Gatehouse To Kimbolton School

The Gatehouse to Kimbolton School, built between 1764 and 1766 by Robert Adam for the fourth Duke of Manchester, is a Grade I listed structure located at Kimbolton Castle Green. This gatehouse is connected to two flanking pavilions by single-storey ranges and is constructed of red brick with Ketton stone ashlar. It was re-roofed in 1858 with slate.

The gatehouse features symmetrical east and west elevations, with a central semi-circular headed archway that has a rusticated surround. This archway is flanked by two hung sash windows with glazing bars, which are framed by Gibbs surrounds and separated by two engaged Doric columns and two pilasters. Above, there is a Doric frieze adorned with mutules above triglyphs that alternate with plain metopes, along with guttae below. A moulded cornice is topped by a balustrade that seals the area above the archway. The entrance has panelled double doors, one of which includes a tradesman's door with an iron door knocker shaped like a lion's head mask.

The slightly recessed link ranges consist of three semi-circular headed bays, each divided by pilasters and featuring one hung sash window with glazing bars. These link ranges have a moulded cornice topped by a parapet that is lower than that of the gatehouse and pavilions, which have gable end pediments. Angle pilasters with a similar Doric entablature flank a semi-circular headed bay that contains a round-headed niche with a rusticated surround.

Inside, the archway retains two original doors, each with six raised and fielded panels. The north part of the gatehouse housed the Castle brewhouse, where one brick vat is still visible in the north pavilion, while the laundry was located in the south part. A rainwater head dated 1858 is attached to an internal downpipe in the north section, likely marking the date of the gatehouse's re-roofing. The original 18th-century king post roof trusses are still present.