WOODCROFT (continued)

Owners and Occupiers - called Streatlam Cottage by the man who had this house built in 1867 - James L. Bowes, living previously in Canning St. Born in Leeds he was educated at the Liverpool College becoming a wool broker (J.L. Bowes & Brother, est. 1859), but his family came from Streatlam Castle, Durham where they had lived from the 13th century. Mr Bowes was distinguished as an art collector. "Between 1867-1874 he accumulated a collection of Japanese art unequalled for reliability, extent and beauty, that despite efforts since made by monarchs and millionaires, is still the finest in existence. His publications drew the attention of the Western World to Japanese ware and the fashion of ornamenting house interiors with either originals or imitations is chiefly due to him" (1893). By 1871 he had married and built Streatlam Towers, 5 Princes Rd, with a gallery for exhibiting his collection to the public at 1 shilling per head - donated to charity. The Bowes Museum is now at Barnard Castle and well worth a visit we are told.

The 1871 census shows Mrs Alice Tinne living here, she was a widow age 29 born in Rio de Janeiro living with her daughter Alice 4, born Wavertree and 4 servants. (The firm of Sandbach, Tinne & Co, were West Indian merchants).

By 1876 Mrs Mary Ann Hopley age 57 was the owner occupier, moving in 1881 to live next door at Newstead with her ?invalid son, but retaining ownership until 1911. The next occupant was Fenwick Harrison, ship owner (Harrison Line) who lived here for a year before moving to Fulwood Park. He was followed by Henry Tate jun. in 1884, son of Sir Henry Tate Bt. (sugar refiner) before he moved to Allerton Beeches designed for him by Norman Shaw.

In 1885 the name Nixon appears as the occupier and from 1886 to 1890 John Naylor, banker (Leyland & Bullins) lived here, leaving to move into Elmwood, at the top of Yew Tree Road.

During 1891 the house remained empty, but from 1892-1900 it was tenanted by His Honour Judge Charles Lister Shand - ed. Harrow & Oxford, Barrister 1870 who then moved on to Stand Park House, Wavertree.

John Hutchinson, flour miller came in 1901, he was from a Wesleyan Methodist family of Liberal politics, and stayed for 2 years. Then in 1904 Mrs Sophia Benson Rathbone moved in, remaining until her death in 1914. Mrs Rathbone (1832-1914) bought the house in 1911.

continued . . .