Dryden House Kennet House

SP61NW AMBROSDEN MERTON ROAD (North side)

11/10 Kennet House and Dryden House 26/11/51 (Formerly listed as Vicarage)

GV II

Vicarage, now 2 houses. 1638 for Rev. John Stubbings, altered late C17 and enlarged 1838 for Rev. L. Dryden. Random and coursed squared limestone rubble with ashlar dressings; old plain-tile roofs with brick stacks. Complex plan. One storey plus attic and 2 storeys plus attic. 4-window front has the taller range projecting on the right and a small gabled 2-storey bay in the angle of the ranges; both have casements in moulded stone surrounds with labels. The lower 2-window range, in random rubble, was remodelled, probably in 1838, and has stone-mullioned and transomed windows with labels plus large stone-gabled dormers; a C19 stone porch has a 4-centre arched entrance. A double stack rising at the junction of the ranges retains diagonal shafts. The right side of the cross wing has original ovolo-moulded stone-mullioned windows to all floors including a 3-light transomed stair window, all with labels and leaded glazings and also has a canted chimney projection and a gable datestone inscribed "ISD/1638". The C19 range to rear, parallel with the main range, has similar mullioned windows and gables and is flush with the rear projection of the crosswing; it incorporates an ancient plank doorway, the 4-centred stone surround of which may be re-used. This range masks the original entrance front, 2 gables of which face the central valley. Interior: crosswing contains the original dogleg stair with moulded handrails, heavy turned column balusters and panelled newels with lantern finials; early C18 fielded panelling in drawing room plus a large moulded Tudor-arched stone fireplace with a moulded-brick reredos; shell alcove. Lower range has a plainer Tudor-arched fireplace and re-used mid C17 oak panelling; early C18 coffered ceiling (Dryden House); original 4-centred arched stone entrance with moulded surround, label and shields in the spandrels (Dryden House). C19 range (Dryden House) has a room with fine late C17 oak panelling from Merton Manorhouse, with elaborate mouldings and fluted Corinthian pilasters supporting carved consoles. The Reverend White Kennett, vicar (1685-1701) and antiquary, later became Bishop of Peterborough. (V.C.H.: Oxfordshire, Vol.V, p.16; Buildings of England: Oxfordshire, p.422).

Listing NGR: SP6032019382