The Siege House

The Siege House is a good example of an early 16th century timber-framed building, notable for its outstanding timber work. It was extensively restored in 1905 after being acquired in 1902 by E Marriage & Son Ltd, who owned the adjacent mill property. During the restoration, the external plaster was removed, revealing numerous bullet holes in the timbers on the west side and south front, remnants from the Siege of Colchester in 1648. The house has an L-shaped plan, with the upper storey projecting on the west side and south front, featuring a heavy diagonal carved corner post. The eastern part of the moulded bressumer is original, and this section includes an original window with diamond-shaped mullions. On the west side, there is an original shaft with a moulded capital that supports a curved bracket. Inside, the house retains several original features, including moulded ceiling beams, panelling, and remnants of the original roof construction. Nos 70 to 75 form a group with East Mills and the Mill House.