An act of vandalism in Tidmarsh
12 February 2008
Most, if not all, residents in Tidmarsh and Sulham will have passed Sunnybrook, the house on the Pangbourne side of The Round House in Tidmarsh.
The Tithe map of 1840 shows a Sunday School on the site of the present building; this was rebuilt as a school for 45 children in about 1856 by the then Lord of the Manor, Robert Hopkins of Tidmarsh Manor House. A stone plaque bearing the Hopkins coat of arms is set into the side wall of the building. The school was closed in about 1905 and the building became known and used as the Village Club Room until being sold into private ownership in the 1930s.
In December, the Parish Council set in motion action to preserve this important historic building that is adjacent to the Grade II listed Toll House by applying to the Conservation Officer of West Berkshire Council for it to be granted listed status. The Conservation Officer supported the case which is now being considered by English Heritage.
In mid-January, two men were seen to be trying to destroy the Hopkins coat of arms and some of the stone mullions forming the uprights of the windows. Considerable damage has been inflicted on the coat of arms which, until now, has survived the years in perfect condition. Fortunately, detailed photographs had been taken earlier so the design of the arms has not been lost. The matter has been referred to Thames Valley Police in an attempt to prevent further damage to the building. Meanwhile, a decision is awaited from English Heritage regarding the listed status.
