[Henry Williamson, novelist and naturalist, author of ‘Tarka the Otter’.] Seven items from Williamson family papers, relating to his ‘Proposed residence at Ox’s Cross’, including architectural plans and sketch and copy of letter from builder.

From the Williamson family papers. See his entry in the Oxford DNB. The material is in fair condition, lightly aged and creased. In a card folder on which is written by Williamson’s son Richard ‘PLANS for House for Ox’s Cross - DENNIS (builder) 1973 / Plans of Cottage. / See Schwabe’s original plans.’ ONE: Typed Letter Signed from A. J. Dennis to Williamson at 4 Capstone Place, Ilfracombe. 2pp, 4to. Headed in brown felt-tip ‘Copy’, but certainly with Dennis’s genuine signature. Much of the text underlined in red felt-tip. Headed: ‘Proposed residence at Ox’s Cross.’ A long letter regarding planning consent. At one point he writes: ‘I am positive that no further approvals will be granted for development on your site if you allow the existing approval to lapse’. Later he states: ‘The sketch I have prepared would be acceptable to Mr. Sims, but he will not approve any amendment which would be a major departure from the approved plan.’ TWO: Photocopy of ‘Sketch plan for H. Williamson Trust residence, Ox’s Cross. / submitted by / J. S. Williamson, Galaxie Rd, Cowplain. / 27 March 1973.’ 2pp, foolscap 8vo. On two leaves. One of the flats has been slightly picked out in felt tip pen. First leaf, with title shows west and south elevations; second leaf has three floor plans, with notes: ‘Area to be developed as independent (or holiday) flat when needed.’ and ‘Ground floor planned for house built south of existing drive. Hall/bathroom layout could be reversed if site to be north of drive, thus putting porch under balcony.’ THREE: Coloured ‘Sketch plan of residence for H. Williamson Esq.’ by ‘A. J. Dennis Exeter Road Braunton’, dated ‘Feb’ 73’. In red felt tip, at top right: ‘OLD PLAN’. An attractive illustration (1p, foolscap 8vo) of the ‘South Elevation’: ‘chimney & fireplace natural stone / plinth black bricks / Roof slate grey tiles / Walls rough rendered, painted / White Snowcem’. With five photocopies. FOUR: Hand-drawn plan of Ground Floor (kitchen, scullery, dining room and lounge with two teak columns and inglenook fireplace) and First Floor (four bedrooms and a bathroom), in black ink. 1p, foolscap 8vo. With seven photocopies. FIVE: Three photocopies of variant design for Item Four above. This one with Dennis’s details and dated ‘2. 73. 1’. Two of the three copies have ‘omit’ in red felt tip relating to the teak columns in the lounge, and these are reinstated in the third, with a couple of pencil notes including ‘2. Food through HATCH’. SIX: Manila envelope addressed to Williamson’s son Richard, and annotated by him: ‘HW/ COPY OF ORIGINAL PLAN of the FIELD (original is on blotting paper!) / ‘Down Close’. Inside the envelope is a large reproduction, made by joining two A4 photocopies, of a crude map by Williamson, headed ‘Rough Plan of Down Close, 2 acre field, / Henry Williamson’. With three photocopies of various sections of the same. SEVEN: Publicity flier for the London Brick Company Limited. Printed in colours. 2pp, foolscap 8vo. Dated in print 1 May 1972. Shows two colours of ‘Section 1 / ‘Phorpres’ RIDGEFACED / Facing Brick’: ‘Milton Buff’ and ‘Hardwick’.