Outbuilding to east of Tower Farmhouse

This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 28/08/2019

TL 58 SW 4/22

DOWNHAM TOWER ROAD (north side) Outbuilding to east of Tower Farmhouse

(formerly listed as Outbuilding to west of Tower Farmhouse)

5.2.52

GV II* Outbuilding formerly the gatehouse to the Bishop of Ely's Palace. Built for Bishop Alcock (1486-1500). Red brick with deeper red brick diaper patterning; plinth coursed in English bond with chamfered limestone band, limestone dressings to quoins and openings. Reroofed with corrugated iron. Possibly of several original storeys, height reduced to two storeys with walls and door jambs in rear elevation of rear wing demolished.

South elevation: pedestrian entrance to left of centre through moulded four-centred arch with panelled overmantel and superimposed crocketed ogee arch enclosing a cock, the rebus of Bishop Alcock. Windows with round-headed-lights, drip moulds and chamfered mullions, two single-light ground floor windows and one three-light window to right hand of entrance; one large five-light window reduced in height at first floor and two single-light windows to right hand.

Interior: the original plan was of an entrance hall with guardroom and doorway to staircase from the cross passage with an inner room to the right hand. The end room was possibly tunnel vaulted and the hall has springings for two bays of fan vaulting. The room divisions are repeated at first floor. The Lease of 1746 'with covenant to repair tower said to have been gatehouse... into a good farmhouse'.

R.C.H.M. (notes and measured drawings) 1977

Listing NGR: TL5194684205