Maypole Farmhouse

BUXHALL RECTORY ROAD TM 05 NW

2/40 Maypole Farmhouse

9.12.55

V II* Farmhouse, c.1530 with alterations of c.1570 and later. 2 storeys. T-plan; the stem of the T is the original structure, with the cross-bar (containing kitchen and parlour) added later. Timber-framed and plastered; an oversailing gable tie-beam with vinescroll carving on the north gable. The south gable oversails similarly but the tie-beam is concealed. Large panels on the south side with textured plaster in the C17/C18 manner, but probably restored; high in the gable is a plaster date 1671. The ground storey walling is partially underbuilt in C19/C20 painted red brick. Beside the road is a late C16 gable of red brick with diaperwork patterning in burnt headers, restored crowstepped gables and moulded kneelers. Attached is an internal end chimney with fine twin circular shafts on octagonal bases; the bricks are carved, one with a fluted spiral, the other with ribbed zigzags. The north wall of the east range has a long-wall jetty now enclosed by a C19 pantiled outshut; the joist- ends are exposed on brackets with shafts and well carved capitals. The upper walling (enclosed within the roof space) has a range of blocked but probably complete mullioned windows with moulded cills. Concrete plaintiled roofs: an axial chimney of late C16 or early C17 red brick, a square plinth with a sunk plastered panel, 4 attached octagonal shafts on moulded bases. Mid C20 casements on the south side, an C18 or early C19 lunette window in the south gable has small panes; some C18/C19 casements in other walls. C19 lean-to entrance porch of brick with C20 half-glazed panelled door. Main 1st floor members of both phases have roll-and-cavetto mouldings; the main chamber of the east wing has a ceiling similarly moulded. Blocked late C16 windows with roll-moulded mullions. Wind braced clasped-purlin roofs. Much of the C16 work remains concealed internally. N.M.R.

Listing NGR: TM0038757779