Tettenhall Towers

WOLVERHAMPTON

SO8899NE WOOD ROAD, Tettenhall 895-1/10/150 (South side) 29/07/50 Tettenhall Towers (Formerly Listed as: WOOD ROAD, Tettenhall Tettenhall Towers (Tettenhll College Annexe))

GV II

House, now school. c1770, but much altered c1820; large extensions of 1860s for Col Thomas Thorneycroft and small C20 extensions. Ashlar with stucco to front and extensions to left return; slate roofs and stucco stacks. Greek Revival style. L-plan. 2 storeys; 14-window range; 3 windows to right end in symmetrical composition, the ends breaking forward under pediments, centre porch. Irregular 1860s extensions to rest of elevation, progressively stepping back to left, with 2 octagonal towers rising by one stage above the 1st floor. First floor sill band and top cornice; towers have Greek key moulding to parapets. Windows have 12-pane sashes, one tower has 9-pane sashes, one has 12-pane sashes. Porch has unfluted Doric columns, frieze and cornice and blocking course with anthemions; round-headed entrance to later inner porch has paired glazed doors; 2 entrances to left end. Right return has 2-storey canted bay; end of rear range to right has panelled angle pilasters and Greek key frieze; panel and acroteria to blocking course. Rear has projecting right half with octagonal angle turret; left end has 2-storey bowed window with enclosed colonnade to right; pediment to right; right half has projecting orangery with large sashed windows. C19 rear wing of 3 storeys has varied fenestration; 2-storey rectangular bay with tripartite windows. INTERIOR has some Greek features: hall has coffered ceiling; stair with well now enclosed has iron balusters and lantern; room to right has end Ionic screen; doorcases and window shutters; double-height room has balcony. Colonel Thorneycroft was interested in the development of ventilation and heating, and some of his innovations are incorporated in the building. (Tettenhall Towers: 1980-1985).

Listing NGR: SO8863499755