14-18, ST MARY'S STREET

1. 924 TM 3389 1/95 9.5.49

ST MARY'S STREET (West Side)

Nos 14 to 18 (even)

II GV

2. C16, originally one building, considered to have been a private residence by Suckling, though often supposed to be connected with the Nunnery on the opposite side of the road. It is thought to have been occupied by John Duke, who lived in Bungay in 1550. An old mantelpiece removed from the house bore the arms of Bedingfield and D'Oyley and the date 1572, and there was also the figure of a crusader over the entrance; both were bought by Sir Rider Haggard in 1922 and incorporated in "The Three Bells" Ditchingham, when it was converted into a private house. Some original mullion casement windows remain with projecting carved cills, depicting the slaughter of the Philistines by Samson, and Samson and Delilah, also a child wrestling with 2 dragons, said to be Hercules. Another has a bust of the Virgin Mary. Another since removed showed the fate of Actaeon devoured by dogs. An original spiral brick staircase remains at No 18, and a 4-centred arch to cellars beneath, but apart from some moulded beams still visible, the present description gives the date C18 or early C19 alterations, to which modern shop front have been added and internal re- arrangements. 2 storey and attic, 3 dormers. Timber frame, overhanging 1st floor, plastered. Coved eaves. Tiles. 3 original windows as above on 1st floor and 2 sashes with glazing bars, and mid C19 canted splay bay sash window. Central C18 door. 8-panel, panelled reveals to case with fluted Doric pilasters, triglyphs and enriched dentil pediment.

Nos 6 to 22 (even) form a group.

Listing NGR: TM3365189685