East of England: one of the first modern car washes among the listed sites

One of the earliest known examples of a modern car wash is one of a number of newly listed sites by Historic England.

The Grade II Barkway Carriage Wash in Hertfordshire is included in a list of 44 sites added to the National Heritage List for the Eastern Region.

Northwold Manor in Norfolk, which is Grade II* listed and has a variety of architectural styles spanning over 500 years, was also highlighted.

It has been described as an “extraordinary time capsule” design.

barkway carriage Known as the ‘Wagon Splash’, Royston’s history dates back to 1600, when it was a stopover for people traveling north from London.

It is one of only four such structures in the UK.

Washing water was supplied from a nearby underground waterway and was just the right depth to submerge the wheels without flooding the carriage.

Residents say it was used to refuel steam tractors even into the 20th century, when horse-drawn carriages were replaced by automobiles.

Earlier this year, the registration status of Northwold Manor in Northwold was upgraded from Grade II to Grade II*.

Historic England describes the building, which has been heritage listed since 1951, as “an exceptional time capsule encompassing 500 years of architectural design”.

Once owned by the Carter family (relatives of British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter), highlights of the building include a Regency ballroom, a 16th-century mansion, and an impressive 17th-century oak mansion. It includes a staircase, a paneled 18th-century drawing room, and a classical archway leading to the first-floor porch. Chamber with grooved ion column.

Historic England said the carved fanlights above the main entrance were the most important and were rare to survive.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “Every year a variety of notable historic buildings and places of interest are added to the list, and 2023 will be no exception.”

“We have explored and protected some incredible sites this year, and together they provide a window into our rich and varied historic environment.”

Whitley Bay Heritage Minister Parkinson said: “The incredible range of places on the list this year vividly demonstrates the richness and diversity of our national heritage.

“Historic England’s great work will ensure that it is protected for future generations to enjoy and learn about the fascinating people and stories that surround them.”