3-021-226 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Model cottages for labourers at Althorp, Northamptonshire, 1868. 'A group of agricultural labourers' cottages has been recently erected by Earl Spencer at Althorp, near Northampton, on the plans of Mr. John Birch, architect, of Beaufort-buildings, Strand, to whom was awarded the medal and premium of the Society of Arts for those plans. Each cottage contains, on the ground floor, the entrance-porch, a living-room, 12ft. 6in. square; a scullery, lift, by 8ft.; a larder, pantry and fuel-store. On the upper floor is the parents' bed-room, 12 ft. 6 in. by 9 ft. 6 in., and the male and female bed-rooms, 11 ft. 6 in. by 8 ft. 6 in. and 8 ft. square respectively, with a very complete equipment of offices and internal fittings. The cottages are built of brick, all the external walls being constructed in two thicknesses, with a space between to prevent damp. The roofs are covered with plain tiles, having projecting eaves, ornamental gables, and open timber porches'. From "Illustrated London News", 1868.