I have often wondered what Lawn House used to look like, so it was with great excitement that I found this photograph reproduced in John Crunkhorn's booklet about the History of Dogsthorpe.
It has a similar style to the Bluebell, and number 38 Welland Rd.
On the 1901 map Lawn House appears to be the most substantial house in Dogsthorpe. However the 1911 census tells us it had a mere 9 rooms compared to The Grange with 15.
In the 1881 Census the occupiers of The Lawn are:
- Charles Caswell 45, a Merchant, born in London
- Maria Caswell 40, his wife, born in Cambridge
- Clara E Gibson 23, servant, born in Northampton.
Ten years earlier Charles Caswell, described as a Manchester Merchant is living in Evington, Leicestershire, again just with his wife and one servant.
Unfortunately in the 1871 Census there is no indication of address. However by knowing that the Sturtons lived at the Grange, and where the Publicans, Blacksmith, Brickmakers and Railway Gatekeeper were likely to live, I think the occupier of Lawn House was;
- John Hopkinson, 40, a farmer occupying 330 acres employing 8 men and 4 boys, born in Sutton Northants.
- Mary Hopkinson, 30, his wife, born Peakirk Northants.
- Elizabeth Lighton, 18, servant, born Frampton Lincs.
In 1891 Census unfortunately Lawn House isn't actually named but Robert Vergette is occupying a "village house" as oppose to the usual cottage, and its proximity to the Twelvetrees
In 1901 and 1911 Census Lawn House is occupied by Charlotte Clapperton. Although this seems to contradict the information that Thomas Henry Vergette was there in 1905, in fact Charlotte was actually his sister, and moved into Lawn House within months of being widowed, which suggests perhaps her brother already had the property.
From John Crunkhorns book Memories of Dogsthorpe.
"On the site now occupied by the Fire Station stood Lawn House. This was a large farmhouse and had the usual complement of outbuildings. A sundial on one of them bore the date 1654."
"a certain Thos Henry Vergette was known to be there in 1905 and farmed here until his death 27 Feb 1926. It was then run by Frank Odam in 1925/26. He moved there from Newborough, the move being organised and financed by his wife who had some health problems."
"The family stayed at Lawn House until it was sold for development and they moved into what is now 10 Welland Rd, at Christmas 1938. The buidings soon became derelict - helped by the local youth."
Stamford Mercury Fri 20 November 1936
The engagement is announced between Kenneth Abinger, eldest son of the late Mr Hugh A Whittome and Mrs Whittome, Shortacres, Peterborough, and Pamela, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Frank Odam, Lawn House, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough.