Old Guildhall

LAXFIELD THE STREET TM 27 SE

9/54 Old Guildhall - 29.7.55 GV II*

Former guildhall, the upper floor now used as a museum. Circa 1520, with later alterations. Restored 1965-9. Timber framed; the facade has fine exposed close studding with herringbone brick nogging; the remainder is plastered, the main components of the frame also being exposed at the rear. Plaintiled roof. 2 storeys and attic. The first floor is jettied along the facade and left gable end, carried on plain brackets and buttress shafts. The bressumer has embattled decoration. 6 windows, mid C20 square-leaded casements. 2 mid C20 plank entrance doors with studded cover battens. The right hand doorway has a gabled hood. Both doorways are reached by short flights of steps. 2 internal stacks, the main one with a sunk panel in the base. The structure is in 6 bays, although it is probable that a further bay to the west has been lost. The 4 eastern bays on the ground floor formed one large room, entered at its west end where the blocked front doorway can still be seen. There is evidence for a projecting window to this room. On the upper floor the 5 eastern bays originally formed a single room. Heavy plain ground floor joists. Arched-braced and slightly cambered tie beams. Queen- post roof. Main stack and newel stairs inserted c.1600; attic floor is later C17.

Listing NGR: TM2962272380