Bowden Farmhouse

BERRYNARBOR SS 54 NE 1/24 Bowden Farmhouse 9.3.53 - II Farmhouse. Late C16 or early C17, much altered in C20. Rendered stone rubble. Slate roof with small rendered stacks at each end and rear lateral brick hall stack enclosed in dairy outshut. Roughly symmetrical 2-room and through-passage plan with the hall to left heated by the central rear stack, later divided into 2 rooms by brick partition. Straight staircase offset to right of through-passage. To the rear of the right-hand room is a right-angled rear service wing, probably an C18 or early C19 addition, creating an overall L-shaped plan. 2 storeys. 5-window range. C20 fenestration except for a 2-light. casement, 8 panes per light and a 3-light casement, 3 panes per light to ground floor to right of gabled porch with slate roof. 2 buttresses at right end. Interior: much altered in C20 including the removal of a very fine plank and muntin screen with fluted panelling between the hall and through-passage, probably of late C16 date. The hall has chamfered cross-beams and bressumer with pyramid stops. The roof trusses entirely replaced in C19 or early C20. Despite the C20 alterations and unfortunate removal of the screen, the house is listed also for its historical associations as the birthplace of Bishop Jewel (1522- 71), Bishop of Salisbury and author of the Apologia (1562). The screen is currently being repaired (January 1986) and there are plans to re-install it in Berrybarbor Manor Hall (q.v.).

Listing NGR: SS5599045077