Tiptree Priory

Tiptree Priory

A 12th-century priory wall fragment forms part of this substantial brick house, substantially rebuilt circa 1570 with a rear stair turret added circa 1600. The building has undergone later alterations and additions to the rear.

The main structure is built of red brick with some plaster dressings, beneath a red plain tiled roof with projecting eaves. It is a tall, narrow building of two storeys and an attic. It appears to be the surviving half of a longer range which may originally have had end crosswings. A stone coping runs along the parapet verges. There are moulded and plastered bands above and below the first-floor windows; the upper band continues through to the rear left angled stair turret.

The front elevation displays a fine range of five large windows. These are mullioned and transomed, mostly of four lights, except for a five-light window on the first floor to the right. The first-floor windows have moulded and plastered surrounds with labels; the ground-floor windows have brick surrounds and labels. Some windows appear to be in their original positions, though those to the left have been reset. Traces of a former gable can be seen on the first floor to the left, and traces of a former door at ground level. The second window from the left on the ground floor has been blocked, and a pair of two-panelled double doors with top lights beneath a moulded brick segmental arch has been inserted. The gabled left and right returns each have three similar windows of three or four lights; the attic window has a label above, and the ground-floor window lacks a transom. The stair turret return and rear have three similar two-light windows without transoms or labels. Four horizontal sliding sashes light the rear attics. All windows retain square leaded glazing; those on the first floor front are fitted with iron casements with wrought ornamental latches.

Red brick chimney stacks rise from the apex of both gables. The rear has restored chimney stacks with three octagonal shafts and one additional stack.

Adjoining the right angle of the house and continuing the front line is a brick doorway with moulded jambs and a four-centred arch, topped with a moulded pediment on small brackets. This was probably once the main doorway and is accompanied by a short stretch of brickwork to its right. To the rear of this feature, extending through to the back of the main building, is a wall constructed of flint rubble, puddingstone and brick. Set within this wall to the right is a large blocked 16th-century fireplace with moulded jambs and a four-centred arch. This wall has recently been capped and a window inserted; sections of it were visible within the house during redecorations. A modern doorway now provides access by the house.

This surviving wall relates to the 12th-century Priory of Saints Mary and Nicholas, founded as an Augustinian (Black Canons) house by a member of the Tregoz family. Following the suppression of the priory in 1525, it was granted to Cardinal Wolsey, who on 10 February 1526 granted it to Cardinal's College Oxford, and subsequently to Ipswich. It later reverted to the Crown and passed in 1547 to Thomas Darcy, whose descendants probably built the present house.

Most interior features have been heavily restored or are modern. A restored fireplace contains an ashwell, and a closet arch has been raised. Victorian cast iron fire surrounds are present. Some stone slab and brick floors survive. The house retains some six-panelled doors and a range of servants' bells. A brewhouse, dairy and outbuildings have been incorporated into the rear.