Rectory Cottage The Old Rectory

Rectory Cottage, part of The Old Rectory, is a former rectory now divided into two dwellings. The building consists of two distinct halves, with the left range having a core from the 15th century and significant later alterations, primarily comprising Rectory Cottage. The substantial wing to the right dates from around 1857. The older range is timber framed and plastered, featuring a plaintiled roof that is hipped to the left with a gablet, while a small raised section adjacent to the 19th-century work is slated. The 19th-century section is constructed of red brick with a slated roof and is two storeys high. The older range includes 18th to 19th-century small-paned and square-leaded casements. There is a mid-20th-century doorway to the left with a semi-glazed door and a flat hood supported by pilasters. An internal stack features a heavy cross-axial shaft. The 19th-century work has large-paned sash windows, gauged brick arches, and chamfered reveals, with a slightly recessed entrance block that includes a half-glazed door and flanking narrow windows.

Inside, Rectory Cottage boasts a fine two-bay inserted ceiling from the early to mid-16th century, showcasing multiple mouldings on the cross-beams and cornice, along with hollow and ogee moulding on the joists. Part of this room is divided off and features complete early 18th-century panelling, a contemporary fireplace, and a 19th-century corner cupboard. To the left of the stack, there are some heavy plain joists and framing, likely re-used. Most of the timbers on the upper floor are concealed. The roof appears to be largely reconstructed but was not fully examined. At the right end of the range, a room within The Old Rectory contains massive joists dating from the 15th century. Richard Hakluyt, the author of 'The Principal Navigations, Voyages and Discoveries of the English Nation', served as rector here from 1590 until his death in 1616.