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Summary

Summerhouse depicted as a circular feature on the circa 1840 tithe map and is still depicted on modern mapping. The Summerhouse is constructed of slate rubble and is in a ruinous state.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• SUMMERHOUSE (XIX - 1801 AD? (Between) to 1840 AD (Between))

Full description

South West Heritage Trust, 1838-1848, Digitised Tithe Maps and Transcribed Apportionments (Cartographic). SDV359954.

Summerhouse depiced as a circular feature above the Tamar, set within Rumley Kiln Wood.

Ordnance Survey, 1880-1899, First Edition Ordnance Survey 25 inch map (Cartographic). SDV336179.

Footpaths are depicted through the wood including footpaths leading to the summerhouse.

Ordnance Survey, 1904 - 1906, Second Edition Ordnance Survey 25 inch Map (Cartographic). SDV325644.

Footpaths are depicted through the wood including footpaths leading to the summerhouse.

Ordnance Survey, 2023, Mastermap 2023 (Cartographic). SDV365227.

The summerhouse is still shown within the woodland although much of the woodland to the east of the summerhouse has been cleared.

Meaton, C, 2023, Rumleigh House Limekiln and Summerhouse, Bere Alston: Conservation Assessment, (TAMARA Project), 26-33; Figs 1-4; Photos 1, 13-20 (Report - Assessment). SDV365594.

The Summerhouse is not illustrated on the 1769 Plan of the Barton of Rumleigh, but is shown on the 1844 tithe map. An1820 documentary reference describes it as a ‘pavilion’. The remains of a cobbled floor surface were clearly visible, embedded into the ground. The 1882 OS map shows it accessed via criss-crossing paths leading from the principal woodland walk/ride located a short distance to the east.
It formed a curvilinear structure constructed of slate stone rubble with a slate roof and he remains of a cobbled floor surface, embedded into the ground.
It is uncertain whether it formed a complete circle with a standard style entrance, or was left partially open, as a semi-circle where the building fronted the river. It was most likely constructed to form a picturesque element of the designed landscape around the Rumleigh Estate, and possibly situated to be visible to traffic passing on the river. It probably had a number of related recreational purposes. However, given its proximity close to the water, its principal use may well have been as changing facilities for bathing in the river, as well as providing a sheltered location with excellent views down the river, towards Cotehele. The fireplace, which is unusually placed on the external wall, facing to the east would have allowed warm drinks and refreshments to be prepared by servants. Furthermore, the fireplace would have provided some heat to the interior, conducted through the masonry. The probable presence of steps down to the river is suggested by a steel hawser which survives, embedded onto the oak trees, and which likely served as a hand rail. No trace of any steps survives; however, at the base of the slope just along from the lower end of the hawser, there has clearly been some terracing into the base of the slope, most obviously creating a rectangular platform from which the water could have been readily accessed. The size and position of the terrace does lend some credence to the idea that the Summerhouse was connected within bathing, or at least recreational enjoyment off the river at the water’s edge.
The cobbled surface did not appear to project much beyond the extent of the surviving wall end terminals, suggesting the footprint of the building survives close to its original extent. Some render also survived well within the interior, with some evidence of paint on the render, possibly three coats, comprising an off-white overlaid by a dull pink and then another off-white coat. The same sequence of paint has been noted on the brick façade of Rumleigh House, thought to date to the ownership of James Franklin, when the brickwork was painted to give the impression of. At least eight joist pockets were recorded on the interior wall.. These were interpreted as structural elements, most likely associated with a bench seat fixed around the interior wall. Another possible feature was recorded in the centre of the interior floor, appearing sub circular in plan, and measuring approximately 300mm in diameter, is thought to have related to a granite table, which was supported by a stone bedded into the centre of the floor. The table vanished in the 1970s and was presumed to be stolen.
Unusually, a chimney was positioned on the exterior elevation, facing southeast, located asymmetrically on the curving wall. As elsewhere, the chimney was constructed of slate rubble with occasional killas/granite rubble. The interior chimney flue was clear of obstructions and found to be in relatively good condition.
The Summerhouse was assessed to be in poor and deteriorating condition. Frequent areas of open jointed masonry were noted, with localised voids present on the walls and chimney breast. Wall heads were loose and weekly bedded across the extent of the curving wall and chimney. Collapsed masonry and vertical fractures were also observed.
Overall, the structural stability of the Summerhouse was considered to be poor and deteriorating. Without intervention, further collapses and failures are considered highly likely in the short to medium term. This is especially so on and around both wall terminals and on the wall heads, where loose masonry will fall. Furthermore, now the cobbled surface has been exposed, this too will be subject to natural processes and erosion and weathering.

Meaton, C, 2023, Summerhouse, Rumley Kiln Wood, Bere Ferrers (Ground Photograph). SDV365765.

Images of ruinous slate rubble summerhouse, now semi-circular in shape. The structure has an external fireplace and the remains of a cobbled floor. Terraces below the summerhouse near the river are likely to be associated.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments: none recorded

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV9170 - Conservation Assessment: Rumsleigh House Limekiln and Summerhouse, Bere Ferrers (Ref: CR1329)

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