Building record 1421100000 - The Grange, 56 Amersham Hill

Built for the furniture manufacturer William Birch in 1900 this fine brick house had its windows broken in 1913 by striking chair workers (High Wycombe A History and Celebration by Martin Andrew, p73). Walter Birch took over from his father the furniture making business radically modernizing into large scale factory based production. A councillor since 1881 (aged 26), JP, alderman 1901, Mayor 1909, 1910, Director of the High Wycombe Electric and Power Company, and Chairman of the Boards of Guardians of Saunderton Workhouse. By 1933 the Grange was a nursing home, and by the 1950s the HQ for the District Nurses. It is thought to have been used for evacuees during the War. The building is an imposing red brick structure of 2 storeys and attic, with half dormers to the top floor. To either side of the frontage 2 castellated projecting bays with swags and classical decoration in terracotta. Windows have rubbed brick headers. Imposing porch with classical detailing in terracotta. A plaque to the font gives the date of construction. Proposed for inclusion on Wycombe District Council local list (B1).
Added to Wycombe local list (B4).