Description

SS 90 NW BICKLEIGH
5/162 Bickleigh Castle, north range
GV II
Former farmhouse, the north range of Bickeleigh Castle. Probably late C17 with
renovations and additions of the 1930s. Stone rubble, colourwashed and rendered to
the courtyard; thatched roof, gabled at ends; end stacks, axial stack.
Plan: south-facing range of what was once a substantial complex of buildings round a
courtyard. The west range has disappeared above ground; the south range (Old Court,
q.v.) is now a separate property; the gatehouse range is separately listed. The
north range is a single depth 3-room plan with 3 heated rooms; the position of the
cross passage, if there ever was one, is unclear. The middle room appears to have
been the kitchen, with a massive smoking chamber to the fireplace. In the 1930s a 2-
storey gabled jettied timber-framed porch was added on the south side, giving access
to the left hand room. A single-storey polygonal store kitchen was added on the
north side at about the same date.
Exterior: 2 storeys. Asymmetrical 1:3 window front with 3-light C20 casements with
square leaded panes. The 1930s porch has a shingle roof, deep eaves and a first
floor oriel. There is an additional doorway to right of centre.
Interior: Rather altered internally but with some interesting interior features. In
the left end room there is a splendid late C17 overmantel depicting lively scenes
which have been variously interpreted as commemorating the part played by the Carew
family in putting down the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549, or more likely, as
representing biblical scenes. The carvings have good costume detail and include
several ecclesiastical buildings and an inn. The overmantel has been re-sited in the
castle after a period of time at Bickleigh Rectory. The middle room has a chamfered
cross beam and an open fireplace with stone jambs and a chamfered lintel. One of the
jambs is pierced with an arch which appears to have been part of a massive octagonal
curing chamber, now in use as a vestibule. The right hand room has a rough cross
beam supported by introduced timber columns; open fireplace with a replaced lintel.
The principal rafters visible upstairs are straight. The range was divided into
cottages at one time.
Particularly important for group value and its location forming one of the courtyard
ranges at Bickleigh Castle.
Clarke, K.M., "The Carew-Mohun chimneypiece", DCNQ, vol 9,pt. 1 (1916-17),p.p 233-
239.

Listing NGR: SS9363206808

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q26463960

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.

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