Description

MENDHAM
TM 28 SE
2/57 Middleton Hall
-
29.7.55
-- II*

Manor farmhouse. Early C16 rear (south) range, with a cross-wing to the west;
late C17 front range incorporating the front part of the cross-wing. The
front range is red brick, laid in English bond, under a hipped roof with
plaintiles and pantiles. 2 storeys and attics. 5 bays, arranged 2:1:2;
original cross windows under segmental arches, with square-leaded panes on the
first floor. Reproduction plank door and a tall 2-light fanlight above. 3
modern gabled dormers. Single-storey C19 addition to right with parapet. The
rear range is timber framed; the rear wall and the gable facing east have
exposed close studding with herringbone brick nogging. The gable of the
cross-wing is plastered. Roof part plaintiled and part pantiled. Various
casement windows, with evidence for blocked original windows. The east gable
has a moulded tie beam. The cross-wing has an internal stack with 4 detached
octagonal shafts, each with a moulded brick base and corbelled cap. Interior.
The main feature is the remains of a fine ornamental plaster ceiling on the
ground floor of the earlier range. Around the walls is a running frieze with
cupids and heads in profile (probably Roman emperors); 2 moulded cross-beams
with a running design of pomegranate and vine foliage on the soffit. The main
design (about 60% complete) has thin moulded ribs forming interlocking
geometric patters with 4-lobed bosses. There was formerly a central coat of
arias. The motifs include the grasshopper of the Gresham family, dating the
work in the period 1594-1624. Dog-leg stair with turned finials to the newel
posts; the balustrading to the upper flight has been altered. At the head of
the first flight of steps is a fine dog gate with 2 tiers of slender turned
balusters; this is a rare survival. The front room of the cross-wing has
plaster-moulded beams; to each side of the open fireplace has been added a
fluted wooden pilaster strip surmounted by a framed painting on plaster
depicting a Roman emperor in profile. There are a number of arched doorways
and some fine original studded doors, notably that to the cellar. Both C16
ranges have queen-post roofs.

Listing NGR: TM2870383550

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q17535736

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

• 
  Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
• 
  Kent: North East and East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Bristol (Pevsner Architectural Guides: City Guides)
• 
  Northumberland (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Development and Design of Heritage Sensitive Sites: Strategies for Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
• 
  The Listed Buildings and Other Principal Structures at the Royal Gunpowder Mills Waltham Abbey