THE HISTORY OF THE TRIANGLE

Overview

The Oakmount Triangle was built in the early part of the twentieth Century on the site of Highfield House and its triangular shaped grounds which stretched southwards to the boundary of Westwood House.

During the 19th century the house was owned by Vice-Admiral Foote, Rear-Admiral Morier and William Ogden. These naval connections might explain a cannonball recently found in the garden of 24 Oakmount Avenue.

The house was situated at the highest point of the area, and must have had a stupendous view across fields and woodland to Southampton Water, and possibly even of the Isle of Wight. The blocks of flats at the top of Oakmount and Westbourne Crescent are situated on the actual site of Highfield House, whose original lodge still exists at the northern entrance to Oakmount Avenue. You can see the distictive yellow brickwork of the wall.

Work commenced around 1910 at the southerly end (Blenheim Avenue) and continued for at least another fifteen years. The main architect was John Smith, and the builder, (Lanes?) had their yard and offices on the southern side of Blenheim Avenue, presumably on the large L shaped area stretching down to Winn Road, visible on the 1933 map.

I am very happy to receive any comments, further information or corrections. I am currently trying to locate maps from the later part of 1910 which show plans or actual new buildings, as well as a 1940 map and some arial photographs.

©2008 Pete Thomas