Ockwells and its occupants
Cox Green: Civic Society’s book on manor
The Maidenhead Civic Society has published a book on the history of Ockwells Manor in Cox Green – from its medieval history to its current uncertain future.
Ockwells Manor, off Ockwells Road, was built by John Norreys Esq in the mid 15th century.
The house was described by art historian Nicolas Pevsner as ‘the most refined and sophisticated timber-framed mansion in England’.
The publication of ‘Ockwells Manor: A history of the house and its occupants’ concludes a 35-year quest for author and society member Ann Darracott.
It was launched at a special event at Taplow Court on Friday, May 12.
MP Theresa May – a Civic Society patron – gave a speech saying that she hoped that Ann’s three-decade project, her ‘labour of love’, would raise awareness of Ockwells’ plight, noting that Ockwells was at a crossroads with an uncertain future.
She also wrote the foreword to the book.
The book traces the history of the house from its medieval origin through the centuries to its more recent history, including the threat to its setting posed by the expansion of Maidenhead.
During the launch, Ann thanked The Prince Philip Trust, the Louis Baylis Trust and the Kidwells Trust, on behalf of the Civic Society, for their help in funding publication of the book.
She also thanked Edward, 18th Duke of Norfolk, who had just organised the coronation of Charles III, for ordering 10 copies pre-publication.
Sir John Howard, his ancestor, (later made the 1st Duke of Norfolk by Richard III) had married the widow of John Norreys Esq and lived at Ockwells.
Also attending the launch were guests from the National Trust and Cox Green Community Association who have with the Civic Society been concerned with protecting the setting of the house by resisting attempts to lift the covenant to allow the building of houses on an adjacent field.
The Society hopes that the book, by recounting the history of this important medieval house, will help protect its future.
To order copies of the 350-page full-colour book please contact the Civic Society on info@maidenheadcivicsoc.org.uk or on 07796 834542.
It is priced at £35 (£30 for Civic Society members) and delivery is free in the Maidenhead area. Elsewhere add £4.50 for postage and packing.
A copy of the book will be delivered to Maidenhead Library this week.