Harsnetts

TQ 49 SW 4/18 28.6.54

CHIGWELL HIGH ROAD, EAST SIDE Harsnetts

GV II

Lobby-entrance house, c.1600, extended in C18 and C19. Timber framed, mainly roughcast rendered with some weatherboarding, roofed with handmade red clay tiles. 4 bays aligned approx. NE-SW, aspect NW, with axial chimney stack in third bay from NE end, forming a lobby-entrance. External chimney stack at NE end. Short extension to NE, C18, enclosing stack, and longer extension to SW, C18. Single-storey extension beyond, C19. Original stair wing to rear of main stack. Long rear extension, C19, and single-storey flat-roofed extension in S angle, C20. 2 storeys. 2 6-panel flush doors in simple doorcases, rectangular lights over with cast iron geometrical tracery, shallow hoods, c.1800. 2-storey canted bay of 3 double-hung sash windows of 12 lights, with pyramidal roof, c.1800, with some crown glass. 4 C20 reproductions of C17 mullioned and transomed windows with leaded lights; one plain boarded door in C19 extension. First floor, windows as ground floor, with 2 additional casement windows of the same type above doors. At rear, 3 C18 windows on first floor, each with one wrought iron casement, all leaded. Axial beams above ground floor rooms, boxed in. Jowled posts, front wallplate visible, plain- chamfered with lamb's tongue stops, edge-halved and bridled scarf. Original newel stair with bobbin-turned balusters at the top. The building was bought by Archbishop Harsnett in 1627 from John Penington, probably as a house for the master of the English School. The former occupier was Alexander Stowell, a glover. The name Harsnetts was given to it in error when it became a boarding house for small boys, in the mistaken belief that it had been the house of the founder of the School (Stott, 19, 20, 26, 111). RCHM 8.

Listing NGR: TQ4416193807