HIGHFIELD, Woolton Park (or Acrefield Road) before 1860? demolished 1977?
Architect - unidentified

(Description from a single photograph:)
A large brick house with stone dressings of a Classical design - but an illiterate Classicism. For instance no true Classicist could place the central mullion of a double light window on the centre line below a central pediment! A symmetrical design with an open pediment into which rises the arched head of an attic window. On either side of a rather narrow projecting central block were broad two storey bays, all with large sash windows. Polychromy was present, certainly in the upper half of the building. This house had a 'prospect tower' (see Woolton Tower).

Owners and Occupiers:

The first house on our Walk built for private ownership. In 1857 John Anderson was living in Claughton, Birkenhead but by 1860 he was at Highfield. From the 1861 census we learn that he was a linen draper, age 39 born in Liverpool, living with his wife Mary Jane 30, born in Salford, their 4 children (the eldest William John age 5 born in Birkenhead and the youngest Frances of 5 months born in M.W.), his mother-in-law Mary Ann Roberts 55, born in Salford and 5 female servants (none local). In 1867 his extent was 5 acres and the R.V. £250, in 1868 his extent was 4 acres but the R.V. had increased to £300. In 1869 he left Highfield (? bankrupt) owing Rates arrears of £37 3s 9d which were carried forward to the new occupier Henry Tate.

In 1871 the house was for sale by auction 'by order of the Morgager' (sic) with the information that 'the house is at present let to Henry Tate Esq., on a lease which expires on 23.4.1873 at the annual rental of £500'. Mr Tate is in the 1872 Rates Book as owner/occupier so he must have bought the house - the R.V. has risen to £400, in 1879 it was £493!

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