Witnesham Hall

TM 15 SE WITNESHAM CHURCH LANE

1/38 Witnesham Hall 16.3.66

GV II*

Former manor house, occupied as 2 dwellings. Mid C16 with alterations probably c.1614 for William Meadowe; extended later C17, and remodelled c.1842 for D.C. Meadows. Originally of 3-cell cross-passage entrance plan. 2 storeys and attics. Timber-framed, encased in red brick c.1842 (much rear walling retains earlier plasterwork). String course at 1st floor level and another below ground floor windows. Pilaster-buttresses at corners with ball- finials. Embattled parapets incorporating dormers with Flemish gables. Plaintiled roofs with groups of 2 and 3 octagonal chimneys on moulded bases; mainly internal and of 1842, but a complete C17 stack is at the left hand gable. Hood-moulded windows with splayed reveals and wood-mullioned and transomed casements; a 2-storey splayed bay of similar design. Fine 3-storey entrance porch of c.1614, in red brick, at cross-passage entrance of earlier house; doorway with imposts and semi-circular head. In the pediment above is a limestone shield with the vulning pelicans of the Meadowe family. 3 tiers of brick pilasters capped by ball finials. 3-light mullioned window with pediment above, and another at attic level. Flemish gable bearing a C19 weathervane. Inner doorway with original plank door and C18 fanlight. In the cross-passage is a mid C16 plank and muntin screen. In the parlour is an arched plastered fireplace with fine carved surround and overmantel. The staircase wing, added c.1600, has balustrading with carved splat-balusters; original ovolo-moulded mullioned windows with leaded glazing. In a later C17 rear wing is another fine carved fireplace surround. Said to be the birthplace in 1759 of William Kirby, entomologist.

Listing NGR: TM1771450820