Lordington House

Large house, dating back to 1623, with possible origins on the foundations of an earlier house from around 1500. This earlier structure may have belonged to the De La Pole family and was the birthplace of Cardinal De La Pole. The house retains some Tudor brickwork in its external walls, and was built of flint with red brick quoins and window dressings. The roof and window openings were altered in the 18th century, and a kitchen wing was added in 1845. Extensive remodelling occurred in 1895 by Admiral Sir Phipps Hornby, who demolished part of the building, refenestrated it, and replaced the main door. Further changes were made in the mid-20th century by Geoffrey Jellicoe.

The house is L-shaped, with two storeys, attics, and a partial basement, featuring four windows and two dormers facing south, and three windows and two dormers facing east. Ogee-shaped dormers were added in 1895. The twelve-pane sashes and the Queen Anne style doorcase with a curved hood on the south wall are 20th-century replacements. A brick stringcourse runs along the exterior.

The main staircase, constructed around 1895, incorporates 19th-century newel posts but reuses early 17th-century components salvaged from the demolished wing. These salvaged elements include five carved finials depicting heraldic beasts and monsters – a lion, a dragon, a bear, a unicorn with a crown and chain, and a griffin – holding shields. The handrail is heavily moulded and the lower section is adorned with single pierced carvings of scroll ornament, swags of fruit, and drapery, which are incorrectly positioned upside down. A cherub, originally intended to be set at an angle on the topmost panel, is also present. The Drawing Room features oak panelling in an early 18th-century style, with inbuilt alcoves, but it is likely from around 1895. Other interior features include late 19th-century marble bolection moulded fireplaces and a mahogany water closet. The roof is 18th-century in design, incorporating collar beams, staggered purlins, and pegged rafters. The cellars contain a 17th-century chamfered beam. A servants' staircase dates to around 1845. A drawing from 1791 depicts Lordington House prior to the demolition of the south wing.