Guest 1787- Registered: 24 Jun 2016
- Posts: 3
Hi I am trying to find out the history of a house in the village of River. The house was called River House. One of my ancestors lived in this house in 1911. His name was Col Fredrick Graham. He was a retired Army Officer. I would be very interested in any history of the family and also a photo of the house if possible. Is it still standing ?
If anyone out there has any clues I would be very grateful to hear from you
Thank you
Diane Sullivan
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,025
Yes in Valley Road.There is a book on the history of River.I will not give out his number but a local author Derek Leach would be able to help you .I think he has an advert Riverdale . Press.The house changed ownership, a few years ago.
Guest 1787- Registered: 24 Jun 2016
- Posts: 3
Hi Sue
Thanks for the information. I am delighted that the house is still standing. I will be certainly be enquiring about the book
Diane
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,025
I found the Village Appraisal written in the eighties and it mentions River House which used to be a workhouse.Still trying to find the owners Sadly the two people who would have known about your relatives hav died.I have a few friends in their nineties so they may help with information..The house is still in good shape .Some of the grounds have been sold off.The close is called Mannering Close . Named after the Mannering family.I managed to persuade the builder to call it that as a member of the Mannering family lived in a caravan in the grounds
Guest 1787- Registered: 24 Jun 2016
- Posts: 3
I happened to tune into the TV programme Homes under the Hammer this morning and guess where one of the houses was, in River! So through that programme I got a flavour of the place. Unfortunately it wasn't Riverhouse being renovated, that would have been too much of a coincidence.
Managing to persuade the builder what to name the close was a nice touch Sue.
I think Frederick, my ancestor, must have been fairly well off as on the 1911 census he employed a cook and a maid and his children were born in different parts of the world where he was obviously posted in his army career.
I only discovered him 2 days ago and can't believe how much information I have got
on him already !
Diane
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,025
There is a lodge which is located at the front gates ,rented out these days and another part is used for the Village gardeners store.
