downtonbuildings

Slab Lane was previously known as Beechy Hill (Source: Article by Jean Green published in the Downton Parish News in 1989 - reproduced in September and October 2007)).

EAST SIDE (from junction with Lode Hill)

1 Slab Lane

Former occupiers: Reg 'Cracker' Smith (1930s); Bertram Leonard Bishop (1960s-1970s).

2 Slab Lane

Former occupiers: William Hatton (1930s-1950s); Percival Ramsell (1960s-1980s).

3 Slab Lane

Former occupiers: Fred Coffin (1930s- 1960s); Ralph Henderson (1960s-1990s).

4 Slab Lane (Blakeway House)

A grade II listed building.

Listing description: Detached house. Mid C19. Flemish bond brick with vitrified headers, tiled hipped roof, brick stacks. Gable end to road entrance at right angles to road. 2- storey, 3-window. C20 door to right, 25-pane sash to either side, 2-light casement to left. First floor has three 25-pane sashes, all flush. Right return has no windows. Rear outshut has single leaded casement and first floor has 2-light casement. Interior not inspected.

Former Occupiers: Eric Blake (1940s- 1970s).

Apple Tree Cottage

Former Occupiers: Henry Eastman (1930s- 1950s); Mrs Eastman; Don Moody; Frank Witt (1960s); Reg Witt; Vicky Van Heusen; Bunty Footer.

6 Slab Lane (Lakelyn)

Semi-detached bungalow, constructed c1970 on the former site of a pair of cottages.

Former occupiers: (of cottages) Mr King; Mrs Elliott (1920s); Walter Earley; Philip Sutton (1960s); Mr Morris; (of bungalow) Mr Burrows; Brian Blanchard.

Little Thatch

Former Occupiers: Eddie Morgan (1930s- 1950s); Mrs G A S Thornton (1960s- 1970s).

Hazelacre

Former occupiers: John Cuthbert Matthews MA MC FRCP (1935-1964).

WEST SIDE (from junction with Lode Hill)

Rose Cottage

A grade II listed building.

Listing description: Detached cottage. Mid C19. Flemish bond brick with vitrified headers, ornamental tiled roof, gable-end brick stacks. 2- storey, 2-window. Central half-glazed door, with cambered head, either side is 2-light casement. First floor has two 2-light casements, all openings have cambered heads. Right return has one 2-light casement to ground and first floor, deep gables to roof. Left return has no windows. Interior not inspected.

Former occupiers: Charles Smith (Carpenter) (1930s-1950s); Mr Thomson (1964).

Bali-Hai

Detached bungalow constructed 1960- 1962 by current occupier, on land purchased from Mrs Eastman.

Byways

Detached bungalow constructed in the late 1950s on behalf of former occupier, possibly by Kingshotts.

Former occupier: Oliver Candy (1950s- 2007).

Corunna

Former occupiers: Ronald Spreadbury (1930s-1960s); Mrs Spreadbury (1960s- 1980s).

West View

Detached house constructed c1990. Replaced a chalk walled bungalow.

Former occupiers (of bungalow): Charles S Kimber (1930s-1970s); Mr Allen.

The Beeches

This house was occupied by American troops during World War Two.

Former occupiers: Albert Bishop (1930s); Mr Parrott; G C Wyatt (1960s); Lieutenant Commander Barnes; Mr Carroll.

Little Martha

Formerly known as Airways. The property once had an old air raid shelter dug into the bank at the front.

Former occupiers: Don and Jean Green - then Mrs Green as a widow (1930s? to 2009).

Chalk Pit Cottage

Former occupiers: Victor Edward Cook (1950s-1960s); John Hamblin.