The old Thatched Cottage (1774)
Leeves Cottage, situated in Weston-Super-Mare, holds a rich history interwoven with the town's evolution. Historical records reveal a complex narrative regarding the cottage's inception. Officially dated back to 1791 by Historic England, whispers of a pre-existing primitive hut cloud the certainty. This uncertainty adds depth to the cottage's historical mystique.
Its origins trace back to Reverend William Leeves, whose connection with the influential Pigott family and John Pigott, the Lord of the Manor, played a pivotal role in its creation. Leeves, a multifaceted individual involved in military service and Holy Orders, not only built and inhabited the cottage but also contributed to Weston's transformation into a thriving town, earning mentions in publications as the seaside rejuvenation gained popularity. The echoes of his musical prowess, connection to Scottish balladry, and controversies over song ownership reverberate through time. His friendship with Hannah More marked his engagement with cultural and societal currents of the age.
Over the years, Leeves Cottage saw various tenants and visitors, from the Taylor family with clerical ties to Count Possenti, a notable figure linked to Queen Victoria's court.
Traces of Leeves' presence persist in sketches, paintings and the cherished memory of a community he served devotedly. His passing in 1828 left an indelible mark on Wrington Church, where he rests beneath the altar, commemorated by a chancel window and a poignant memorial.
A sale in 1842 heralded a new era, while the passage of the Weston-Super-Mare Improvement and Market Act cemented the cottage's distinctive character. Joseph Glossop's ownership in the 1850s marked a significant juncture in the cottage's narrative.
Leeves Cottage, like a treasured artefact of heritage, continues to whisper stories of its occupants, guardians and the winds of change that shaped its history. As the threads of time intertwine, the cottage stands as a living testament to the legacy of Reverend William Leeves and the vibrant history of Weston-Super-Mare.
The old Thatched Cottage (1774)
Leeves Cottage, situated in Weston-Super-Mare, holds a rich history interwoven with the town's evolution. Historical records reveal a complex narrative regarding the cottage's inception. Officially dated back to 1791 by Historic England, whispers of a pre-existing primitive hut cloud the certainty. This uncertainty adds depth to the cottage's historical mystique.
Its origins trace back to Reverend William Leeves, whose connection with the influential Pigott family and John Pigott, the Lord of the Manor, played a pivotal role in its creation. Leeves, a multifaceted individual involved in military service and Holy Orders, not only built and inhabited the cottage but also contributed to Weston's transformation into a thriving town, earning mentions in publications as the seaside rejuvenation gained popularity. The echoes of his musical prowess, connection to Scottish balladry, and controversies over song ownership reverberate through time. His friendship with Hannah More marked his engagement with cultural and societal currents of the age.
Over the years, Leeves Cottage saw various tenants and visitors, from the Taylor family with clerical ties to Count Possenti, a notable figure linked to Queen Victoria's court.
Traces of Leeves' presence persist in sketches, paintings and the cherished memory of a community he served devotedly. His passing in 1828 left an indelible mark on Wrington Church, where he rests beneath the altar, commemorated by a chancel window and a poignant memorial.
A sale in 1842 heralded a new era, while the passage of the Weston-Super-Mare Improvement and Market Act cemented the cottage's distinctive character. Joseph Glossop's ownership in the 1850s marked a significant juncture in the cottage's narrative.
Leeves Cottage, like a treasured artefact of heritage, continues to whisper stories of its occupants, guardians and the winds of change that shaped its history. As the threads of time intertwine, the cottage stands as a living testament to the legacy of Reverend William Leeves and the vibrant history of Weston-Super-Mare.