Old, and some New, Photographs of Woodbridge & Melton
In 1560 the road was called Myll Way because it was the way to the Lords water mill. By the eighteenth century there were four windmills along the ridge above the road.
The house shown on the right had features which made it look like a castle. For this reason Myll Way became Castle Street.
Imposing mansion on the right was built in 1812 by William Lockwood to promote a new cement that his building firm was an agent for. His cement was waterproof and was thus suitable for cladding the outside of buildings. It could also be painted by a stone colouring which make it appear like stone.
The mansion had walls and a flat roof that were completely clad in concrete and there were concrete mouldings around the windows. The addition of battlements and a tower in one corner resulted in the Mansion henceforth being known as ‘The Castle’.
The cement roof proved to be a step to far. Although the cement was a barrier to water, it cracked due to the movement of the underlying roof timbers, and eventually slate had to be used.
Phot008
This photograph shows The Castle and the gateway to St Johns Church.
Thomas Churchyards painting of 'The Castle' in 1890.
