The Old Manse

TM 07 SW 3/102 15/11/54

WATTISFIELD THE STREET (EAST SIDE) The Old Manse (formerly listed as The Manse)

II

House; formerly the manse associated with the nearby Congregational Chapel. Late C16, later C17 and mid C18. Timber-framed and rendered; concrete plaintiles to front roof-slope of central range, black-glazed pantiles to rear. slope and to both cross-wings. 2 storeys and attic; half-H form, which has developed in stages, with an additional wing behind the central range. Coved cornice to centre, plain bargeboards to cross-wings; small-paned sash windows in flush frames; above the centrally-placed entrance is a sliding sash window with small panes. 6-panelled door, the top 4 panels glazed, the bottom 2 flush; Gibbs surround, with triangular pediment above. The left-hand wing is the oldest part of the house: in 4 bays, one bay containing a chimney-stack with 2 back-to-back hearths, both with open fireplaces and plain timber lintels. Chamfered main beams exposed, in the rear room with curved stops and jewel. The central range, which is lower than the wings, has poor quality later C17 ceilings with joists set on edge, and some early C19 insertions, including a staircase. At the rear, a 2-bay wing of similar date with a gable end of red brick, in random bond with some blue headers, incorporating a plain chimney-stack. The short right-hand wing may have been entirely added in 1755, when there are records of work undertaken by the local Congregational authorities: red brick rear gable in Flemish Bond with a plain chimney-stack; framing with bisected studs, primary braces, and long jowls to posts. Good mid-Georgian woodwork: 6-panelled door to parlour with eared architrave, a fine fireplace with eared architrave and panel above, moulded cornice with dentils. In the upper room, a cast iron raised grate with Greek key ornament. All the roofs are of butt purlin form.

Listing NGR: TM0100374305