Priory Farmhouse

Priory Farmhouse is a former chapel and hermitage that has been converted into a farmhouse and is now a dwelling. It dates back to the early 14th century, with significant additions from the 17th century. The medieval part is constructed of flint with stone and clunch dressings. The original timber frame has mostly been replaced with brick, and there is a flint and brick gable-end from the early 17th century side extension. Additional 17th century brick service and stair extensions are located at the rear, along with later brick lean-tos. The building features black pantiled roofs and stands two storeys high with attics.

The flint gable wall includes a former large arched east window, and there are angle buttresses with niches that have trefoil heads. The south facade has six 19th century three-light casement windows, along with an arched central window that features Y-tracery. The 14th century front door is notable for its busily moulded arch, which includes filletted rolls and undercut hollow rolls on plain-chamfered jambs. There are two 18th century dormers with moulded pediments and metal casements that have leaded glazing. The 17th century west gable-end has two blocked fragmentary ovolo-moulded two-light mullion windows. Two later 17th century extensions feature curvilinear gables and mainly blocked windows with moulded brick eared architraves. A semicircular headed doorway with projecting imposts and a key is also present.

Inside, there are two crown post trusses over the former chapel, one of which is octagonal with a moulded capital and base, supported by four-way bracing. The corresponding tie is cambered and hollow-chamfered, featuring former notched arch braces and wall posts, as well as a roll-moulded wall plate. The early 17th century extension contains four queen post trusses, of which two survive. A 16th century bridging joist with broad chamfers and broach stops is present, along with 17th century beams that have barred and ogee stops. Part of the jettied timber frame remains on the north side. The interior also boasts a very fine staircase with tapered balusters and newel knops, as well as stone dressed western fireplaces. An inventory from 1674 belonging to Mathew Halcott is still in existence.