Two historic locations in Gloucestershire are among 32 places in the south west that have been added to the National Heritage List in 2021.
The former home of acclaimed poet Charles Tomlinson CBE, Brook Cottage in Ozleworth near Wotton-under-Edge, is one of the locations to be given Grade II listed status.
The 18th century cottage features a characteristic Cotswold stone roof, flagstone floors, locally-forged craft ironwork and unusual scalloped timber decoration in the window frames. It was home to Tomlinson from 1958 and in 1961, he converted Brook Cottage and the adjoining Bridge Cottage into one property.
Tomlinson took inspiration from Gloucestershire and his home in his poetry, as well as hosting the likes of Ted Hughes, James Lees Milne and Bruce Chatwin at Brook Cottage.
The second location to be Grade II listed is The Fosse Way Bridge in Long Newnton. Described by Historic England as ‘an unaltered Cotswolds limestone “packhorse bridge” from the 18th century’, the bridge is comprised of a single arch crossing the River Avon.
The bridge, created by skilled stonemasons in the mid-1700s, is made entirely of Cotswold limestone and forms part of the Roman road, the Fosse Way, which was built during the first and second century linking Exeter and Lincoln.
The bridge features on a map of Wiltshire dating back to 1773 and also appears on Ordnance Survey maps from 1829 and tithe maps from 1838, when it was considered part of the Foss Road from Bath to Cirencester – and it remains part of a public footpath today.
Heritage minister, Nigel Huddleston, said: ‘Listing these significant historic sites means we can protect our valuable heritage for future generations to learn from and ensure they are on the map for local people and visitors to be proud of and enjoy. This year’s entries on to the list span the length and breadth of the country and have something to inspire everyone.’
Acting regional director at Historic England, Ross Simmonds, added: ‘The additional places protected this year shows the diversity of our region’s shared heritage, from progressive public buildings in Cornwall to the Gloucestershire home of Charles Tomlinson, an acclaimed 20th century poet.
‘These wonderful historic sites are now protected for future generations, and we encourage people to apply for listing, or share their photos and videos of listed sites, through our website.’
