Tuesday 16th July 2024  

The Dower House

Located in the centre of the village, The Dower House belonged to the Farnhams of the Over Hall. It was described as a 'very old house' in 1702. In the late nineteenth century it was known as The Elms. Mr Alfred Sault (landlord of the White Horse) lived there and used the grounds as a livery stable from where cabs could be hired.

For a number of years it was owned by Loughborough College and used as a student hostel. After the sale in 1968 it was largely re-built in restoration and turned into two houses. The rest of the street - Dower House Gardens was built in the grounds previously belonging to the house.

The following is an excerpt from the Parish Council meeting held in March 1969:

"Despite a Ministry order protecting Dower House in Station Road from demolition, the majority of members felt that the site would be better redeveloped and put to some more useful purpose. Miss L Facer reported on a recent meeting between interested parties, including the owners, the County Education Authority to discuss the future of the house. The meeting revealed that a considerable amount of money would be needed to restore the old part of the house and this would not be an economic proposition. The Ministry order however prevented redevelopment and this dilemma must be solved before the future of the site could be determined. She added that everybody was keen to see the house preserved for the village in some form or other. Mr A A Gent commented that the house was of little benefit to the village, since it was hidden by a high wall. He suggested that it would make a good site for a new village school. Describing the house as an eyesore, Mr P Brookman said that if somebody came and knocked it down nobody would notice. He added that the house was a "white elephant" to the Education Authorities.

The council are to await the full report of the meeting before making any definite proposals."

Submitted on: 2010-06-07 Submitted by: Don Wix Artefact ID: 826 Artefact URL: www.quornmuseum.com/display.php?id=826 Print: View artefact in printer-friendly page or just on its own (new browser tab).