Rectory Cottage The Old Rectory

WETHERINGSETT-CUM-BROCKFORD CHURCH STREET (off) TM 16 NW 3/120 The Old Rectory & 29.7.55 Rectory Cottage (formerly listed as The Rectory)

GV II Former rectory, now 2 dwellings. In 2 distinct halves. Range to left has C15 core with considerable later alterations; the majority of this range comprises Rectory Cottage. Substantial wing to right of c.1857. Older range timber framed and plastered. Plaintiled roof, hipped to left with a gablet; a small raised section adjacent to C19 work is slated. C19 work in red brick with slated roof. 2 storeys. Older range has C18-C19 small-paned and square- leaded casements. Mid C20 doorway to left has semi-glazed door and flat hood supported on pilasters. An internal stack with heavy cross-axial shaft. C19 work: large-paned sash windows, gauged brick arches, chamfered reveals; slightly recessed entrance block with half-glazed door and flanking narrow windows. Interior. Rectory Cottage has a fine 2-bay inserted ceiling of early-mid C16: multiple mouldings to cross-beams and cornice, hollow and ogee moulding to joists. Part of this room is divided off and has complete early C18 panelling with contemporary fireplace and C19 corner cupboard. To left of stack, some heavy plain joists and framing, probably re-used. Most of timbers on upper floor concealed. Roof seems to be largely reconstructed but was not fully examined. At right end of range a room within The Old Rectory has massive joists of C15 date. Richard Hakluyt, author of 'The Principal Navigations, Voyages and Discoveries of the English Nation', became rector in 1590 and live here until his death in 1616.

Listing NGR: TM1277266838