BARNSTON

The original village of Barnston is mentioned in the Domesday survey of 1086, though its earliest buildings date only from the C18th. Still dominated by working farms, the village retains an essentially rural character and represents a good example of a post medieval nucleated settlement.

The village is typical of one that has grown over time, with an irregular grain and a variety of building types. Few of its buildings date from after 1900 and consequently its original layout remains largely unaltered. With the exception of the Fox and Hounds public house, substantially rebuilt in 1910, and a key landmark when entering Barnston from the north, the village would be eminently recognisable from its 1900 form.

Within the village there are two distinct groups of buildings: the old domestic core, centred round Old Lane and its junction with Barnston Road and the Church precinct, framed by imposing sandstone structures, which form a loose square whose open side is to Barnston Road

Boundary walls, mostly constructed of local red sandstone and surrounding both domestic and agricultural buildings, are a key part of Barnston’s visual character. They vary in construction and design, but are all of coursed rubble, with very little dressing or squaring-off of stones. A number are of a dry-stone construction, apparently without mortar. Some have capping stones of a simple shape; on others larger, heavier stones cap the walls. To view a map of the Conservation Area click here.

KEY BUILDINGS IN THE VILLAGE INCLUDE:

Christ Church (Grade II), built 1870-1 to a design of G. E. Street (1824-1881)
The Vicarage, designed by J. F. Doyle (1840 – 1913), who worked with R.
Norman Shaw on Liverpool’s White Star building and also designed St Peter’s,
Lower Heswall
The Church Hall (formerly the school) the earliest part by Street
The Fox and Hounds public house
Beech Farm (Grade II)
109 / 111 Barnston Road