The Priory

The Priory is a building dating from the early to mid 17th century, constructed of rubble with rusticated ashlar quoins and a slate roof featuring coped verges and ashlar chimneys. It stands two storeys high and has three windows on the first floor, which are 2 light casements with moulded wooden mullions. The ground floor has two windows that are 3 light stone mullion casements, all equipped with rectangular drip-moulds. The entrance features a square-headed doorway with an architrave surround and a triple keystone, which appears to be from the early 18th century, topped with a tall, large semi-circular hollow stone hood supported by cut stone brackets. The door itself is an eight-panel design, with the upper four panels being glazed.

To the left, there is a later two-storey wing with one window. The building also has projecting early 19th century brick walls with ramped stone coping, along with an arched entrance on the right side and niches. At the rear, there is a gabled stair turret.

Inside, the hall features dado height Gothick panelling, which was formerly part of the galleries in the Parish Church of St John The Baptist. There is an arched door leading to the stairs. The east room on the ground floor has a restored Tudor arch fireplace with a salt cupboard and a cross-beamed ceiling. The west room on the ground floor contains a deep and wide fireplace that once had traces of running scroll painting. Two of the doors on the west side of the ground floor are 17th century plank doors.

The Priory has undergone considerable adaptations over time. In 1712, it was sold by Christ Church, Oxford, and the front likely dates from that period. There are significant traces of an older dwelling incorporated into the structure, which was partly timber-framed. One internal wall displays the perch measure, although it is now covered. Above the modernised kitchen at the rear is a former schoolroom.