Elm Tree Cottage
View of Elm Tree Cottage

Artist's drawing of Elm Tree Cottage & plan
This early 18th century cottage was probably modernised in 1763 when a second chimney and a rear wing (dairy) were added. A blocked doorway suggests that the original building was entered from one end into a heated hall. The inner room (parlour) lay behind a timber partition and had a small chamber (bedroom) over it. It has had several more additions and alterations since 1763.
Wolverton Express 08 December 1916

ONE HUNDRED AND THREE “NOT OUT”

Mrs Sarah Allen, of Brierfield near Nelson celebrated her 103rd birthday. The old lady, a native of Castlethorpe, and has resided in Brierfield for nearly 50 years, started lace-making when she was seven years old.

The above appeared in one of the Sunday journals. The Editor of the “Wolverton Express” immediately got in touch with this wonderful old lady, and received the following interesting particulars about her: “It appears that she is the daughter of John and Ann Harris, of Castlethorpe, and was born in the year when the Battle of Waterloo was being fought. Up to seven years of age she resided in a house near the old Church, Castlethorpe, and after then she made lace till she reached twenty-four years of age. Her father was the village blacksmith, and plied the forge amongst the tenantry of Lord Lincolnshire, who has extensive land and property in the village and surroundings. In her 25th year she married William Allen, and soon left the place of her birth for a far busier scene of life in Lancashire, where she has practically resided since. She has lived during the reigns of King George III, to our present monarch. Notwithstanding her very advanced age, she is pretty well, and her hearing is still very good. Up to a few weeks ago she has got up a little every day, but since the cold snap she has been obliged to stay in bed.

Note: Castlethorpe Chuch Records, Sarah's christening: the daughter of John and Ann Harris was on February 6th 1814
Thomas and William Keeves thatching the cottage

Northampton Mercury 03 May 1907

STONY STRATFORD and CASTLETHORPE.
MESSRS GEO. WIGLEY and SONS are
instructed by the Administratrix of the late Mr. James Kemp,
TO SELL BY AUCTION,
On Monday, May 6th, 1907, at the Cock Hotel,
Stony Stratford, at Five o’clock exact time.
In Five Lots,
TWO VALUABLE FREEHOLD HOUSES,
known as Nos.89 and 91, HIGH STREET,
STONY STRATFORD; TWO Brick and Slated FREEHOLD COTTAGES
Adjoining, known as Nos. 14 and 15, PROSPECT
ROAD, with Stabling, Coach-house,
and Premises extending to Mill-lane;
TWO FREEHOLD COTTAGES Adjoining,
Known as Nos. 10 and 11, MILL LANE;
TWO Well-built Brick and Slated FREEHOLD COTTAGES,
Known as ROSEBERY COTTAGES, STONY
STRATFORD; also a Very Desirable and
SUPERIOR FREEHOLD HOUSE.
Known as ELM COTTAGE, CASTLETHORPE,
in the occupation of Mrs. Kemp.

Particulars and Conditions of Sale may be obtained of the Auctioneers, Winslow, Stony Stratford; of Messrs. Wetherfield, Son, and Baynes, 1, Gresham Buildings, Guildhall. London, E.C.; or of C. H. DAVIS, Esq., Solicitor, 6, Mercers’-row. Northampton.