Castle Barn Approximately 50 Metres North East Of Thorpe Castle House

THORPE ALCHURCH THORPE WATERVILLE TL08SW Castle Barn approx. 50m. 7/135 NE of Thorpe Castle House 23/05/67 (Formerly listed as Castle Barn) GV I

Great hall of castle, now a barn. Early C14 origins for Walter de Langton. Bishop of Lichfield. Squared coursed limestone with thatch roof. Rectangular plan, originally probably the hall and solar range. Originally part 2 storeys, first floor structure now removed. West elevation has central C19 cart entrance. Ashlar plinth. Ashlar gable parapets. Gable to left has projecting chimney breast, corbelled out from first floor level, and eith octagonal crenellated flue on square base. At attic level the chimney breast is flanked by deeply recessed circcular windows with moulded surrounds. Right gable has slit vents. Rear has C19 central cart entrance. Interior: very fine king-post roof structure. Tie beams have wall posts and curved braces, the king posts have braces in both directions, and similar braces opposite the collars. Main beams have moulded soffits. Moulded cornice. Evidence of screen in roof structure of bay to north. Evidence of first floor fireplace in north gable wall. Roof structure of hall range has smoke blackening. A 2-storey gabled porch is said to have been removed C19. Walter de Langton was licensed to crenellate in 1301. (Buildings of England:Northanptonshire, p. 429; V.C.H. : Northamptonshire, Vol.5, p.135).

Listing NGR: TL0225881433