Building record 266/0/22 - The Manor House

Manor House, now flats. 1860 and 1870, incorporating earlier work, for Edward Sempill by E. F. Law. Coursed squared ironstone, ashlar dressings.

{1} Manor House, now flats. 1860 and 1870, incorporating earlier work, for Edward Sempill by E. F. Law. Coursed squared ironstone, ashlar dressings. Coursed squared limestone banded with ironstone at the rear. Tile roof, moulded stone stacks. Irregular H-plan, Scottish baronial style. 2 storeys and attic, 5 irregular bays with gabled flanking wings. Round tower with conical roof in angle between right wing and main block. C20 stone porch in left angle has doorway with 4-centred arch and 16-panel double door. 2 and 3-light stone mullioned windows with moulded stone frames. Stone plaques with coat of arms of Edward Sempill in gable of left wing, and of his wife, Baroness Maria Jane, on the right gable. Coped gable ends. Three irregular gabled wings at rear, probably late C17 remodelled C19. Stone plaque in right gable inscribed, 'Restored 1860. E.S. M.J.S.' with two large heraldic reliefs below. Stone mullioned windows, all renewed C19. Coped gable end with kneelers. Double stone stack on each gable. Interior: Ground floor room is said to have remodelled C20 linen fold panelling. A perspective drawing by E.F. Law shows the design of the house as intended with a second tower with ogee cupola to left of centre. (Drawing in possession of Mrs. M. Lewis, The Manor House, Moreton Pinkney;) Buildings of England: Northamptonshire, p.307.

{3} Ground plan of the manor house prior to renovation.

{4} Undated photo;

{5} Drawing of the manor house, also plan, prior to partial demolition and renovation of the manor house. Note by Dryden regarding the stone image of an elephant found in the walls of the old manor house when it was partly pulled down.

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 9/144 (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), F03 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN45262.

<3> University for the Creative Arts, 2005, The Henry Dryden Collection on VADS, DR/25/189/155 (Website). SNN112545.

<4> Photographs of buildings in Moreton Pinkney (Photographs). SNN112858.

<5> Dryden H.E.L., 1842-1895, Dryden Collection, DR/25/189/5, 11, 155 (Archive). SNN115.

Record last edited

Oct 2 2024 10:53AM