The Old School House

The Old School House is a building that dates back to 1734 and was originally a school before being converted into a house. It is constructed from red and blue brick in Flemish bond, with some areas plastered, and has a roof made of handmade red clay tiles. The building has a rectangular plan and features internal chimney stacks located at the east and north sides, with the main aspect facing south.

At the rear, there is a two-storey lean-to extension that creates a catslide roof, dating from the 18th or 19th century, along with a smaller single-storey extension from the 20th century. A lean-to porch on the east wall is also from the 20th century. The original brickwork displays a pattern of red stretchers and blue flared headers. The side walls have been plastered in the 20th century.

The entrance features a central door with six fielded panels, framed by a simple doorcase that has a dentilled hood and shaped brackets with guttae. There is a four-window range of 20th-century casements beneath segmental brick arches made of alternating red and blue bricks. A band at the first-floor level consists of two courses of red stretchers sandwiching one course of blue headers, which does not extend to the returns. Above the door, there is a recessed stone plaque with a moulded border that reads, "Glory to God. Knolls Hill Free School for teaching poor children to read and write, erected and endowed at the sole expence of the Honourable Sir John Fortescue (etc) 1734." The building has a hipped roof and presents an unspoiled symmetrical elevation that exudes a simple dignity. It is reported that the building was used as a school until the 20th century.