Highfield Villas, Sedbergh

Description

Highfield Villas, Sedbergh MYD36557 (c) YDNPA, 2023

With an 1883 datestone these are probably the oldest surviving buildings in Cumbria built from shuttered concrete. Up until the end of the 18th century, cement was little different to that first developed by the Romans. During the 19th century, new mixtures were tried and the Portland Cement company perfected a mix incorporating calcined and finely ground clay. Modern quick setting cement had been born and by the late 19th century the first houses with cement walls were being built in situ. The method was to construct wooden shuttering into which the cement was poured. Once dried and the shuttering removed, the surface could be painted as desired. Boys from Sedbergh School were lodged in the northernmost villa (now the Masonic Hall) from 1915 to 1927.

Highfield Villas, Sedbergh MYD36557 (c) YDNPA, 2023