Sheene Manor

TL 34 SE 9/247

MELDRETH STATION ROAD No. 58 (Sheene Manor)

GV II

Manor house of several building periods. Probably of mid C16 origin but extended and added to in C17 (1656 dated chimney stack). Refronted in C19. Timber framed, plaster rendered and stucco rustication to corners. Tiled roofs with C19 barge boarding except for c.1840 slates to a small addition. The range to the west has a hipped roof. Two external side stacks on the east side, one dated 1656 (now worn), and both of red brick with rectangular shafts on a rectangular base. There is a similar stack to the south side of the west range. Original plan of the house is of an east-west hall range with service wing at rear. The hall range has been extended to the west, and there are C18-19 outbuildings adjoining on the north. Two storeys and two storeys and attic. The front has a two storey C19 porch in the re-entrant angle. Gabled roof, with C19 bargeboarding. Doorway in C19 porch and above an oriel window of similar date with reset stained glass, C17 of the arms of Crouch impaling Pyke. Two storey bay window to right hand of front elevation, each light with trefoil cusping to the head. The range of outbuildings to the north are also timber framed and rendered with tiled and asbestos roof. Red brick ridge stack. Small c.1840 addition to the north east side of the house. Plastered walls and low pitch, slate roof. Doorway with original architrave and panelled door. Walled garden, adjoins on east side of house. Red brick, C17 with dentil cornice. The interior of the house was not seen. The house is on a moated site. It is associated with the carhusiaq priory at Sheene in Surrey, which acquired the manor in C15. After the Dissolution the manor was sold to Sir Robert Chester of Royston. Parts of the house are believed to be of this date. In 1648 the house was brought by George Pyke of Baythorne (Essex). His grand daughter married John Crouch. In 1810 the Manor house and Sheene Mill (q.v.) were sold to Joshua Fitch.

Dr. W.M. Palmer: Cambs. and Hunts Arch. Society Autumn Excursion, 1922 V.C.H. Cambs. Vol.. VIII p.84 R.C.H.M.: Record Card

Listing NGR: TL3796044945