8, 10, 12 AND 14, HUNTS HILL

This is a group of four houses on Hunts Hill, dating largely to the late 15th century, with significant alterations in the early and mid-18th century and 20th century. Originally a hall house of three units (now Nos. 14-10), it was divided horizontally in the early to mid-16th century. A further unit (No. 8) was added in the late 18th century. The building is timber-framed, with rendered and colour-washed elevations, pantile roofs, and brick ridge stacks.

Nos. 12 and 14 are a single storey and attic in height, with a two-window front featuring 2- and 3-light casements and plank doors. A small single-light window sits above the door to No. 14, and a two-light gabled dormer is to the right. A modern extension is at the rear, along with further windows and three slate-roofed dormers. Internally, the close-studded timber-frame is visible, along with the smoke-blackened collar-purlin roof. A stack was inserted in the early 16th century. The original open hall was subsequently divided horizontally, preserving a roll-moulded bridging beam, joists, and a beam running from front to rear in No. 12. A rear room forms a flying freehold between the two dwellings.

Nos. 8 and 10 are three storeys high, with a two-window front of 20th-century casements. The ground floor features casements, an entrance to No. 10, and further windows. A porch provides access to No. 8. Rear elevations include further casements, a 20th-century single-storey extension to No. 8, and a mid-18th century single-storey and attic extension to No. 10.

Within No. 10, the close-studded timber-frame is visible, with massive jowled posts. A blocked Tudor-arched doorway is on the party wall with No. 12. Wide flat ceiling joists are visible in the rear room, and the frame, including two closed trusses, is visible on the first floor. Later 18th-century framing is visible where the building was raised to form a further storey. Some original 15th-century rafters are also apparent, supporting a later ceiling. A rear extension’s framing is visible in the attic. No. 8 has some false framing on the ground floor, but late 18th-century framing is visible on the stairs, with a bridging beam in the first-floor bedroom. Attic walls show much original framing, along with the roof principals.

The village of Glemsford has a long history of wool production, and this building reflects that heritage, with the 15th-century hall house having a stack and ceiled hall added in the early 16th century, and further units raised and added in the late 18th century, potentially to provide attic rooms for weavers.