Moat Hall

TM 35 NW PARHAM

11/141 Moat Hall (previously 25.10.51 listed as Parham Moat Hall) GV II*

Former manor house, now a farmhouse. Early C16, probably for Sir Christopher Willoughby, father of the first Baron Willoughby; south wing probably late C16/early C17. The main range occupies the north west corner of the moated site, rising directly from the moat on 2 sides. Mainly red brick, some timber framing, plaintiled roof. 2 storeys. North facade with 2 full height canted bays and an external stack to the right hand side: this facade was probably symmetrical, the remaining bay and stack to the east now demolished. Brickwork with diapering in dark headers to bays and stack; each bay has 2-light and 3-light brick mullion windows, one tier to the ground floor, 2 tiers to the first floor divided by a transom; the lights had arched and cusped heads,and all have now been blocked or replaced by later casements; the bays have later plastered gables. Stack with the lower portion of 2 octagonal flues with a trefoil-headed blank arch to each face; upper part of stack rebuilt. To the west are 2 gables, the larger one with exposed timbering with brick nogging and an overhanging first floor; the original windows have gone but their moulded heads remain. The smaller gable has an original brick mullion window to ground floor, the original first floor opening blocked. To the south is a canted and gabled staircase turret, one original brick mullion window at first floor level and an external stack with 3 coupled flues with star caps. South Wing timber framed and plastered, plaintiled roof. 2 storeys and attic. Various casement windows, square and modern diamond leaded glass, one flat-roofed dormer, boarded half door, internal stack. The interior of the main range is considerably altered; much re-used C16-C17 panelling on first floor. Country Life 15.5.1909, pp.702-7. Sandon, Suffolk Houses, 1977, pp.281-3.

Listing NGR: TM3121059950