Monument record 3884/2/4 - Croyland Abbey Grange/Manor Gatehouse

The main gatehouse was probably a large crenellated structure depicted in a 17th-century engraving. Probably demolished in the 18th century.

{1} The main gate appears to have lain next to the barn, for in 1280 reference is made to the mending of the gate next to the barn. This gate presumably lay at the west end of Manor Lane, which is recorded as 'le maner lane' in 1466-7, for in c.1720 it was recorded that there had been 'an ancient grange, lately taken down' which stood on the left hand side of the entrance to the manor. It has been suggested that the crenellated gatehouse shown in an engraving which purports to be Wellingborough Castle in 1657 in fact represents the gate to the grange, for Cole states of the Croyland Hall that 'that distinguishing characteristic of a castellated edifice - the gateway, referred to by Bridges, has been swept away'. This was certainly a large structure, for the medieval accounts include payments to a tiler for work on 'the great gates'.

<1> Foard G, 1999, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Wellingborough (Medieval + Post Medieval), (unchecked) (Digital archive). SNN100339.

<2> 1771, Survey of Wellingborough Hatton manor 1771, (unchecked) (Document). SNN100360.

<3> James, W., 1803, Wellingborough Town 1803, (unchecked) (Map). SNN100362.

Record last edited

Apr 25 2025 9:42AM