Summary
A pair of model cottages built in 1847-8. Designed by the architect Henry Roberts in Tudor style for the Tunbridge Wells Branch of 'The Society for Improving the Condition of the Labouring Classes'.
Reasons for Designation
Nos. 18-20 Newcomen Road are a pair of Tudor-style model cottages built between 1847-48, designed by the architect and social reformer Henry Roberts for the Tunbridge Wells Branch of 'The Society for Improving the Condition of the Labouring Classes', are listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* Architectural interest: two storey, semi-detached, Tudor-style cottages for agricultural labourers in Roberts' Design no. 3 which became prototypes for later working class housing elsewhere;
* Date: the scheme commenced in 1847 and is now the earliest of Roberts' projects for SICLC to survive;
* Rarity of type: only five other commissions by Roberts for SICLC survive, including both flats and houses, and all have been statutorily listed;
* Innovation: some cottages were constructed using Roberts' hollow bricks, patented in 1849. The three bedroom agricultural workers' cottages, with four heated rooms and internal WCs, were very advanced for their date and the attention to ventilation, sound construction and sanitation had a strong influence on later public housing;
* Group value: a group of semi-detached cottages which between them include 3 of Roberts' designs for SICLC.
History
Nos. 2-28 Newcomen Road are a group of seven semi-detached pairs of Model Cottages designed by the architect and reformer Henry Roberts (1803-1871).
Details
A pair of model cottages, built in 1847-8. Designed by the architect Henry Roberts in Tudor style for the Tunbridge Wells Branch of 'The Society for Improving the Condition of the Labouring Classes'.
Sources
Books and journals
Legal
This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.
End of official list entry
