Manor House Farmhouses

A pair of cottages, originally a farmhouse, dating back to the 16th century with alterations in the 17th and 18th centuries and later 20th-century changes. These were formerly part of the moated palace, a significant residence for successive Archbishops of York. The building is constructed of red brick with ashlar detailing and has a 1/2 hipped concrete pantile roof, featuring three red brick stacks at the rear and dentillated eaves. The structure sits on a plinth with a chamfered ashlar course above. It is two storeys high and comprises seven bays, with the three bays to the left being a later addition. The right bay slightly projects, and its outer angle is partially chamfered on both the ground and upper floors. The facade features a small fixed casement at the level of the door lintel, a doorway with a 20th-century half-glazed door, a single canted window, a 20th-century casement, another doorway with a 20th-century half-glazed door, a recessed arch rising to the eaves – possibly indicating the site of a former gallery or cross wing, presently containing a blocked arched opening – and a further blocked arched opening beyond. Above, a 20th-century casement sits under a segmental arch, followed by a larger opening with a segmental arch containing a 20th-century casement, a 20th-century casement that breaks into a 16th-century ashlar opening, a 16th-century two-light opening with an ashlar mullion, arched lights, and a flush ashlar quoin surround, and a final 20th-century casement. Evidence of an extension is visible to the left of the blocked ashlar opening. A later 18th-century outshut extension is present at the rear. The interior includes ground floor rooms with moulded beams. A blocked arch is found in the right ground floor room. A building existed as early as around 1300. In 1503, Margaret Tudor stayed at Scrooby Palace. Leland’s 1538 description stated the hall’s front was built of brick, with the rest of the structure timber. In 1558, Archbishop Nicholas Heath ordered the demolition of sections, including the gatehouse, a building adjoining the hall, the hall itself, a gallery connecting to the chapel, the pantry, and the kitchen. Around 1637, most of the remaining structures were demolished, leaving enough to serve as a tenant farmhouse, which was subsequently repaired. The house is believed to have been the residence of William Brewster, and three 20th-century plaques commemorating him and the sailing of the Mayflower are located to the left of the right-hand doorway.