Fordham Abbey

TL 66 NW FORDHAM NEWMARKET ROAD

(east side) 5/117 Fordham Abbey (formerly listed as 1.12.51 Fordham Abbey and Stabling) II*

Small country house mid C18 rebuilt from an earlier mansion c.1710 on the site of the Gilbertine priory. Materials from the earlier building are believed to have been re-used, a painted panel in the over mantel of the entrance hall chimney piece depicts the eleven 'bay' facade of the original house. William Cole records the house being built c.1760 for William Metcalf. Red brick with possibly lead roofs concealed behind a parapet on each facade. Three storeys with basement, square plan with recessed side entrance wing to south. Parapet with stone coping, two stacks with moulded cornice. Eaves cornice of moulded brick with dentils and plinth. Seven 'bays' to west facing facade. Seven, second floor twelve-paned hung sash windows in cambered gauged red brick arches, six similar first floor windows with central round headed arched window and six ground floor windows. Central six panelled door and fanlight with semi-circular planned Ionic portico with stone steps. Interior details include mid C18 raised and fielded panelling to all ground floor rooms with original doors and doorcases, window cases with panelled shutters. Very fine open string staircase of two flights with barley-sugar twisted balusters, three to each step, and moulded handrail overriding very finely carved fluted newel posts with Ionic capitals. c.1710 and possibly a survival from the original house.

William Cole, MMS, C.R.O. Pevsner. Buildings of England, p.386 Sale Catalogue of Fordham Abbey Estate, 1929

Listing NGR: TL6302769767