The Hole In The Wall Public House

TL 5458 LITTLE WILBRAHAM HIGH STREET (West Side)

17/37 No. 2 (The Hole in the 11.12.1981 Wall P.H.)

GV II

Public House mid C16 with C17-C18 two bay narrower addition to West gable end. Timber-frame, plaster rendered with a steeply pitched roof of C19 slates and end stack, replacing the original framed and plaster stack. Plan of three bays and a narrower smoke and entry bay. Two storeys and attic, with the first floor side wall jettied. All the fenestration is later and includes a C20 horizontal sliding sash at first floor gable end. Two canted bays beneath the jetty. The original entry has probably always been opposite the stack in a small framed porch beneath the jetty. The late C17 or C18 extension was timber- framed with a steeply pitched roof, pantiled. The framing was replaced by brick and rendered. There are two windows at first floor and two at ground floor. Interior: The original plan of hall with service end towards the East gable end remains intact. There was a framed partition wall between the service bay and hall. A similar wall at first floor, and at a similar point, still remains and there was also one at the attic storey. The original staircase has been removed but it is likely that it was originally on the North side of the stack. The framing is of substantial scantling with close set studs having only one foot centres at ground floor, and slightly wider at first floor. The main posts are jowled to take the middle rail on the jettied side and on both sides at first floor level. The tie beams are cambered. At first floor there is curved upward bracing to each bay and the gable ends. The roof is of original through-purlin construction with collars between the principals. The rafters are carpentered and laid flat. In the smoke bay, the rafters are smoke blackened, generally, and some cut down when the clunch and brick stack was inserted in late C16 or early C17. The roof is not wind braced. At first floor there is an original doorway with iron fittings between the first floor chamber and the room over the service bay. There are four original window openings, now blocked, one of three lights and three of two lights, and all with ovolo mullions. Traces of wall painting survive on the wall plate and tie beam to the chamber over the hall. A similar window survives at ground floor. The main beams are stop chamfered, and the joists are of similar scantling to the rest of the building.

R.C.H.M. Record card

Listing NGR: TL5429858580