Site Event/Activity record ECH6496 - Beechfield, Cuddington, Cheshire. Level 3 Archaeological Building Recording

A programme of archaeological building recording was undertaken at Beechfield, a twentieth century mansion house with outbuildings, Cuddington, prior their demolition. The house was built in the early 20th century as a private residence, with associated lodge, for Mr Henry Ingram Thompson, owner of the Lion Salt Works in Marston. It was later converted for use as an independent school. The site has approximately 5.7 acres of well-established grounds. Beechfield is roughly L shaped in plan, formed by two adjoining brick ranges. The larger of the two ranges, hereafter referred to as Range 1 presents the primary façade to the southwest, and runs along a northwest-southeast axis. This range was originally the main family wing, housing the main entrance to the residence and the reception rooms etc. The smaller range, Range 2, extends to the extends along a northeast-southwest alignment and presents a gable end to the northeast. The building rises to two storeys, with an area of attic accommodation to the southeast side of the building. To the rear of the building are a variety of single storey extensions. The roof is a cross pitch roof, with various dormer windows. Beechfield is of red brick with areas of black and white timber detailing. The doors and windows are a variety of materials, but many are the original timber framed windows, and some retain upper casements of simple leaded stained glass. As the building has been converted for educational use, many of the internal decorative features have been removed.Remaining historic fabric that provides evidence of the building’s residential past includes the remaining fireplaces to the first-floor former bedrooms, elements of decorative timber panelling, plaster cornices and some stained glass. The study includes a photographic archive. (1)