Carmelite Monastery

TM 08 NW QUIDENHAM QUIDENHAM

7/138 Carmelite Monastery

II

Country House, now monastery. 1606, rebuilt mid C18 and frequently altered since. Brick with slate roof. North front approached through late C20 arcaded brick cloister obscuring lower of 4 storeys. 4 bay facade, the central 2 rebated, contained within octagonal turrets. Fragments of pedimented brick cross casements survive but fenestration in centre and flanking extensions mainly sashes. Late C20 lift shaft abuts facade to full height. Flat parapet and flat roof. East front c.1750 of 2 storeys in 7 bays, the central 3 projecting under pediment. Basement storey. Sash windows to both upper floors with architraves. Ground floor sashes C20 and pediments (6 segmental, 1 pointed) 1892. String course between storeys. Quoins at corners and to central bays. Moulded parapet and cornice. South front late C18 of 2½ storeys on basement in 9 bays, the centre 3 rebated. 3 bay porch with entablature carried on 2 Tuscan columns and 2 pilasters. Quoins at angles of rebated centre. All windows sashes with glazing bars and C19 architraves. Console eaves cornice and parapet. 3 bay, 2 storey bows to east and west ot south front with sash windows with glazing bars and lower segmental pediments of C19. West front C18 of 5 bays in 2½ storeys with parapet, giant clasping pilasters and 3 bay loggia of giant Tuscan columns supporting a pediment containing coat of arms. All window sashes with glazing bars. Interior. Library by C. Heathcote Tatham 1820 : apsidal end with 2 Corinthian columns dividing bookcases; screen of 4 Corinthian columns opposite with plastered bridging beam in front of bookcases with further Corinthian columns; marble fireplace with overmantel of 2 Corinthian pilasters supporting open pediment; plaster ceiling in 3 bays of heavily moulded geometric figures. Similar ceiling in drawing room (now refectory). Main staircase ceiling of plaster 1619. Broadly divided into 9 square bays with pendant bosses at junctions, each bay with geometrical strapwork decoration and flowers and fruit in low relief. Central roundel with remarkable drop pendant in form of Noah's ark containing animals, Noah, wife and Hand of God extending from clouds in central roundel.

Listing NGR: TM0326687721