Birch Villas, Langley Lane, Birch

Built in 1892 according to the date-stone on the front and although it has some similarities in style, this is NOT the scheme illustrated in the Studio in 1901.

Birch Villas was built in 1892 in Wood's early Jacobean style. It is a row of three middle-managers' houses for the nearby mill. Not particularly restful, it is spiky and gothic with a good array of Wood-isms, such as leaded lights, here incorporated into the timber sashes, inventive planning and little vernacular features such as timber hecks behind the front doors. [David Morris]

Reference    David Morris Rochdale MBS. Vic Soc in Manchester Winter 2009
Reference    Rochdale MBC Conservation Area Appraisal Birch Village