Valentines Mansion

In the entry for: VALENTINES PARK 1. 5027 Ilford TQ 48 NW 5/11 10.4.54 Valentines Mansion II the grade shall be amended to read II* (star).

VALENTINES PARK 1. 5027 Ilford Valentines Mansion TQ 48 NW 5/11 10.4.54 II 2. Late C17. The exterior almost entirely of the C18. Stock brick, red dressings. Entrance front L-shaped, the short arm projecting to the left and of 2 storeys. Three storeys, sashes with cased frames. Cornice with shaped modillions, capped parapet. Venetian staircase window. Unusual late C18 porte cochere built on the segment of a circle and having 8 Doric columns, partial entablature and flat pitched slate roof; (roof extant only to centre at present). Glazed doors giving entry into hall. Side elevation has 6 sash windows with double band over ground floor. Two storey canted brick bay with cornice on right hand. Two storey portion in same plane to right hand. This front has lead rainwater heads bearing the crest of the Raymond family and the date 1769, no doubt the date of the reconstruction. Garden front - the north front - 3 storeys, probably built in 1769. 2+5+2 sash windows the outer 2 being in full height bows. Double band above ground floor. Central window on 1st floor with pediment, architrave surround and swept up sides. Early C19 cast iron balcony to window with tented lead canopy. Ground floor windows have jalousies. Cornice with shaped modillions, parapet. Interior, said to have Grinling Gibbons carvings and only partly seen, has paved entrance hall with good late C17 carved stone fireplace, staircase hall with good well staircase having twisted balusters and ramped handrail, and enriched ceiling with circlet of fruit flowers and foliage with coved sides. The Venetian staircase window has shields of arms and other decorations in enamelled glass of Regency date. Enquiry office with late C17 panelling and late C18 mantelpiece in statuary and coloured marbles and early C19 grate. Late C17 panelling and doors elsewhere. Valentines was built in the late C17 by James Chadwick, son-in-law of Archbishop Tillotson, who is said to have been a frequent visitor here. The house is not recorded in RCHM (Thorne Environs of London; Walford, Greater London; P Muilman History of Essex, 1769-1772).

Listing NGR: TQ4329887939