F B Hancock Solicitors

The building at 24 Horse Fair, Banbury (formerly known as the Vicarage), is a complex structure originally dating from the 17th century, with earlier origins, and significantly altered in the 19th century. It is now used as offices. It is constructed of regular coursed ironstone rubble, with a steeply pitched slate roof and stone ridge and end stacks. The stone copings are prominent. The building is two storeys high with an attic.

The main facade originally featured a two-window range, but has been extensively modified. A gabled two-storey stone porch is positioned on the right side, featuring a four-centred arched head with quatrefoil decoration in the spandrels, and a two-light stone mullioned window above. To the left is a two-storey bay window, with five lights on both floors. Between the bay window and the porch are four-light stone mullioned windows on both floors, all with continuous hood moulds. A crenellated parapet, dated 1967, sits above this section. Two large gabled attic dormers, each with three-light stone mullioned windows, hood moulds and label stops, are also present. The building has copings and kneelers. Two-light stone mullion windows are located in the cellar.

A Gothic Revival wing, dated HB/1860, extends to the north side and features stone mullioned and transomed windows with traceried heads, along with five gabled attic dormers featuring bargeboards and pendants. The rear of the building has been rebuilt using original ironstone.

Internally, a 17th-century stone fireplace with inglenooks, a moulded bressumer, a wooden winder staircase and a dog-leg staircase are preserved. A 19th-century fireplace is located in the hall, with a panelled, coved hood. Pointed arched niches on the first floor appear to have been designed for candles. Two datestones are present: one dated 1649/SW, attributed to Samuel Wells, Vicar of Banbury, and another dated HB/1860, attributed to Henry Back, Vicar of Banbury (1860-81).