The Inner Gatehouse At Leez Priory

TL 71 NW 2/148A

GREAT AND LITTLE LEIGHS HARTFORD END

The Inner Gatehouse at Leez Priory

GV I

The major part of the Inner Gatehouse lies within the boundaries of the Parish of Felstead in the District of Uttlesford. A very fine building erected by the first Lord Rich soon after 1536 when the priory of the Augustinian Canons was dissolved and razed to the ground. It is more ornate than the Outer Gatehouse and has octagonal turrets at each corner rising above the parapet and embattled.The turrets are three storeys and the block between the turrets is two storeys.On the east face the turrets are plain except for blue brick diapering and on the west face they are panelled in three stages,each with a trefoiled band at the top.The block between the turrets has a large room on each storey lit by four-light stone mullioned and transomed window on the east and west faces.The south side has four fine octagonal chimney shafts,three of them enriched by moulded brickwork.The two eastern turrets had staircases but only the south one remains,with its original treads.The outer (west) archway is stone dressed and the inner is of brick.The interior has an original fireplace on each storey.In 1909 a certain amount of restoration was carried out by Hughes-Hughes.Leez Priory,The Inner Gatehouse at Leez Priory,Conduit in the Inner Quadrangle, Leez Priory,Two Barns at Leez Priory Farm with the Fishing hut, Leez Priory and the walls to the kitchen garden, Leez Priory (outside the boundary) form a group.

Listing NGR: TL7012618564