York Historic Environment Record

Constructed prior to 1839. Originally named Layerthorpe Grove until at least 1920, and more recently as Millington House. Designed by Architect Richard Hey Sharp for his personal residence.

31 Hawthorn Grove was considered for listing in 1994 and at that time it was considered not suitable. A new case for listing is to be submitted 2024 in light of new evidence of architectural and historic associations.

The 1851 census provides number 45, as the only building between the Blue Coat School and East Parade: Heworth Moor/Richard Hey Sharp/Head/Unmarried/37/Architect/[born]Yorkshire, Batley. (HO107/2355 p15 - St Saviour, York).
The 1861 census record for Layerthorpe Grove: Francis Plummer/ Head/ Unmarried/ 48/Currier (employing 4 men and 2 boys/ [born] Yorkshire, Easingwold) with sister Joanna, nieces Elizabeth and Joanna, and one servant.

Elizabeth Millington (the niece of Francis Plummer) is a subject of interest as the leading instigator and Honorary Secretary of the Travellers’ National Total Abstainers Union, which arose from the Temperance movement in the mid nineteenth century. The Union was founded in the early 1870s following a meeting in York and quickly spread nationwide. Miss Millington had a vital role in bringing travellers together, campaigning for better education and welfare, and helping to promote their cause in the face of opposition and potential legislation such as the Movable Dwellings Bills.
Although her work arose from a moral and philanthropic perspective, it was an important contribution to the formation of the national Van Dwellers Protection Association, which later became the Showmen’s Guild. Elizabeth carried on her work until at least the outbreak of WW1, including as Editor of ‘The Caravan’. She is buried in Plot 16861 in Section L/01/87 at York Cemetery. The inscription of ‘The Showman’s Friend’ on the gravestone acknowledges her role, as well as confirming the link to Layerthorpe Grove. (Dr Charlotte Hursey) See attached document for further detail.

NMR, 2019, NMR data (Digital archive). SYO2214.

Dr Charlotte Hursey, 2024, LAYERTHORPE GROVE-31 HAWTHORN GROVE (Unpublished document). SYO3140.