The Old Vicarage

CUCKFIELD HIGH STREET (east side) 7/54 The Old Vicarage 10.9.51 GV II Former Vicarage, now house. Early Cl7 origin but mainly of c1780, altered in 1818 and again in 1841-1850. Main house stuccoed with incised lines to imitate masonry and slate roof, mid C19 service wing to north of painted brick. 2 storeys and attics. Main house has 5 mid C19 12-pane horned sashes with moulded architraves, 2 pedimented dormers. Parapet. Central six panelled door surmounted by a rectangular fanlight and a broken pediment, but the fanlight is cut into 2 sections by a later porch with flat entablature built out over the steps of the doorway. The south east front has irregular fenestration, including an early C19 two storey, 3-light bow. Interior has early C19 staircase with 2 stick balusters to each tread and mahogany newel post, a C17 8-panelled wooden door and an oval shaped early C19 Butler's Pantry decorated on the outside with frosted glazing, vine leaves and rosettes. Church records state 'The Rev Charles Ashburnham began building the new vicarage house in October 1780 which was finished in the month of September following'. In 1818 Henry Plimley Vicar borrowed £700 from Queen Anne's Bounty to enlarge the house and built on a sitting room with bow window and in 1841-50 the Reverend T A Maberley had a loan from Queen Anne's Bounty to build out a bow window to the dining room, add the drawing room, the room above the drawing room and kitchen offices at a cost of £525.

Listing NGR: TQ3042424568