Bishopthorpe@Crossroads

Here meanwhile is a description of our very own Bishopthorpe conservation area, published by CYC on their web site. Note the emphasis on views, open spaces and old and rural things - and no mention of the the crossroads area as such.

Introduction
Bishopthorpe Conservation Area was designated in 1989. It is quite extensive, encompassing Main Street, the Archbishop’s Palace and grounds, and open areas that are important to the village setting.

History

Previously called St Andrewthorpe, Bishopthorpe is known as the home of the Archbishop of York. This association began in the 13th Century when Archbishop Grey bought a Manor House and gave it to the Dean and Chapter of York. For centuries Bishopthorpe was really a hamlet centred around the palace. By 1800 its population was 218, and still only 439 at the turn of the 20th Century. Major expansion began in the 1930’s, accelerating to treble the population in the last 30-40 years, to about 3250 people today.

Important Buildings

From 13th Century origins the Archbishop’s Palace has evolved, with a remodelling of 1763-9 by Thomas Atkinson. Magnesian limestone, and pinkish red and brown brick are the main materials. The Gatehouse, former stables, Brewster’s Cottage and Brewhouse are of the same period. All are listed buildings, as is the folly in the Palace Grounds. The ruins of the former St Andrew’s Church date from 1768, on the site of a 13th Century Church. The present Parish Church of St Andrews (1898 - 1902) is by C Hodgson Fowler. The new Church Hall is a pleasing modern addition to the churchyard enclave. Listed buildings form most of the southern side of Chantry Lane : Chestnut Cottage (possibly a former inn), The Cottage, the White House and the Chantry. Other listed buildings are: Priory Corner (formerly The Home Farm) and the Ebor Inn (both mid-18th Century); and Bishopthorpe Garth (1908) and its accompanying cottage and mews by Walter Brierley.

Character

The Palace Gardens, Fields and The Garth retain an open landscape setting to the north of Bishopthorpe. Within this are two enclaves of valuable buildings: St Andrew’s Church and Bishopthorpe Garth. Trees, especially along the northern fringes, screen the York by-pass. The walls of the Palace Gardens define the northern edge of Bishopthorpe with an intriguing air of privacy.

Archbishop’s Palace and Grounds and Chantry Lane: the wedge of dense woodland in the Palace grounds is a strong landscape feature, important to the character of Bishopthorpe Road and the Riverside, each in their own way. These woods and the glade of trees along Chantry Lane protect and maintain a discreet, rural setting for the Palace and its attendant buildings. This is complemented by the dignity of the group of Georgian houses forming the south side of Chantry Lane, with their subtle textures of brick, stone and
colourwash, leading to the ruins of the former St Andrews Church. Chantry Lane is evocative; a tranquil place to reflect upon Bishopthorpe past and present, just beyond the bustle and more secular attractions of Main Street.

Cricket Ground and Ferry Lane: the ferry across the River Ouse ceased in the 1930’s. Ferry Lane, with its cottage, and the adjoining Cricket Ground are still disarmingly rural in character. The riverside has a strong woodland setting along its banks.

Main Street bustles, with its shops, pubs and social facilities. There has been some unsympathetic infill development and alterations, notably the loss of traditional sash windows. However, Main Street’s historic form and character survives, based upon a typical medieval layout. Long narrow walled plots extend back from the street frontage, to North Lane (formerly “Back Lane”) and the open fields beyond. On the south side, this open setting has been lost with “suburban” development. Outbuildings or additions to the frontage properties which extend down the plots are a traditional
element of the village form. The street, with buildings set back especially along the south side, retains a rural character overall.
Remaining front boundary walls, railings, hedges and gardens are important elements of that character. Where “opening out” occurs the visual continuity and domestic scale of the street frontage is lost. There are trees at intervals along the street, and the group at Chantry Lane is an enclosing feature at its east end. The poplar trees near the Social Club were planted by Archbishop Harcourt in 1829. Detailing of the cottages is typically simple and vernacular, with the more exuberant yet authentic expressions of particular architectural periods seen in some individual buildings.

The main elements of the character and appearance of the area are:-
(1) The Archbishop’s Palace, its attendant buildings and Chantry Lane, in a wooded rural and riverside setting, creating an enclave of
outstanding historic and cultural quality.
(2) The open landscape maintained between Bishopthorpe and the
suburbs of York.
(3) The physical and social element of village life of the Cricket Ground and its wooded riverside margins, and the historical associations of Ferry Lane.
(4) The survival in Main Street of many of the characteristics of a
traditional rural village street.
(5) The importance of tree groups as individual features and in enclosing views around the village.
(6) The way in which these diverse elements combine to give bishopthorpe its overall identity - the richness and variety of character that makes the one place.

You can download this description and a map of the conservation area here.

English Heritage says that local authorities can enhance the appearance of conservation areas by:

* preparing special development briefs for sites they identify as detracting from the character or appearance of the area;
* ensuring that new buildings harmonize with or complement their neighbours in scale, style and use of materials;
* making environmental improvements, for example by reinstating historic paving materials, sympathetic landscaping and planting, or removing unsightly elements such as hoardings;
* integrating road signs and markings as far as possible with the character of the street;
* controlling the position and design of advertisements and shop signs;
* ensuring that traffic safety and control measures harmonize with the landscape.
* making grants available for the repair of buildings.