Colebrook Priory

A house with surviving fabric of possibly the C16 or C17, later re-fronted in probably the C19.

MATERIALS: the original building appears to have been timber framed, and has been later re-fronted and rendered, also with sections of brick walling. It has a tile roof.

PLAN: the apparent hall portion of the building is aligned roughly north-south, with the cross wing at right angles on the southern end. There are later extensions to the north and east.

EXTERIOR: the main front of the building consists of the re-fronted hall and cross wing arrangement, all now rendered. The hall portion has central double doors with margin glazing, flanked by windows on either side at ground and first floor level. The cross wing has a central door at ground floor level and large window above. The smaller wing to the north has a window to each floor. All openings have moulded surrounds and windows appear to be timber casements. There are chimneys at each end of the hall.

The southern elevation is of brick, and contains the main entrance under a projecting timber porch. There are flanking windows and a small window above.

To the rear, the timber frame of the cross wing is exposed and shows large panels with arched braces at roof levels and queen post truss to the gable. Beyond this is a brick rear extension with a row of small gable roofs and some projecting additions at ground floor level. The northern end of the building is largely of brick externally with apparently modern windows.

INTERIOR: the interior of the building appears to retain historic timber framing in the hall and cross wing portion of the building, and despite later subdivision, the relationship between the two remains legible on plan.

The former hall itself appears to retain its timber structure, including a substantial chamfered ceiling beam and timber joists. The large inglenook fireplace appears to contain timber seating to either side, possibly dating from the C19. The cross wing has similar survival of timber structure, and in the now sitting room to the rear there is possible evidence in the ceiling of an opening indicating the location of a ladder stair.

To the upper floor, the substantial roof structure of the cross wing is visible, with curved braces to each end.