The Library House

KINGS CLIFFE BRIDGE STREET TL0197, TL0197 (North side) 13/94, 13/94 No.25 (The Library House) 23/05/67 (Formerly listed as The Library House) GV II House. Early/mid and late C17. Converted to Schoolhouse 1749 for Elizabeth Hutcheson's School and adapted to house and library in 1752 for William Law. Squared coursed limestone with Collyweston slate roof. Originally 2-unit plan. 2 storeys with attic. 3-window range with flanking 3-light ovolo-moulded stone mullion windows, with hood moulds to ground floor windows. Smaller 2-light window, to first floor centre, and single-light windows to ground and first floor, far right. All windows have leaded lights. Central, 6-panel, part-glazed, door has moulded stone surround. Pair of gabled roof dormers with leaded casements. Ashlar gable parapets and ashlar end stacks. Inscription immediately above door, "Books of Piety are lent to any person of this or ye Neighbouring Towns". Sundial, with pediment, above inscription. Interior not inspected, but room to left of entrance noted as having bolection-moulded panelling with wooden cornice. This early C18 panelling was adapted in 1752 to incorporate bookcases for William Law's library. Room to right of entrance noted as having bolection moulded cupboard doors. Staircase has wave moulded splat balusters. Roof structure has cambered collars and clasped purlins. Originally single storey with cross-wing; the building was raised late C17 (RCHM: An Inventory of Architectural Monuments in North Northamptonshire: p98; Waller, A.K.: William Law, His Life and Thoughts (1973); Law, W.: Hutcheson, E. A short account of the two Charitable Foundations at Kings Cliffe (1755))

Listing NGR: TL0100097082