The Dower House

SO 8463 OMBERSLEY CP HOLT FLEET ROAD (north side)

9/118 The Dower House

29.12.52 GV II*

House. Early C17 with mid-C19 alterations. Timber-framed with rendered infill, plain tiled roof with moulded gable end finials, now of four panelled square stacks with combined cap to right of main ridge and also brick chimney to rear left with paired brick shafts and combined cap. Main range of three framed bays with lobby-entry; two-framed bay cross- wing at right gable end. Two storeys and attic. Framing: three small square panels to each floor, long straight braces in lower corners of first floor and double collar-and-tie-beam trusses in gable ends with queen struts and V-struts in apex; jettied bay on three shaped brackets to rear of "hall". Front elevation: plank weatherings between storeys; ground floor has two mullioned 3-light windows with transoms, and a rectangular light; first floor has two 3-light casements, a 2-light case- ment and a square light; main entrance in third bay has a ledged and battened door with large trap hinges; cross-wing gable end has a ground and first floor 3-light casement; attic lights in gable ends. Interior: access refused. Hall has enriched plaster ceiling; large fireplace with stone jambs and brick 4-centred arched head; much of original woodwork survives, including panelling. Norwich Union fire insurance mark on entrance bay. It is believed that the Dower House stands on the site of the original old Court House which belonged to Evesham Abbey and fell into disrepair in the mid-C16 after the Abbot was dispossed during the Dissolution. It was rebuilt by Sir Samuel Sandys, the name being retained initially and only later became known as the Dower House. [VCH, Vol III, pt ii; Rev W H White: The Story of Ombersley Church].

Listing NGR: SO8440463705