This building dates back to the 16th century and possibly earlier. It was owned and occupied as a private dwelling by generations of the Sibley family - prominent brewers and maltsters in the county.
In 1910(i) the building was owned by George Simons, local butcher, and was occupied by Edward Robinson. There was a range of buildings behind the property, prominent on the OS map of 1910 (ii). It has been suggested that the house may be the old malting floor.
From 1911(iii) to 1946 (iv) Miss Effie Fortescue Carter lived at the White Cottage. The 1911 census shows her to be 51 years old and living there with her sister Sarah and a domestic servant. The Electoral Registers show her at this address as Hephzibah Kate Carter. Miss Carter had private means and was born in Rock Ferry, Cheshire. Kelly's Directory (iv) records that she was on the Parish Council from 1922 to 1924.
Gladys Mitchell (nee Cobb) (v) remembered that Barclays Bank operated from this building for a few hours each week in the 1920s. This is confirmed by Barclays who have among their records agreement that relate to their use of the front room of the White Cottage from 1924 until the mid-1930s.
Between 1963 and 1968 the Electoral Registers show Doctor D C Beatty and his wife Felicity living at The White Cottage. Telephone directories (vi) also show this address for Doctor Beatty for 1970-1972. Doctor Beatty was a Consultant Physician in Physical Medicine at St Albans Hospital. The Electoral Registers (vii) also show that between 1969 - 1981 Michael and Kathleen Foreman were living there.
The Electoral Registers (vii) from 1982 to 1988 list David and Sharon Rees living here. David was a chartered accountant and the company Rees & Associates was listed in the telephone book (vi) at this address from 1982 until at least 2008.
2013. Mary Jones and her family are living in the cottage at the present time.
April 2020 update
1. Later research shows that Hephzibar ('Effie') Carter lived alone at The White Cottage in 1939, aged 80. She died in 1945 leaving an estate with probate value of £854 15s. 3d.
2. Since this research was completed in 2013, members of the History Society have researched the story of Barclays Bank in Wheathampstead. Click here to read this account.
Researcher:
References:
(i) Inland Revenue Survey 1910
(ii) O S Map 1910
(iii) Census 1911
(iv) Kellys Directories 1922- 1924
(v) Gladys Mitchell's sketch map of 1920s.
(vi) Telephone Directories 1970-2008
(vii) Electoral Registers 1969-19
Conversations with Barclays Bank and Diana Davies (Bob Simons daughter)
