The Inner Gatehouse At Leez Priory

The Inner Gatehouse at Leez Priory is a significant building located mainly within the Parish of Felstead in the District of Uttlesford. It was constructed by the first Lord Rich shortly after 1536, following the dissolution and demolition of the Augustinian Canons' priory. This gatehouse is more elaborate than the Outer Gatehouse and features octagonal turrets at each corner that rise above the parapet and are embattled. The turrets are three storeys high, while the section between them is two storeys tall.

On the east face, the turrets are simple, adorned only with blue brick diapering, whereas the west face displays a more intricate design with paneling in three stages, each topped with a trefoiled band. The block between the turrets contains a large room on each storey, illuminated by four-light stone mullioned and transomed windows on both the east and west sides. The south side is notable for four impressive octagonal chimney shafts, three of which feature decorative moulded brickwork.

The two eastern turrets originally had staircases, but only the south staircase remains, retaining its original treads. The outer archway on the west side is dressed in stone, while the inner archway is made of brick. Inside, there is an original fireplace on each storey. Some restoration work was done in 1909 by Hughes-Hughes. The Inner Gatehouse is part of a group that includes Leez Priory, the Conduit in the Inner Quadrangle, two barns at Leez Priory Farm with a fishing hut, and the walls of the kitchen garden, although the latter is outside the boundary.