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THE HISTORY OF SOWOOD HOUSE
OLD PLAN OF SOUTH OSSETT
OSSETT INCLOSURE AWARD 1807/1813
This shows that Charles SCOTT was awarded the Plot on which Sowood House would eventually be built
THE EARLY HISTORY FOR SOWOOD HOUSE CAN BE FOUND IN THE HISTORY OF THE SOUTH OSSETT TRIANGLE
Jun 30th 1854
Nathan MITCHELL, Ossett, Clothier 1st Part William GARTSIDE Ossett, Clothier the other Part All that messuage or dwellinghouse with outbuildings, foldstead garden, conveniences adjoining & therewith occupied by the said Nathan MITCHELL & also all that allotment or parcel of land adjoining & there situate being on Ossett Common….near Giggal Hill and containing altogether with the scite of the said messuage or dwellinghouse & outbuildings 1 acre & 8 perches approx., bounded by land late of the Duke of Leeds, sold to Benjamin MARSDEN by land sold by the Commissioners executing the Ossett Inclosure Act to David WILBY & Isaac WILBY & Samuel AUDSLEY by allotments of Thomas MITCHELL & John CRAVEN. also all that other allotment plot piece or parcel of land or ground lying and being adjoining to the last mentioned & described allotment land containing by survey 1 acre & 18 perches & which said last mentioned allotment of land was purchased by Samuel AUDSLEY of the Commissioners & all of which said allotments of land & premises were formerly in the occupation of William ARMITAGE, afterwards of John ELLIS but now in the (492 in 1843?) possession of the said Nathan MITCHELL together with the rights, members & appurtenances. (Ref: SQ 61 68) (see also 1862 WU 523 571 and 1864 XR 658 756)
Land Changes in 1854
1859
May 23rd 1862
MITCHELL to GARTSIDE A certain Indenture (inclosed upon another Indenture dated 30th Jun 1854 between Nathan MITCHELL 1st Part & William GARTSIDE, Dyer of the other Part. A memorial was registered at the Reg. Office at Wakefield on July 7th 1854 in Book SQ Pg 61 & numbered 68.) All that messuage or dwellinghouse with outbuildings, foldstead garden etc., hereditaments adjacent and therewith occupied by Nathan MITCHELL. And also all that allotment or parcel of land adjoining thereto & situate on ……. called Giggal Hill & containing altogether with the scite of said messuage & outbuildings 1 Acre & 8 perches bounded by land late of Duke of Leeds sold to Benjamin Marsden, by land from the Inclosure Act to David & Isaac WILBY & Samuel AUDSLEY, by allotment to Thos MITCHELL & John CRAVEN. also that other allotment lying & being adjacent to the last mentioned containing 1 acre & 18p’s purchased by Samuel AUDSLEY of the commissioners, Inclosure Act formerly in the occupation of William ARMITAGE, then John ELLIS but now Nathan MITCHELL & William GARTSIDE together with appurtenances. (Ref: WU 523 571)
(I cannot begin to understand/explain the two indentures dated 8 years apart!)
1862
1863 John William PICKARD, Grandson of Samuel & Jane is born
Mar 10th 1864
Memorial of an Indenture dated 9th Mar 1864 between William GARTSIDE of Ossett, Dyer of the 1st part; Nathan MITCHELL of Ossett, Farmer of the 2nd Part and Samuel PICKARD of Ossett, Clothier of the 3rd part. ………..the text that follows is the same as in the previous Indenture WU 523 571 up to the last line whichis ‘ in the occupation of William ARMITAGE, then John ELLIS but now by Nathan MITCHELL.’
Secondly all that parcel of land on Ossett Common containing approx. 2 roods & 12 perches being a moiety of a close of land purchased by Charles SCOTT (Inclosure Act Lot 11) bounded on or towards the North by the other moiety or close purchased by George PICKARD of the representative of George SCOTT on or towards the East by an occupation road leading from Ossett to Horbury on or towards the South by part of the premises firstly described on or toward the West by property belonging to the Representative of the late Joseph MITCHELL dec’d, now Nathan MITCHELL.
Thirdly all that land or ground situate on Ossett Common containing 850 sq yds – part of a piece of land purchased by Benjamin MARSDEN dec’d of the Lord of the Manor of Wakefield & devised by his Will to Hannah MARSDEN which is bounded partly by the garden & other premises forming part of the premises firstly before described by the property late belonging to Mr. LEE, now to John HARROP, partly belonging to Henry Castile SCOTT and partly by the other portion of the said allotment so devised to Hannah MARSDEN & premises described once in the possession of Nathan MITCHELL together with also all the erections & buildings now erected & built upon this land & said hereditaments and appurtenances. (Ref: XR 658 756)
Map showing Samuel Pickard’s land in 1866
So, Samuel PICKARD began building his property empire!
(In 1874 Samuel had added the Highfield Plot, by purchasing it from the Devisees of John Harrop.)
In 1881 Samuel, Jane and grandson John William are living on Sowood Lane.
Details of Deed between Samuel PICKARD and his Grandson John William PICKARD
The first two parts of the Deed refer to other lands at Armley and Wortley which were sold/given to John William.
Aug 24th 1883
Samuel PICKARD 1st Part; Thomas BURTON of Ossett, Gent. 2nd Part; John William PICKARD, Solicitors Articled Clerk 3rd Part
(Firstly – Land at Armley; Secondly – Land at New Wortley.)
THIRDLY All that plot, parcel of freehold land at Giggal Hill, (this was an area & not the bottom of Manor Rd., as we now know it!) Ossett, containing by recent survey 2 Roods, 9 perches 6 yds bounded towards the north by Manor Rd., east partly by land, now or late the property of Mr David PICKARD & partly by land the property of the said Samuel PICKARD; south by other land, now or late, the property of the said Samuel PICKARD and west by the remainder of the said piece, parcel of land comprised in & conveyed by a certain Indenture bearing the date 21st Dec 1866 made between Joseph MITCHELL 1st part; William DEWS of the OTHER part, which said plot, or parcel of land herein before described is particularly delineated & described in the plan drawn on the back of a certain Indenture dated 24th Sep 1877 & coloured green & edged in pink.
FOURTHLY All that plot, piece of land, situate at Ossett containing by recent admeasurements 1 Acre 2 Roods & 32 perches, 9 yds, bounded on & towards the east by an occupation rd, leading from Ossett to Horbury, on or towards the west by the premises herein before thirdly described, north by property now or late of David PICKARD and south by property now or late of Thomas MITCHELL and which said plot of land is part ofthe hereditaments & premises delineated &coloured green on the plan endorsed on the back of the said Indenture of the 24th Sep 1877.
AND also all that Messuage, Dwellinghouse & Outbuildings recently erected upon the said plot or piece of land herein before fourthly described or on some part or parts thereof and now in the occupation of the said Samuel PICKARD
FIFTHLY All those messuages, cottages or dwellings on Ossett Lights, occupied by Joseph TOMLINSON, Joseph RAMSDEN & William WESTERMAN, but now Nancy PICKARD & others. Also all that land on Ossett Lights called LOW CROFT 1acre 8 perches, lately occupied by Nathan MITCHELL, but now Mary ILLINGWORTH & adjoining or near said messuages, cottages in the fifth part. (Ref: 893 760 913)
Samuel PICKARD died on 26th October 1883 two days after signing this Deed
OSSETT PLAN 1886 (prior to the building of Station Rd.)
The first sod was cut for Station Road in 1888 and completed in 1889
1890 Ordnance Survey Map
This shows Samuel’s lands now divided up between his son Alfred Hinchliffe PICKARD and his Grandson John William PICKARD. (NB the house is named SOWOOD HOUSE)
1891 Census shows John William with his wife Lois and Grandmother Jane at Sowood House.
NoteThe address is School Lane, (later to be known as Vicar Lane) which at this time was where the access to Sowood House would have been before Sowood Lane was built. A new entrance must have been created sometime before 1898.
Jane PICKARD died on 11th October 1898 in Sowood House, Sowood Lane.
1911
((These Census Schedules show John Wm Pickard writing his address as Sowood Villa (suggesting that it was he who decided to change the name) and the Enumerator writing it as Sowood House! All very confusing to the future researcher!))
John William PICKARD died on the 17th June 1917 aged 54
His Will was proved on the 12th March 1918.
In this Will he states:-
I devise and bequeath all the real estate to which I shall be entitled at my decease unto my wife Lois PICKARD absolutely but as to estates (if any) vested in me upon trust or by way of mortgage subject to the equities affecting the same respectively and I appoint my said wife Lois Pickard and her brother Charles BROOK Executors of this my Will, hereby revoking all my other testamentary writings. (Will signed 16th November 1891).
DEED OF CONVEYANCE DATED April 7th 1925
Lois PICKARD of Ossett, widow of John William PICKARD the1st part and
Harry Anelay COX of Ossett, Rag & Mungo Merchant, the other part.
Firstly all that close of land fronting onto Manor Rd., Ossett aforesaid containing by Ordnance Survey 2 roods 22 perches or thereabouts, bounded on the north by Manor rd., aforesaid, on the south west by property of Mr A. DEWS and east in part by property of Mrs HINCHLIFFE and in the remaining part by the property secondly hereinafter described.
Secondly all that close of land & garden with dwellinghouse, known as SOWOOD VILLA, outbuildings & conveniences erected on the said close of land or on some part thereof fronting to Sowood Lane, Ossett aforesaid containing by Ordnance Survey 1 acre 2 roods & 6 perches or thereabouts bounded northwards in part by property of Mrs HINCHLIFFE & in the other part by property of Mr A. HEMINGWAY, on the south by property of Mr Thomas MITCHELL, on the east by Sowood Lane aforesaid & west in part by the close of land first hereinbefore described & the remaining part by property of Mr A. DEWS.
All which said close of land, dwellinghouses, hereditaments & premises are now in the occupation of the vendor & were in a certain Indenture dated Dec 10th 1884 made between Thomas BURTON 1st Part and the said John William PICKARD of the other part.
Thirdly all that plot, parcel of freehold land situate at Giggal Hill in Ossett aforesaid containing by the recent Ordnance Survey 2 roods 21 perches & 6 yds thereabout & bounded northwards by Manor Rd., east by David PICKARD & partly by land the property of Samuel PICKARD, towards the south land then or late of Samuel PICKARD and west by the said land on a certain Indenture dated Dec 21st 1866 between Joseph MITCHELL 1st part and William DEWS the other part.
Fourthly land containing 1 acre 2 roods 30 perches 9 yds bounded east by the occupation road from Ossett to Horbury, west by premises therein before thirdly described, north by property therein or late of Thos. MITCHELL endorsed on an Indenture dated Sep 24th 1877 and also that messuage or dwellinghouse & outbuildings then recently erected upon the said plot fourthly described or on some part & then in the occupation of Samuel PICKARD, together with all rights, hereditaments etc.. (Ref: Vol 40 26 12).
John William and Lois did not have any children. Between July and September 1932 Lois Pickard died aged 72. Her death was registered in the district of St. Thomas (don’t know where that is). It would appear that she had moved away after 1925. (unless she was on holiday?).
HARRY ANELAY COX 1870 – 1942
Harry Anelay COX was born in Bradford in 1872 the 10th child of Joseph COX and Sarah ANELAY.
He married Olive MOYS, daughter of William MOYS and Emma between Jan and Mar 1901. On the 1891 Census William aged 45 is listed as a Gas Works Manager, born in Canterbury, Kent. Emma, and the children Olive aged 15 and Herbert aged 13, were all born in Wakefield.
In 1907, according to Alfred Hinchliffe Pickard’s Will. Harry Anelay COX is the tenant of Highfield Cottage. (My former home!).
The 1911 Census show Harry as a Rag Merchant, employer.
On 20th August 1925 he is in partnership with Henry Howden DALLEY with Rag Warehouses in Dewsbury, in the region of Bond St., Croft St., and near the Carlton Club Building. (Ref: 88 931 330)
Three months later the business is changed to FIRTH, DALLEY & COX Ltd. whose registered Office is situated in Wellington St., Dewsbury. (Ref: Vol 120 165 58). Harry Anelay COX is a Director of the Company.
On April 26th 1938 Mildred COX, daughter of Harry & Olive died at Sowood Villa, aged 31. 4 yrs later Harry Anelay COX died on May 23rd 1942 aged 70 yrs and 6 months later his widow Olive died on Nov 26th aged 67 yrs.
DEED OF CONVEYANCE DATED March 30th 1943
Charles Herbert COX of Ossett First Part
James Ellis WALKER the Other part.
Conveyance between Charles Herbert COX of Sowood Villa Ossett, Rag Merchant, the Vendor 1st Part and James Ellis WALKER of ‘Hadley’ Benton Hill, Horbury, Yarn Spinner, the Purchaser.
Whereas Harry Anelay COX, late of Sowood Villa, Ossett aforesaid, Rag & Mungo Merchant (the Testator) died on 21st May 1942 by his Will dated 8th Feb 1933 appointed his wife Olive and his sons the Vendor and Harold Cox to be the Executors thereof the Will duly proved on 8th July 1942.
The Testator at the date of his death seised of the property hereinafter described.
The Vendor has not given or made any assent or conveyance in respect of a legal estate in or affecting the said property or any part thereof.
The Vendor has agreed with the Purchaser for the sale to him of the unencumbered fee simple in possession of the said property at the price of £1,300.
Firstly all that close of land fronting onto Manor Rd. in Ossett aforesaid containing by Ordnance Survey 2 roods, 22 perches or thereabouts bounded on the North by Manor Rd., South & West by property of Mr Arthur DEWS’ representatives & East in part by property of Mrs HINCHLIFFE and in the remaining part by the property secondly hereinafter described.
Secondly all that close of land & garden with dwellinghouse, known as SOWOOD VILLA, garage, outbuildings & conveniences erected on the said close of land or on some part thereof fronting to Sowood Lane, Ossett aforesaid containing by Ordnance Survey 1 acre 2 roods & 6 perches or thereabouts bounded northwards in part by property of Mrs HINCHLIFFE & in the other part by property of Mr A. HEMINGWAY, on the south by property of Mr Thomas MITCHELL, on the east by Sowood Lane aforesaid & west in part by the close of land first hereinbefore described & the remaining part by property of Mr A. DEWS’ representatives.
All which said closes of land, dwellinghouses, hereditaments & premises were late in the occupation of the Testator but are now in hand TOGETHER with all rights, members, hereditaments etc…EXCEPT & RESERVING out of these present all coal & minerals etc. reserved to the Duke of Leeds by the Inclosure Act of 1807 (Ref: Vol 20 254 112).
DEED OF CONVEYANCE DATED Feb 19th 1946
James Ellis WALKER 1st Part
John Fisher ATKINSON the Other Part
Conveyance between James Ellis WALKER, of ‘Hadley, Benton Hill, Horbury and John Fisher ATKINSON, 66 Alexander Cresc., Birkdale Rd., Dewsbury, Engineer.
Whereas the Vendor is seised in fee simple in possession free from incumbrances of the property hereinafter described has agreed to sell the same to the Purchaser for £2,200.
Firstly all that close of land fronting onto Manor Rd. in Ossett aforesaid containing by Ordnance Survey 2 roods, 22 perches or thereabouts bounded on the North by Manor Rd., South & West by property of Mr Arthur DEWS’ representatives & East in part by property of Mrs HINCHLIFFE and in the remaining part by the property secondly hereinafter described.
Secondly all that close of land & garden with dwellinghouse, known as SOWOOD VILLA, garage, outbuildings & conveniences erected on the said close of land or on some part thereof fronting to Sowood Lane, Ossett aforesaid containing by Ordnance Survey 1 acre 2 roods & 6 perches or thereabouts bounded northwards in part by property of Mrs HINCHLIFFE & in the other part by property of Mr A. HEMINGWAY, on the south by property of Mr Thomas MITCHELL, on the east by Sowood Lane aforesaid & west in part by the close of land first hereinbefore described & the remaining part by property of Mr A. DEWS’ representatives.
All of which said land, dwellinghouses & premises were till recently in the occupation of Mr. JESSOP & Mr AXFORD but are now in hand TOGETHER with all rights, members appurtenances, hereditaments etc. EXCEPT coal and minerals reserved to the Duke of Leeds by the Inclosure Act of 1807 (Ref: Vol 25 818 340).
DEED OF CONVEYANCE DATED May 1st 1962
John Fisher ATKINSON 1st Part
James Gordon OAKES & Patricia OAKES his wife the Other Part
Conveyance between John Fisher ATKINSON, of Sowood Villa, Ossett, Dairy Roundsman, the Vendor and James Gordon OAKES, Co. Director & Patricia OAKES his wife, both of ‘Lyndeane’, Station Rd., Ossett, the Purchasers.
The Vendor is seised in fee simple in possession free from incumbrances of the property hereinafter described.
The Vendor has agreed with the Purchasers for the sale of the said property at the price of £3,400 and shall be vested as Joint Tenants.
All that plot of land at Sowood Lane, 4430 sq yds, bounded North by property of Leslie Raymond ROSS, engineer and Boovan ROSS and in other part by property of Alice Jane SENIOR, on or towards the East by Sowood Lane and South side thereof in part by property of Harry and Sheila TOLSON and in the other part by property of Frank BURDEKIN, West side thereof in part by property of Mayor and Borough of Ossett and in other part by the said Frank BURDEKIN and also all that dwelling house with garage, stables & outbuildings thereto belonging erected on some part of the said plot known as SOWOOD VILLA, of which the said property is more particularly delineated on the plan annexed hereto coloured pink and edged in red and forms part of the property first and secondly described in the conveyance dated 19th Feb 1946 between James Ellis WALKER of the 1st Part and the Vendor of the Other Part, together with all rights, appurtenances, hereditaments etc. with the exception of coal & mineral rights etc., mentioned on 19th Feb 1946.
In 1985 James Gordon OAKES & Patricia OAKES sold the property to:
Thomas and Gina WHITE, who are still the owners in November 2010.
The House is now known as ‘SOUTHWOOD’. These words are carved on the gateposts on either side of the entrance. In earlier times this whole area of South Ossett was known as the ‘South Wood’.
Original Entrance
Front of House
CURRENT ENTRANCE (former Tradesmen’s entrance)
Copies of this Publication have been deposited at the West Yorks Archives in Wakefield; Ossett Library and Christ Church South Ossett and summaries are available on 0ssett History website – (www.ossett.net).
Whilst the Owner always uses her best endeavours to ensure the information on this website is accurate and complete, errors may from time to time occur. The Owner will not be held responsible for the consequence of such errors but will make efforts, where possible, to make corrections.
Wherever possible it is advisable to consult the source material
© JOAN P SMITH 2014
HORBURY & OSSETT FAMILY & LOCAL HISTORY 