The story behind Stockwell House, our HQ
As our HQ is located in the beautiful Stockwell House in Cecil Square, Margate, we wanted to share how we carefully made it our own while retaining the historic character of the building. Explore some of the history behind our local landmark…
We have offices covering Thanet, with local staff in Ramsgate, Birchington, and Herne Bay. But most of our services run out of the magnificent HQ office in Margate, located in Cecil Square. Stockwell House is home to our Margate sales team, our Lettings team, the Land & New Homes team, and our home Financial Services.
Uncovering and restoring the original ‘PRUDENTIAL’ signage
Back when we originally took it over, while adding signage and a personal touch to the historic building, we uncovered beautiful old stone with the original signage ‘PRUDENTIAL’ and have helped maintain the lovely stonework on the side of the building too. Digging deep into our local history, we wanted to share some of the interesting facts we discovered on our stunning HQ local office.
Cecil Square/Stockwell House’s history
The construction of Cecil Square ushered in a new phase in the story of the seaside. It was the first case of landowners and businessmen collaborating to develop a large scheme, the first new square to be built at a seaside resort, and the earliest example of a significant development outside the area of the historic town. Visitors at this point were now arriving at Margate in sufficient numbers, and perhaps more importantly returning year after year, to make such a large investment worthwhile.
Cecil Square, originally known as the New Square, was laid out in 1769 by ‘Mr Cecil’, Sir John Shaw, Sir Edward Hales and several others. This date was recorded on the insurance building that later was replaced by Stockwell House, at the north-east corner of the square (see below). The new square contained large houses built for fashionable families, a row of shops, and the purpose-built Assembly Rooms and circulating library that had been erected beside the tavern.
In the first photo, you can see the plaque noting the date recorded when Cecil Square was first laid out. In the second photo, you can see the original insurance building in the corner of the square, which later became Stockwell House.
Cecil Square was a residential, commercial and entertainment centre for the wealthy visitors of a new seaside resort. Far from being secluded, it was also a transport hub connecting old town with new developments on the coast.
Before and after – Stockwell House in Margate
Oakwood Home’s personal touch
Back when we took over such an important part of the local history, we wanted it to reflect our personal brand, while celebrating and maintaining the notable part it’s played in Margate’s past. The original sign was restored over the door, the original mouldings were kept and shown off to their best, and the beautiful windows kept in line with the original designs.
What do you think of our stunning HQ? Do you have any local historic photos showing Stockwell House or the square? We would love to see them via our social media!
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