No:56 Upton Park

Known as Fern Bank

The property has been significantly enlarged since its first build with a major extension carried out by the current owners in the 1990s as seen in this photograph taken from the side garden.

For early history of plot 1 & its development

Indications are that Griffiths may not have lived here but was the landlord. The 1881 census names the Pugh and Wess households for the double property and then by 1891, Margaret Lewis with her daughters and a gentleman border are all recorded for no:56. By 1901 the landlord has changed to Peter Cole of Halifax.

The Park accounts ledger implies that Miss Helen Dean (of the Mill owner family) owned the property from before 1921 until 1952. After her brother's death she also became the named ratepayer for Parkstone but where she actually lived is not clear. Post-WW2 her address is recorded as in Anglesea. During her apparent ownership; H E Crane is named as settling the park rate in the early 1920s and then by 1927 Mrs M Davies. Albert and Sarah Fletcher became tenants in 1916 - still recorded in the 1945 electoral roll.

Albert Fletcher was a shunter on the railways. They had three children - Mabel Phylis and William. Mabel became Mrs Morgan marrying the builder who developed much of the site of the former Dicksons Nurseries.


Sarah with Mabel and Phylis - date unknown

From 1953 William Fletcher is recorded as the ratepayer. It is believed that he worked initially at Upton Mill becoming Manager of the bakery and subsequently after amalgamations becoming managing director of the Country Maid bakery in Saltney and ultimately of Allied Bakeries.

By 1958 Mr D G Myles is recorded as park ratepayer.

From the early 1960s until 1993 Mrs May Mitchell was the occupant.

In 1993 Fern Bank was bought by Charles and Marianne Buck who moved in with their two sons Surya and Joe. With their strong interest in oriental medicine they have embarked on a plan to establish a botanical collection of oriental medicinal plants.



  • Home

  • About

  • News

  • History

  • Houses

  • Committee

  • Guestbook

  • Contact