Building record 253/2/1 - Lower Thorpe Farmhouse

Early 18th century farmhouse. There is evidence that it once had a waterwheel

{1} House. Early C18. Squared coursed limestone and ironstone, slate roof, brick and stone stacks. 2 storeys and attic, 4 bays. Doorway in second bay from left has wood lintel and 6-panel door. C19 bay window to right. 3-light window with wood lintel and wood casement in left bay. Similar windows in right bays and on first floor. Coped gable ends with kneelers. Interior not inspected.

{4} The farmhouse has 17th century origins. Originally a two unit plan expanded in later 17th/18th centuries with the addition of a parlour. Further expansion in the 18th century saw the addition of a dairy on the frontage plus a brewhouse/kitchen. Around c.1800 a large dairy was added in a wing to the north. An overshoot waterwheel dates to c. 1st half of the 19th century. The later dairy served for overwintering for between 15 and 20 cows with a purpose built manager (adjustable frames for holding cows' heads in place) with a feeding passage in the back. Only three other examples are known in the county. The mill's function is unclear. No millstones present though these could have been sold. Cast iron spur wheel nuts are present but no other evidence. Mill may have harnessed water power to turn churns or in preparation of animal feed stuffs. Waterwheel fed from pipe presumably linked by a puddled leat or similar to surviving high level leet to the south east. Exit drainage almost certainly to west under road to north-flowing brook. Colour slides 5345/002-008

{8} Undated photo, also photo dated 18.09.1991;

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 5/236 (unchecked) (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), F02 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN45262.

<3> Cadman, G.E., 1991, SMR Report Form, (checked) (SMR Report Form). SNN50258.

<4> Cadman, G.E., 1991, Thorpe Mandeville: Lower Thorpe Farm - Site Inspection Notes, (checked) (Report). SNN9864.

<5> Cadman, G.E., 1992, Lower Thorpe Farm, Thorpe Mandeville, (checked) (Note). SNN51849.

<6> Pike, A (ed), 1992, South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter (22), 22/35 (checked) (Journal). SNN100613.

<7> Dix B., 1992, Recent Work in Northamptonshire Archaeology, 24/124 (checked) (Article). SNN104441.

<8> Photographs of buildings in Thorpe Mandeville (Photographs). SNN113592.

Record last edited

Jun 15 2022 10:56AM