31-37, HIGH STREET

SCHEDULE The following building:- DEBENHAM HIGH STREET TM 16 SE (east side)

6/91 Nos 31-37 (odd) (formerly listed under Church Row as 3 cottages 9.12.55 immediately S of house called St Mary's)

GV II

shall be uppgraded to Grade II* (star). ------------------------------------ DEBENHAM HIGH STREET (east side) TM 16 SE 6/91 Nos.31-37 (odd) ( formerly listed under 9.12.55 Church Row as 3 cottages immediately S. of house called St. Mary's)

GV II

Originally one house, now 3. Mid C16 with slightly later wing to rear. Timber framed. The front has exposed close studding with cranked reverse- curved braces to upper floor. Roof plaintiled to front and pantiled to rear. 2 storeys and attic. Continuous jetty to street supported on brackets springing from carved buttress-shafts. The bressummer has rope-pattern carving. 3 3-light casement windows to upper floor, one with square-leaded glass: these are in the same position as 3 original oriel windows whose deep sills remain below. Between these windows, a single-light casement and a window of c.1600 with ovolo mullions and carved sill. 2 projecting former shop windows of c.1900, each with 12 panes to the front. To each side of the right hand shop window, part of a further window of c.1600 with similarly- carved sill. 2 central sash windows, one with panelled shutters. One plank door, 2 panelled doors. To extreme left, boarded garage doors. Internal stack with C19 shaft. Interior. Ground floor room in No.37 has a late C16 wall painting in monochrome showing winged mythical beasts; a circular panel contains the red monogram of William and Mary Motts. Studs on the opposite wall show traces of a similar design, with a further monogram on the cross- beam above. Roof has queen-post trusses alternating with arch-braced collars, the braces to the latter now missing. This roof was originally visible from the first floor and its design suggests the building originally had some public function. Interior of Nos. 31-33 (one house) not examined. For illustration of wall painting, see Traditional Homes, February 1987, p.78.

Listing NGR: TM1740963228