Downhams

Downhams is a timber-framed hall house dating from the 15th to early 16th century. It is roughcast and colourwashed, with steeply pitched roofs covered in old tiles, with hipped gables. The windows are modern lead-glazed casements, set irregularly. The house has an L-shaped plan, with a large chimney inserted in the late 16th or early 17th century along the axis of the ‘L’. A further large chimney is located on the west gable, also from the 17th century. The interior is of interest, showcasing much of the original timber framing, including curved wind braces. The roof is coupled, with arch-braced purlins that are sooted. The north wing, originally one bay wide, features large curved brace struts to the purlins, which are also sooted, and may represent a rebuild from a single bay at the north end of the original structure.