 10 ft. 6 in.; 
 
 A Tool-house, 5 ft. by 4 ft., with 
 Back Entrance Lobby. 
 
 The well or pump is fixed midway between the two houses, 
 and the ground divided by a hurdle fence or low brick wall. 
 A considerable portion of the ground backwards is proposed 
 to be appropriated as a kitchen garden, at the extremity of 
 which are the privies and out-offices, with coal and stick stores, 
 ashes pits, &c., &c., of such form and character as sketched, or 
 otherwise, to suit any particular form of land, as the case may be. 
 The front to be laid out as a flower plot, (ornamental or otherwise). 
 
 The chamber plan provides three sleeping rooms and a store land¬ 
 ing, or closet. Two of the chambers having fire-places, and the third 
 the zinc tube ventilator, as described in general specification. The 
 approach to all the rooms is strictly private, and the facility for 
 ventilation apparent from the position of the windows and doors, 
 thus obtaining means for a thorough circulation of air. The 
 admission of light is important, and, as a sanitary precaution, cannot 
 with impunity be neglected. The roof may be made available, if 
 required, as a store chamber, &c., by a flight of stairs or step 
 ladder. 
 
32 THE COTTAGE HOMES OF ENGLAND. 
 
 In detail, much must depend upon the taste of the proprietor as 
 to style of finish, embellishment, and other matters. Situation, 
 locality, and circumstances will all prove of importance, and must 
 weigh with the varied projects, aims, and ends of the owner. Due 
 regard must be paid to the drainage, to the form and position of 
 the site, to the extent of land, to the charge of rental, and the many 
 et ceteras which will be found essential in carrying out the laudible 
 task of improving cottage property. 
 
 The supply of water must depend also upon circumstances. A 
 provision is made for a soft-water tank under a portion of the 
 kitchen floor, with sinkstone and pumps. The pantry floors should 
 be kept a little higher than the floors of the house and kitchen— 
 this gives an opportunity of cleaning them out by a copious supply 
 of water, which is much better than the usual method of sinking the 
 pantry floors. 
 
 Cooking apparatus of simple construction, oven and boiler in the 
 kitchen, is all that is generally required, and ordinary grates in 
 ' other rooms. 
 
 A glance at the annexed memoranda and specification will convey 
 the necessary instructions for carrying out the work. 
 
 The expense of erecting two cottages, including out-offices, walls, 
 &c., would, in the Midland Counties, amount to about £220 (if built 
 very plain), and with stone dressings and outer decorations, as per 
 frontispiece, £275. 
 

 
 X 
 
 r 
 
 ? 
 
 
 
GROUND PLAN 
 
 LABOURERS COTTAGES 
 
33 
 
 i 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF PLAN A. 
 
 ONE PAIR OF ONE-STORY LABOURERS’ COTTAGES. 
 
 The annexed design, marked A, is submitted for its plainness, 
 convenience, and cheapness. It embraces all that is required in an 
 improved dwelling for the labouring man, and may be made available 
 for any situation, and be constructed from the simplest materials in 
 the locality of its erection. 
 
 Amplitude of dimension is given in this and the whole of the 
 following designs, but allowances may be made to suit any particular 
 site without destroying its principal feature, namely, convenience. 
 
 A sufficiency of room, for all purposes, should be given, inasmuch 
 as the tenant requires the greatest accommodation at the least pos¬ 
 sible expense; and it generally occurs that the living room, or house- 
 place is his best room, hence it is made the most spacious in his 
 cottage home. 
 
 The labouring man is very seldom overstocked with furniture or 
 fittings, so that to provide him with rooms for which he has no use 
 is a burlesque upon his avocation and social position. Nevertheless, 
 where the determination and means of a labouring man, under 
 favourable circumstances, is of such a character as lifts him above 
 the poor and friendless sons of toil, there is to be noticed somewhat 
 of a praiseworthy spirit that enables him so to furnish his 
 cottage that it becomes a home of enjoyment, cleanliness, and even 
 of taste. 
 
 In this design, it will be perceived, the entrances are at the end, 
 and that it embraces a spacious house-place or living-room, three 
 bed-rooms, a pantry, and a closet. 
 
 The out-buildings to be constructed, as far as practicable, from 
 the dwellings, which, in all cases, must be governed by cir¬ 
 cumstances, form of land, &c. 
 
34 THE COTTAGE HOMES OF ENGLAND. 
 
 The outer walls of the cottage are kept in a straight line, and 
 may be decorated to suit the taste of the owner. The eaves of the 
 roof project about 14 inches all round, and should be slated 
 throughout, the ridge and hips being covered with flange tiles, or 
 securely leaded. 
 
 The floor should be at least 16 inches above the natural surface 
 of the ground, and be composed of Staffordshire tiles for the 
 entrance of the house, pantry, and closet; but the bed-rooms, for 
 warmth and comfort, should be inch white deals on proper joists, 
 and sleeper walls. 
 
 Fire-places, or ventilating tubes, should be fixed in the bed¬ 
 rooms, and a good cooking range (oven and boiler) in the house- 
 place. All walls should be rendered, and all ceilings pricked up, 
 floated, and set. All windows should open, and all doors have 
 suitable fastenings. 
 
 The pantries should have plaster-run benches across one end, 
 and each house have a small sinkstone and pump. 
 
 The drainage should be constructed as directed in general speci¬ 
 fications. 
 
 Stone dressings to the windows are shown on the elevation, with 
 chamfered plinth and chimney tops. The outer doors should have 
 York stone treads and risers, and all fire-place openings have hearth¬ 
 stones. The arrangements will depend upon the wishes and incli¬ 
 nations of the proprietors, but for a really substantial erection it is 
 imperative they should be adopted. How far they become decora¬ 
 tive is left to the taste of the owner. 
 
 The cost of a pair of cottages, as per design, built plainly and 
 substantially, in the Midland Dictricts, would be about £180. 
 
i 
 
 
E LEVATION. 
 
CROUND PLAN OF ONE STORY COTTAGES. 
 
1C 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 \ 
 
 
35 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF PLAN B. 
 
 PAIR OF ONE-STORY LABOURERS’ COTTAGES. 
 
 This design is offered for its convenient position of useful rooms, 
 and embraces, on the ground floor, all the requisites for a homely, 
 and it may be said, not inelegant cottage elevation. 
 
 The entrance is in the front, near the extremity of the building, 
 by an ornamental 
 
 Porch, 5£ ft. square. 
 
 Living-room, 18 ft. by 15 ft. 
 
 Two Bed-rooms, 12 ft. square (each). 
 
 One Bed-room, 11 ft. square. 
 
 Pantry, 10 ft. by 7 ft. 
 
 The front portion of ground should be laid out (as generally 
 recommended) as a flower garden—the back portion as a kitchen 
 garden. The same rule to apply in the situation of boundary walls 
 and out-offices. 
 
 All bed rooms to have boarded floors. The pantries, living- 
 room, and porches, Staffordshire tiles, or common pavors. All 
 outer doors to have Yorkshire stone door sills. The windows to 
 have stone dressings. The gables to have stone copings with 
 dressed stone chimney caps. The plinth to project one inch in face 
 of external walls. The roofs throughout to be slated, with pro¬ 
 jecting eaves, and the two centre gables (back and front) to have 
 neatly-cut large boarding, and carved finials. A. plain stone-cut 
 shield in front. Solid steps to porch, and general outer decorative 
 stone or cement work. The gutter between the two cottages to 
 have 7lbs. cast lead, 2 ft. wide, to fall both ways; or, if preferable, 
 
36 
 
 THE COTTAGE HOMES OF ENGLAND. 
 
 
 to the back; thence, by downright spouts, into a cistern for the use 
 of the occupants. The ridge covered with lead rolls or stone. All 
 chimneys to he flashed with lead, and all valleys to have 61b. lead 
 20 in. wide. 
 
 The inner finishing of cottages as described in plan A, and 
 general specifications, &c., &c. 
 
 The plan may be varied to suit the wish of the owner. If con¬ 
 sidered too extensive, the living room might he contracted and the 
 roof continued in a line, thus avoiding the gutter and large 
 hoarding, &c. 
 
 It is probable, in some situations, these cottages would look 
 preferable built singly from this design. In that case half the plan 
 is taken. 
 
 It is considered that the low 7 er rooms are sufficient for all 
 domestic purposes in this class of cottage. Nor would the rooms 
 in the roof be of much use appropriated as chambers, even if the 
 additional expenses, to make them such, were incurred. 
 
 The cost of a pair of these cottages, &c., complete, would be about 
 
 £ 200 . 
 

37 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF PLAN C. 
 
 A PAIR OF COTTAGES OR DWELLINGS FOR FARM BAILIFFS OR 
 SMALL LANDHOLDERS. 
 
 It is a well-known fact, that in most of our populous agricultural 
 villages there is a want of a second-class character of dwelling for 
 the higher grade of agricultural servants, or for what, in some 
 districts, are termed “Cottage Farmers.” To supply this want the 
 subjoined design, marked C, is submitted, being a style of house 
 that is evidently adapted for general purposes and for the use of 
 large families, with the dependants necessarily employed by the 
 occupiers. 
 
 The external appearance is neat and is approached by an outer 
 porch, conducting into an 
 
 Entrance Passage, IS ft. by 4 ft. 6 in., 
 from which passage open doors right and left into a 
 Bed-room, IS ft. square, 
 
 and a 
 
 Living Room, SO ft. by 17 ft. 6 in., 
 at the end of which passage aforesaid another bed-room or 
 Parlour, 17 ft. 6 in. by 14 ft. 6in. 
 is approached. 
 
 The back entrance is by a 
 
 Passage, 13 ft. by 3 ft. 6 in., 
 from which is entered a 
 
 Back Bed-room, 13 ft square, 
 
 Store-place, 8 ft. 6 in. by 6 ft., 
 
 Pantry, 8 ft. 6 in. by 6 ft., 
 and from the Kitchen by the stairs to the upper 
 
 Bed-rooms, over centre portion of house. 
 
 In the plan now submitted, it is suggested that the general 
 features of the design be carried out to gain the effect of the whole, 
 
38 THE COTTAGE HOMES OF ENGLAND. 
 
 by raising the floor at least 18 in. above the ground, and setting a 
 protecting plinth all round, stone dressings to all angles, windows, 
 chimney shafts, &c. The eaves to project, and, as will be perceived, 
 one portion only is carried up two stories. 
 
 The garden, privies, out-offices, walls, tanks, well, cistern, lead 
 work, slating, &c., &c., is of such character and description as 
 mentioned in general specification or alluded to in previous designs. 
 
 Should the owner feel disposed to make four tenements in lieu 
 of two, the external appearance will not be damaged. The addition 
 would be a porch on the back elevation, the bricking up of the pas¬ 
 sage doorway, the breaking out a door from the large bed-room, and 
 dividing the pantry for two houses. The store-place would then 
 become the pantry for the centre houses. In a pecuniary point of 
 view this alteration might be advantageous, yet, it nevertheless 
 destroys the harmony and utility of the whole as designed. 
 
 The cost of a pair of dwellings from this plan will not exceed 
 £380, complete. 
 
or Dwellmos for Farm BiiaIIi/Js or small LaiuIItoliters . 
 
39 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF PLAN D. 
 
 A PAIR OF COTTAGES OR DWELLINGS FOR FARM BAILIFFS OR 
 SMALL LANDHOLDERS. 
 
 This design, as well as the preceding one marked C, is suggested 
 for a better class of dwellings for the upper class of agricultural 
 servants. 
 
 The design differs from the one last described, inasmuch as the 
 middle or central part is only one story high, and the remaining 
 portions have sleeping rooms over the lower rooms. 
 
 The face line of the outer wall at the back is preserved in a con¬ 
 tinuous unbroken surface. The front is made projecting from the 
 entrance and tool-house, and the two dwellings are divided by a 
 pale fence or dwarf brick wall. 
 
 The rooms are entered from a porch in centre of the building, 
 out of which porch a tool-house is placed; from the porch also is 
 entered the 
 
 Living-room, 18 ft. 6 in. by 14 ft. 6 in. 
 
 Two lower Rooms, 13 ft. by 12 ft. (each). 
 
 Store-room and' 
 
 Pantry, 
 
 Staircase, giving access to 
 
 f of the dimensions of 
 \ the lower rooms. 
 
 Jq ft. square. 
 
 Four upper Bed-rooms, 
 
 Out- buildings, ) r , 
 
 Pbivies, &c„ &c.P directed for other houses ' 
 
 The building can be carried out with the stone facings, &c., as 
 designed, or plain brick work with stone heads and sills to windows, 
 stone stringcourse, plinth, door sills, chimney caps, ridge stone, 
 &c., &c. 
 
 The fittings, in all cases; as described in the general specification, 
 with every convenience to render the same substantial and useful. 
 
40 
 
 THE COTTAGE HOMES OF ENGLAND. 
 
 In these plans (C and D) a proper classification of master and 
 servant can take place. The large bed-rooms may be used as a 
 parlour, the kitchen left for family uses and servants. Strict pri¬ 
 vacy is observable throughout, and may be maintained by good 
 management. 
 
 The cost of this building, if plain, for a pair of dwellings will be 
 £380, if decorative, £420. 
 
BED ROOM 
 
41 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF PLAN E. 
 
 ONE PAIR OF COTTAGES OR DWELLINGS FOR SMALL FARMERS OR THE 
 UPPER CLASS OF AGRICULTURAL LABOURERS. 
 
 This design differs from the preceding one marked D, inasmuch 
 as the front wall is preserved in a straight line, and the back-front 
 is broken. The central portion is carried up two stories high, and 
 the ends or living-room portion one story. The roof contrary to 
 the gable end, to allow space to get into the upper bed-rooms. 
 
 This style of building will be found exceedingly convenient, and 
 is not of an expensive character. 
 
 The entrances are at the ends, no porches being built in this 
 case unless at the option of the owner. The stairs immediately 
 face the entrance door, and will be found very convenient for 
 getting into the upper rooms, the pantry, closet, bed-rooms, or 
 principal living-room, without interfering with the privacy of any of 
 them. 
 
 The entrance will he found sufficiently capacious to he conve¬ 
 nient, and affords access to the 
 
 Principal Living-room, 18 ft. 6 in. by 16 ft. 6 in. 
 
 Parlour, or Lower Bed-room, 11 ft. 6 in. by 9 ft. 6 in. 
 
 Small Bed-room, 11 ft. 6 in. by 9 ft. 6 in. 
 
 Back Ditto, 12 ft. square. 
 
 Pantry, 10 ft. 6 in. by 9 ft. 
 
 Closet, 7 ft. 6 in. by 7 ft. 
 
 Staircase, (enclosed) conducting to 
 
 Two upper Bed-rooms. 
 
 Store-place, under stairs. 
 
 Fuel-place, entered from without. 
 
 The roofs throughout to be slated, and the eaves to project, and 
 all gables to have neatly-cut barge hoarding and carved finials. 
 The lead work, stone work, brick work (with general joiners and 
 
42 THE COTTAGE HOMES OF ENGLAND. 
 
 carpenters’ work), of corresponding character and description as the 
 preceding designs. 
 
 The fences dividing the dwellings to he made to suit the taste, 
 and the out-offices, privies, ashes pits, &c , removed as far as prac¬ 
 ticable from the cottages. 
 
 The entire building to be thoroughly ventilated, as described in 
 general specification.. 
 
 The furnishing of cooking apparatus to be of substantial and 
 approved description ; and ordinary fire-grates to chamber openings. 
 
 A store-closet to be fitted with shelves—the pantry with benches, 
 and provision to be made under stairs for stores. The staircase will 
 be lighted by a window from the back ; and the front door will have 
 a large fanlight glazed over the same. 
 
 The cost of a pair of cottages from this design will be £340, if 
 plain; if decorative, £375. 
 
43 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF PLAN F, 
 
 ONE PAIR OF ONE STORY LABOURERS COTTAGES, 
 
 The annexed design, marked F, is for a pair of one-story 
 labourers’ cottages, or may be considered, for extent, convenience, 
 and appearance, as superior dwellings. The ground plan and two 
 elevations are submitted, and, it is presumed, would, if erected in a 
 suitable locality, prove to be neat and pleasing in appearance. The 
 premises comprise every accommodation for the domestic purposes 
 of a small family. Each room is separate and distinct, and ampli¬ 
 tude of space is afforded. The parlour, if not used as such, may 
 easily be converted into a bed-room, which, in such case, will give 
 house accommodation, and three sleeping rooms, with pantry, tool- 
 house, fuel-house, and suitable shade for the keeping of bees. 
 
 The approach to the rooms is by an external porch on the back 
 elevation, leading into an inner lobby, from which access is obtained 
 into a spacious 
 
 Three Bed-rooms, each ft. square, 
 
 Pantry, 10 ft. by 8 ft., 
 
 Tool-house, 6 ft. by 5 ft., 
 
 Fuel-house, 6 ft. by 5 ft. 
 
 There is a fire place opening and flue in each room, so that, if requi¬ 
 site, a change of arrangement can be made in domestic manage¬ 
 ment, and a thorough ventilation obtained. The pantry will have 
 suitable benches and shelves. The floors to be composed of brick 
 pavors to house, porch, lobby, fuel and tool-house, and bee-hive 
 shade; the other floors boarded on sufficient joists; the walls to be 
 skirted and plastered; the ceilings to be pricked up, air bricks to 
 be inserted where directed. The external work to be executed as 
 shown in elevation. 
 
44 THE COTTAGE HOMES OF ENGLAND. 
 
 The fronts to be built with stock bricks in Flemish bond, 
 having plinth of stone (chamfered), angle quoins, stone dressings 
 to doors and windows, chimney bases, and caps, dripped and throated 
 water tabling and springers ; perforated gable ornamental stones to 
 suit taste, with small ornamental stone or cement urn, or other 
 device as a finish to the front gables, with all required lead valleys 
 and ridge rolls. 
 
 The spouting in front to be carried by neat cut and ornamented 
 cantileavers. The back by projecting courses of brick work. The 
 heads of doors and windows on back elevation to be plain and the 
 stone dressings omitted. 
 
 The bee shade in front to be neatly latticed and roofed with 
 slate, and every portion of the work throughout to be substantially 
 and satisfactorily executed. 
 
 The division walls, the arrangement of gardens, the privies, the 
 well, water tanks, drainage, front fencing, &c., &c., to be of suitable 
 corresponding character with the style of the building, and to be 
 executed in conformity with the specifications and conditions 
 thereof. p 
 
 The cost for a pair of cottages from this design would be £260, 
 built very plain, and about £300 if decorative. 
 
 
GROUND PLAN OF THREE COTTAGES. 
 
45 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF PLAN G. 
 
 GROUND PLAN (ONLY) OF THREE COTTAGES. 
 
 In some cases the owner of property may feel disposed to erect 
 more than a pair of cottages under one roof, or it may occur that a 
 piece of spare ground is suitable for more than two dwellings. 
 Herewith is annexed a ground plan (only) for three cottages, each 
 of which possesses about the same amount of convenience and 
 extent of space. The entrances are distinct and removed from 
 each other, so that all annoyance by overlooking is in a great 
 measure avoided. There may perhaps be a little discrepancy in 
 the sizes of the rooms, but this can be remedied at the option of 
 the owner; or, if in this, or any of the accompanying designs, too 
 much space is given, a small alteration will not materially affect 
 the whole, but it is strongly recommended that the first-given 
 sizes be retained—“ Health , space , ventilation, and light ” impera¬ 
 tively demand it. 
 
 This design can be made available for either labouring men or 
 the higher class of agricultural servants. If for the former, then 
 the staircase should be abandoned, and one-story cottages built. 
 If the latter, it would be desirable to erect upper rooms, and, of 
 course, to retain the staircases. 
 
 The character of elevation may be supposed from the plot of the 
 ground plan, and can be diversified to suit the wishes and inclina¬ 
 tions of the proprietor by making it plain in external effect, or deco¬ 
 rative, as the case may be. 
 
 The external porches are suggested in this design as forming a 
 homely appendage to all rural erections, and giving a comfortable 
 access to the inner rooms. 
 
 The central house has a 
 
 Living-room, 20 ft. by 16 ft., 
 
 Two Bed-rooms, 15 ft. by 12 ft. each, 
 
 Larder or Pantry, 14 ft. by 7 ft., 
 
40 THE COTTAGE HOMES OF ENGLAND. 
 
 the entrance to which being under the stairs, a good-sized store- 
 closet may be made available. 
 
 The position and sizes of the other two houses will be observed 
 on reference to the design. 
 
 The fittings are of a similar character to what has already been 
 described, and the comforts, arrangements, extent, conveniences, 
 and character of work, should correspond, so that a compact and 
 entire suit of premises will be produced. 
 
 The cost of three cottages, if built one story, plain, would be 
 £320; if decorative, £350. If two stories, plain, £400; if decora¬ 
 tive, £435. 
 
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47 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF PLAN H. 
 
 GROUND PLAN (ONLY) OF FOUR COTTAGES. 
 
 The annexed design is a proposed ground plan for four cottages. 
 They may be built back to back in pairs, or in a continuous line by 
 keeping the pantries smaller, and placing the bed-room windows to 
 face the front instead of the ends. It is, however, recommended 
 to be erected as shown on tfye ground plan. 
 
 Like the preceding design for three cottages (marked G), this 
 plan is applicable for one-story dwellings for the labourer, or for 
 two stories for a better class cottage. In the former case, the stairs 
 would be abandoned, and the space appropriated for a closet (which 
 convenience is always found very serviceable). If so arranged, the 
 doorway should be opposite the porch, and the closet enlarged 
 to about 5 ft. in width. 
 
 Should it, however, be found advisable to build two stories high, 
 two bed-rooms can be obtained by using the stairs as shown. The 
 inner wall of the living-room would then become the main wall of 
 the gable to which the small bed-room roofs would finish, having 
 suitable lead valleys, flashings, &c., &c. 
 
 The pantries are placed externally, and are well ventilated. 
 Each room has a fire-place opening, so that, in any case, arrange¬ 
 ments may be made to suit the wishes of the occupier and his 
 family. 
 
 The remarks on the style of external effect, as have been offered 
 in the preceding one, (marked G), will apply to this design. 
 
 The sizes of the rooms, the privacy thereof, with every arrange¬ 
 ment for a good superstructure, is delineated on the plan, and will 
 be found as under, 
 
 Living-room, 20 ft. by 16 ft., 
 
 Bed-rooms, 12 ft. square, 
 
 Ditto, 14 ft. by 12 ft., 
 
48 THE COTTAGE HOMES OF ENGLAND. 
 
 Upper Bed-rooms, 14 ft. by 12 ft., 
 
 Ditto Ditto, 20 ft. by 16 ft., 
 
 Pantry, 8 ft. by 6 ft., 
 
 Outer Porch, &c., &c., 
 
 Fence-walls. 
 
 A very pretty effect may be obtained in this as well as in any of 
 the preceding one-story cottages by ornamental thatching, properly 
 and judiciously executed, although it is a class of covering that is 
 not to be depended upon for stability or safety, yet, surrounding 
 objects and circumstances should form the just criterion for appear¬ 
 ances. The training of evergreens up and around the outer walls, 
 to some extent, may be allowed, but not to become injurious to the 
 building. All these little details are purely matters of taste, yet it 
 speaks well for the humble cottager to emulate the good practices 
 of his superiors without becoming offensive by his attempts at 
 improving his social position. 
 
 The cost of these four cottages would be, if one story, plain, 
 £450; if decorated, £475. If two stories, plain, £520; if deco¬ 
 rated, £550. 
 
ith School Rooms 8c Play Ground irv Centres. 
 
 Scale 25 feet linch.. 
 
49 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF PLAN I. 
 
 CRUCIFORM BLOCK GROUND PLAN OF SIXTEEN COTTAGES. 
 
 The cruciform block ground plan for sixteen cottages (more or 
 less) may be considered extravagant in imagination, but it is only 
 fair to inspect the design before arriving at that conclusion. It 
 may also be argued that it is a description of property that cannot 
 prove a satisfactory investment for capital. The author is of a 
 different opinion, and feels persuaded, for some situations, it is an 
 arrangement for laying out land for building purposes which will not 
 only bear the strictest scrutiny as to architectural effect, but will, 
 if judiciously executed, command certain tenure and good rentals. 
 
 The design is adapted for any piece of inferior land at the 
 extremity of a populous village, or the central plot of houses in any 
 proposed district contemplated for building purposes, leaving the 
 right of suitable streets. 
 
 These must be erected as two-story cottages, and thus giving to 
 each house an 
 
 Entrance-porch, 5 ft. square, 
 
 Staircase, 14 ft. by 3£ ft., 
 
 Parlour, 14 ft. square, 
 
 House-place, or Living-room, 14 ft. square, 
 
 Pantry, 7 ft. square, 
 
 Fuel- room, 7 ft. square, 
 
 Two Bed-rooms, 14 ft. square each, 
 
 Closet or Child’s Bed-room, 14 ft. by 7 ft., and 
 
 Water-closet, over each 
 Entrance-porch, 
 
 j5 ft. square. 
 
 The front houses at the four cardinal points, if considered better, 
 can have the porches removed to the centre wall in each house (as 
 at the sides), with staircase opposite. This alteration will enable 
 each bed-room to be entered privately, and then the chimneys will 
 be at each gable end. 
 
50 THE COTTAGE HOMES OF ENGLAND. 
 
 For drainage, &c., a main sewer and general receiving tank should 
 be properly constructed in such position as may be deemed desirable. 
 The water-closets should be supplied by small cisterns, and each 
 house have a common force pump to act as ordinary pump for 
 domestic purposes. A portion of each fuel-room can be made 
 available for ashes, &c. 
 
 The superstructure may be supposed by taking the ground plan 
 as the basis thereof, and raising any plain or ornamental elevation 
 as may be required. 
 
 The central portion of plot will be admirably adapted for a school- 
 house, with play ground attached, or may be left vacant for any pur¬ 
 pose to be afterwards decided upon. 
 
 The whole of the premises and gardens can be enclosed by 
 privet hedges, pale fences, iron palisades, or dwarf brick walls, 
 as may be considered requisite. 
 
 All the houses are strictly distinct, and each tenant will possess 
 his equal share of accommodation. 
 
 The cost per house would be, if plain, £100; decorated, £130. 
 School-house, play ground, fencing, &c., extras. 
 
51 
 
 CONCLUDING REMARKS. 
 
 How rich, varied, and beautiful is the peaceful home of the 
 cottager: be it fixed where it may, in city, in town, on the high 
 summit of some lofty eminence, midway mountain steeps, or 
 bosomed in the valley—whether thickly clustered in groups or 
 isolated mid the forest foliage, its cheerful appearance speaks a tale 
 of homely pride, and there seems a halo of contentment superla¬ 
 tively greater than, in many instances, can be found in some of the 
 nobler and greater halls of wealth and grandeur. 
 
 ’Tis from some such humble abodes have sprung many of those 
 lofty and noble-minded men, who, by “assiduity, intelligent appli¬ 
 cation, and a strict pursuit of knowledge under difficulties,” have 
 rendered their names “famous in history,” and have astounded 
 civilized Europe by discoveries in the gigantic inventions and 
 improvements of the age in which they lived. 
 
 Apart from these facts, of vast importance is the good each man 
 may impart to his neighbour, by laudable competition in every 
 matter connected with their dwellings. In self-respect, love of 
 order, cleanliness, sobriety, and other virtues, which, if adopted, 
 must make the heart of man rejoice, and is sure to lift him from the 
 degrading position of the idle and the dissolute to a prouder and 
 a happier state than under any circumstances whatever the reck¬ 
 less could participate in. 
 
 “ Cleanliness has a humanizing tendency, and produces a moral 
 as well as physical influence over the inmates of the cottage home, 
 and when such home is properly constructed, neat, cheerful, and 
 well arranged, it is one means of making each member of a family 
 peaceable and considerate of the happiness and feelings of the other. 
 
 “ Moderate Self-esteem will produce a happy state of mind, 
 and must promote habits of respect for others. It will cause the 
 
52 THE COTTAGE HOMES OF ENGLAND. 
 
 proper fulfilment of all duties and obligations which no law or co- 
 ersive measure can enforce. 
 
 “Love of Order, Sobriety, and Industry will elevate the 
 humble to the great; the debased, to the true and ennobling position 
 of man; and cause the improvident to make exertions which must 
 end in advantages to himself, family, and connexions, that no other 
 process can accomplish. 
 
 “On the other hand, a dwelling that is miserably filthy and 
 squalid, and made more so by surrounding influences and circum¬ 
 stances, is productive of none of the decencies which should attend 
 the domestic life of its inmates, and have every motive and tendency 
 to act a part contrary to what is above alluded to. It will be found to 
 produce selfishness and sensuality, if not crime, by making its 
 occupiers regardless of each Other’s happiness; and by the frequent 
 indulgence of the passions, will cause them to become reckless, 
 degraded, and brutal, and thus, of necessity, make them regard¬ 
 less of the laws of civilized life ; and all respect for themselves or 
 the property of others, is never felt or practised.”