Thelbridge Hall

THELBRIDGE SS 71 SE 2/253 - Thelbridge Hall - II

Large farmhouse, former rectory. Probably late medieval core, evidence of early C17 refurbishment, extensions and major refurbishment of 1852 for the Reverend R T Bradstock. Plastered rubble and cob; rubble stacks topped with C19 brick; slate roof since 1852. Large house comprising 2 parallel ranges facing south-west. The longer 4-room-and-cross-passage front range is adapted from C16 or C17 3-room-and-through- passage plan house with former service end room (now a parlour) at right (south-east) end. Rear block containing kitchen and services is C19 addition. Front block has projecting end stack to left room and front lateral stack to room left of centre. Possibly disused rear lateral stacks to other front rooms. 2 rear lateral stacks to rear block. 2 storeys. Regular 6-window front including round-headed fixed pane windows without glazing bars at right end and the rest are 12-pane sashes, some mid C19, others later replacements with horns. Early C17 passage door right of centre; a sturdy studded oak plank door with applied 15-panel front, ledges to rear, 2 large bolts, hinges and catch, set in oak doorframe with ogee-moulded surround and scroll stops. Probably C19 gabled and slate-roofed plastered rubble porch with segmental outer arch. Gable-ended roof. Right (south-east) end has double-gabled elevation with 16-pane sashes to each floor to front (left) and large tripartite sash window to right. Rear elevation comprises an irregular disposition of 12-pane sashes. Interior: largely result of 1852 refurbishment. 1852 stairs in wide passage. Only former hall shows pre-1852 work. Ceiling now 3 bays with C17 crossbeams given double-ovolo mouldings and elaborate keeled-lozenge stops. Other C17 features may be hidden by C19 plaster in front block. Both blocks have 1852 roofs. A slate flagstone in rear block is inscribed WYD 1852. According to owners' researches Thelbridge Hall was a Domesday manor belonging to the Bishop of Coutances. It is described as a rectory in terriers of 1679 and 1727. Extensions and refurbishment of 1852 for the Reverend Rowland Thomas Bradstock, the builder was John Mardon Baker of South Molton and original plans and elevations deposited in Devon Record Office. It was a rectory until circa 1930.

Listing NGR: SS7919713168