Moat Farmhouse

MARSTON MORETAINE WOBURN ROAD SP 94 SE SP 9841 3/62 Moat Farmhouse 22.10.52 - II*

House, sited within a rectangular moat. Early C15, extended early C16, altered later C16, and restored 1880. Timber frame with red brick infill, much of the studding and brickwork dating from the C19. Clay tile roofs. Consisted originally of open hall of cruck construction with cross-passage to E end. Cross-wings added early C16 to both ends, that to SW being the 'solar' end. Hall ceiled over late C16. 2 storeys throughout. Front elevation: cross-wings are jettied at first floor level. Timber mullioned windows, 4 to ground floor, 5 to first floor, are all C19 and C20. Central block has C19 doorways to both ends, RH one in position of original cross-passage. LH doorway sheltered by C19 gabled timber and brick porch. LH gable has substantial external chimney stack to outer wall, of dressed clunch and surmounted by rebuilt red brick diagonal shafts. Central block has ridge stack, inserted late C16 but rebuilt C19 RH cross-wing has C19 chimney stack with diagonal shafts. Rear elevation: cross-wings project further than to front. Visible at LH end of hall is blocked pointed arched doorway. Interior: variety of moulded timbers dating from C15 and C16 centuries, including 3 reset doorheads with blind cusped tracery. Carved stone fireplaes to SW cross-wing probably date from C19 restoration. N.W. Alcock and P.J. Woodward, "Cruck-Frame Buildings in Bedfordshire", Beds Archaeological Journal, vol II, 1976, pp 51-58 and 60.

Listing NGR: SP9931041330