Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Why was Barrack Row, Aldbury given its name?

This row of cottages was built early in the 19th century after Ebelthite Farm was demolished as part of the improvements in Aldbury carried out by the Earl of Bridgewater (at Ashridge). The cottages were first called "Slated Row" because they were among the first building erected in the village, using non-local building materials brought along the Grand Junction Canal.
   Rita has written to ask why the cottages are now called "Barrack Row" and I look at the Row's history and while I come up with a suggestion please feel free to comment is you have a better idea.

2 comments:

  1. Given your interest in brickmaking did you not consider if the cottages were named after a brickmaker of that name? There is a William Barrack brickmaker from Great Dunmow about 10 miles away found at Gt Dunmow in 1861, 1871 and 1881 and living at Bishop's Stortford in 1851. Perhaps he was associated with the cottages or perhaps his father built them? Anthony

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  2. I did check the west of Hertfordshire, which is where Aldbury is, for any occurance of the name Barrack which could have been relevant. I did not check the east of Hertfordshire (which is where Albury is), and I was unaware of any Barrack brickmakers in the county. However I doubt there is any link.

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