Sampson Society Appreciation Visit - 9 November 2010
Kings Acre was built in 1923.
The original plots of Bickwell Valley were fully developed in the first decade of the Twentieth Century.
Boughmore Road followed, but the pace of development was slow. This was mainly because the only access to the area until the mid 1920’s was via Boughmore Lane (now only a narrow footpath linking with Cotmaton Road).
Even in 1923 when Kings Acre was built all deliveries etc. had to be made along Boughmore Lane, which at best was just a poorly surfaced cart track.
Because the development of houses along Boughmore Road took place over a long period of time there is a considerable variety of house design and style.
Kings Acre was built for Kate and Julia Sander in 1923 and was initially called ‘Cottesmore’. It is not known where the name came from, but was probably Cott (cottage) more (bigger).
Information about Kate and Julia Sander:
- Two spinster sisters aged about 50 when Kings Acre was built.
- Father and grandfather (both called Noah) were lace workers in Nottingham.
- Their father Noah moved to London in about 1860 when he was in his 20’s.
- The 1861 Census described Noah as a milliner. He lived in Islington, and employed 16 women and 4 girls. He probably didn’t own the business as he was a lodger. In 1871 and 1881 he was described as a milliner’s warehouseman.
- Noah married Ann at Lambeth in 1867. Kate was born in 1871 and Julia was born in 1876.
- The family moved up in the world, living at various addresses in Islington and then Highgate, and employing two servants.
- Noah died before 1891. Ann lived on ‘independent means’ and Kate and Julia never appear to have worked during their lifetime. They were probably well travelled and educated despite humble origins (the sisters were at Malvern 1891). It is not known why they came to Sidmouth, possibly a connection with lace, or as visitors?
Sampson’s plan for Kings Acre - the original drawing is still in the house
Martin Mallinson - November 2010