The Priory

1. 5120

CHURCH SQUARE Midsomer-Norton No 19 (The Priory)

ST 6654 4/1 19.5.50 II* 2. Early-mid C17. Rubble with rusticated ashlar quoins, slate roof with coped verges and ashlar chimneys. Two storeys. Three windows, 2 light casements with moulded wooden mullions on 1st floor. Two windows, 3 light stone mullion casements on ground floor. All windows have rectangular drip-moulds. Square headed doorway with architrave surround and triple keystone, apparently early C18, tall large semi-circular hollow stone hood on cut stone brackets. Eight panel door, upper 4 glazed. Later 2 storey wing to left, one window. Projecting early C19 brick walls with ramped stone coping, and arched entrance to right hand part and niches. To rear a gabled stair turret. Interior: hall has dado height Gothick panelling, formerly part of the galleries in Parish Church of St John The Baptist (q.v); arched door to stairs. Ground floor east room, restored Tudor arch fireplace with salt cupboard, cross beamed ceiling. Ground floor west room, deep and wide fireplace formerly with traces of running scroll painting. Two of the doors to west side on ground floor are C17 plank doors. This house has been considerably adapted. In 1712 it was sold by Christ Church, Oxford: the front probably dates from then. There are considerable traces of an older dwelling incorporated, partly timber-framed. One internal wall gives the perch measure (now covered). To rear, above the modernised kitchen, is a former schoolroom.

Listing NGR: ST6623254266