Docwras Manor

SHEPRETH MELDRETH ROAD TL 3947 (North west side) 21/335 No. 2 (Docwra's Manor)(formerly 22.11.67 listed as Docwraies Manor with boundary walls and entrance gates) GV II*

Manor house. Three train building periods. The kitchen wing is C16, the two parallel front ranges are of two dates, the front is late C17 and the rear addition is early C18. The front was remodelled in c.1743. Timber framed, rendered, except for the facade which is of patterned red and burnt brickwork. Parapetted, tiled roofs with wood modillion eaves cornice. Large red brick stack between front and rear ranges. Each of the two front ranges has an external red brick stack at the east end with offsets and tumbled brickwork. The house now forms an L-plan. Two storeys and attic. Five window range of original flush frame, twelve pane hung sashes with ovolo moulded glazing bars in segmental arches. The centre bay is composed of a Palladian window at first floor with ornamental fret pattern to the semi-circular head and a modillion cornice and below the doorway with rusticated surround and doorcase of Roman Doric half columns and entablature, with enriched modillion cornice. Inside: The C16 kitchen range is in three bays. The framing is exposed in part. The timbers are of substantial scantling with arch braced tie beams, and unmoulded floor joists laid flat. There are Queen struts to the roof trusses. The framing in this part of the house is similar to that of the stables and outbuilding (q.v.), near the road. The range to the road is also timber framed, but the framing is not exposed. The plan of three rooms would suggest a late C17 date. One ground floor room has mid C18 raised and fielded panelling in two heights. The late C17 flat section balustrade from the staircase has been reset in the back staircase. The present principal staircase dates from the c.1743 remodelling of the facade. It is closed string and has a baluster of column-on- vase type. The range parallel and adjoining this front range is probably slightly later, mid C18. The framing is not visible. At first floor it has one hung sash with arched top panes. The roofs of both ranges have similar purlins of slender scantling. Docwra's Manor was acquired in 1743 by Joseph Woodham. An estate map of 1764 shows the plan of the house much as it is now.

V.C.H. Cambs. Vol. V p.255. Pevsner: Burlings of England p.455 C.R.O.: 1764 Estate Map R.C.H.M.: Record Card (1949)

Listing NGR: TL3924647967