Latton Priory

TL 466 066 NORTH WEALD BASSETT LONDON ROAD 4/26 Latton Priory

GV II*

Ruined priory, early C14, converted to a barn. Flint rubble with some Roman brick and dressings of Reigate stone, barn structure timber framed, weatherboarded, roofed with handmade red clay tiles. Comprises (1) the crossing and a little of the N and S transepts and nave of an Augustinian priory, established in the C12, rebuilt in the early C14, already abandoned by 1534, and (2) timber framed structures converting it to a barn, C17 and later. The crossing has on each side a 2 centred-arch of 2 moulded orders with a label; the responds are moulded and have each 3 attached shafts with moulded capitals and bases. The N transept survives for approximately 3 metres on each side. In the E wall there is a blocked 2-centred arch formerly opening into a N chapel; the responds had attached shafts of which the moulded capitals are visible; the E wall has a moulded string course internally and externally. In the W wall is a blocked doorway with segmental pointed head on the E side and 2-centred head on the W side, formerly opening into the N aisle. Approximately metres of the E side of the S transept survives. There is a blocked window with shafted splays and destroyed head; below the sill is a moulded internal string course. Approximately 3.5 metres of the nave walls survive. The weathering of the N aisle is visible externally and above it a blocked sexfoiled circular window. In the S wall there is a blocked doorway with moulded jambs of 2 orders, the E much repaired with brickwork, with 2- centred arch on the inside, segmental pointed arch on the outside, both with moulded labels. Piscina in the E wall of the N transept, with moulded and shafted jambs, trefoiled head, drain missing, C14. E of the crossing, on the site of the presbytery, there is a timber framed barn of 3 bays with hipped roof. Jowled posts, primary straight bracing in walls, queen strut roof with clasped purlins and no wind bracing, late C17. S of the crossing, incorporating the remaining wall of the S transept, there is a 3-bay barn of similar structure but of C19 construction. N of the crossing the remaining walls are sloped off to form a lean-to, weatherboarded, roofed with machine-made red clay tiles. In the NE angle there is a C20 extension of breeze blocks with steel stanchions and corrugated iron roof. In the NW angle there is a lean-to roofed with corrugated iron and C19 red clay Roman tiles. RCHM 3 (parish of Latton). Two engravings of Latton Priory are included in J. and G. Storer: Antiquarian and Topographical Cabinet, 1809, showing it in use as a barn then, but with more of it still present. They state that the S transept collapsed about 1806. It is difficult to reconcile their measurements with those of the RCHM. The post-dissolution history is covered in B. Winstone: Epping and Ongar Highway Trust, 1891, 274-5.

Listing NGR: TL4657906558