1-10 Coastguard Cottages, Normans Bay Road
| 1-10 Coastguard Cottages, Normans Bay Road | |
|---|---|
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| LL ref: | 394 |
| Start date: | 1860s |
| Architect: | unknown |
| Builder: | unknown |
| Original use: | Residential |
| View on map: | |
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In 1860 the Admiralty were given powers to acquire land and establish coastguard stations. At Normans Bay land was acquired from the Dukes of Devonshire and, in 1866, the coastguard station was built and was named Pevensey Coastguard Station. Martello Towers 53,54 and 55 were all in close proximity and were used to house the families of coastguard before this terrace of 10 cottages with an officers house was built in the late 1860s.
The front doors are on the north (landward) side of each cottage, fronting on to a communal path. The sea-side elevation of the cottages had only windows and not doors originally, probably as protection from the severe weather. They have simple rendered elevations and one continuous dual-pitch slated roof with rectangular stacks and clay chimney pots. Each cottage had its own outhouse or privy with red brick gabled end elevations and slate roofs. Some of these survive to this day such as at No. 6 and 7 and are important elements of this historic terrace which should be refurbished and retained. Inside there was a kitchen with a range and one living room; upstairs were three bedrooms, one of which most people converted to part-bathrooms as piped water became available.
