Description

TM 15 SE WITNESHAM CHURCH LANE

1/38 Witnesham Hall
16.3.66

GV II*

Former manor house, occupied as 2 dwellings. Mid C16 with alterations
probably c.1614 for William Meadowe; extended later C17, and remodelled c.1842
for D.C. Meadows. Originally of 3-cell cross-passage entrance plan. 2
storeys and attics. Timber-framed, encased in red brick c.1842 (much rear
walling retains earlier plasterwork). String course at 1st floor level and
another below ground floor windows. Pilaster-buttresses at corners with ball-
finials. Embattled parapets incorporating dormers with Flemish gables.
Plaintiled roofs with groups of 2 and 3 octagonal chimneys on moulded bases;
mainly internal and of 1842, but a complete C17 stack is at the left hand
gable. Hood-moulded windows with splayed reveals and wood-mullioned and
transomed casements; a 2-storey splayed bay of similar design. Fine 3-storey
entrance porch of c.1614, in red brick, at cross-passage entrance of earlier
house; doorway with imposts and semi-circular head. In the pediment above is
a limestone shield with the vulning pelicans of the Meadowe family. 3 tiers
of brick pilasters capped by ball finials. 3-light mullioned window with
pediment above, and another at attic level. Flemish gable bearing a C19
weathervane. Inner doorway with original plank door and C18 fanlight. In the
cross-passage is a mid C16 plank and muntin screen. In the parlour is an
arched plastered fireplace with fine carved surround and overmantel. The
staircase wing, added c.1600, has balustrading with carved splat-balusters;
original ovolo-moulded mullioned windows with leaded glazing. In a later C17
rear wing is another fine carved fireplace surround. Said to be the
birthplace in 1759 of William Kirby, entomologist.

Listing NGR: TM1771450820

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q17545952

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990: Updated version
• 
  Churches: An Architectural Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
• 
  Renovating Old Houses: Bringing New Life to Vintage Homes (For Pros By Pros)
• 
  Central Leinster: Kildare, Laois and Offaly (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Ireland)
• 
  Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Monuments
• 
  Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover