Hillersdon Mansion

TL 0447 ELSTOW CHURCH END 8/62 Hillersdon Mansion (formerly listed as nunnery gateway in ruins to south of church) 7.5.52 GV I

Remains of large house. Circa 1620-30, for Thomas Hillersdon, incorporating parts of C14 W and S ranges of cloisters of Benedictine Abbey (dissolved 1539). Partially dismantled in 1770's. Walls partly coursed rubble, partly red brick, with ashlar dressings. Porch faced with Totternhoe clunch. Originally linked to church. All that remains is parts of the E facade and the complete 3-bay N facade, with porch projecting from E facade. Walls (including porch) rise only to halfway up first floor. N elevation has 3 window openings per floor. E elevation recessed block retains 2 window openings per floor to L of porch, with one window opening per floor to S projecting block. Some windows retain moulded surrounds and mullions and transoms. Porch: ground floor has round-headed arch with archivolt and keystone. The carved spandrels are badly weathered, only LH one retaining cartouche and strapwork. Flanked by pairs of Roman Doric pilasters on pedestals (also with weathered carved panels) with niches between. These support entablature and remains of central pediment which breaks into first floor. First floor has central opening flanked by remains of paired Ionic pilasters, again on worn carved pedestals, with niches between. Above the central pediment and below the first floor opening was originally a cartouche bearing the shield of arms of Thomas Hillersdon, since lost. Scheduled ancient monument. (Bedfordshire County Record Office -various documents).

Listing NGR: TL0493047363