Building record 3980/8/1 - Nos.3 & 3A Desborough Road (The Nunnery)

A farmhouse originating in the 16th century or even earlier, now subdivided into 2 dwellings. The building was extended in the 17th century (probably in 1660) and with 18th and/or 19th century alterations and additions.

{1} Farmhouse, subdivided into 2 dwellings. C16 or possibly earlier, remodelled and extended in C17 (probably 1660) and with C18 and/or C19 alterations and additions. Coursed and dressed ironstone rubble on exposed bedrock plinth. Thatched roof with gabled ends, the left (south) and reclad in plain tiles at front and corrugated iron at rear. Axial and gable end stone stacks, heightened in brick. Long 3-room and cross-passage plan, the low end to left (S) heated from gable end stack, stack backing onto cross-passage and stair turret at rear; high end right hand room heated from axial stack and with cellar below is probably a C17 addition and possibly of 1660 when a 2-storey porch was built to the cross-passage wntrance. The house seems to have been reorientated in circa 1660, the low end room becoming the parlour. 2 storeys. Asymmetrical 4-window front. Circa early C19 2, 3 and 4-light casements with glazing bars on left and C20 3-light casements on right. Two-storey porch to left of centre with ashlar dressings, 3-light mullion first floor window, the hoodmould raised over taller centre light and diamond-shaped table below inscribed "J T B. 1660" and doorway below with moulded Tudor arch on imposts with cornice above; inner door has circa C16 moulded frame with Tudor arch fern-leaf spandrels and old plank door with wrought-iron strap hinges. At rear semi-circular stair turret to left of centre, C18 or C19 outshut to left, 2 ovolo-mouldings.on windows to right, one enclosed in C19 or C19 single storey wing. Interior: Lower left (S) room has 2 deeply chamfered cross-beams with cyma stops and C17 overmantel over blocked fireplace with moulded shelf and 4 panels with incised arches and panels. Central room (hall) has chamfered axial beam with run-out stops and blocked fireplace; hall now partitioned forming axial passage at back from which rises former stairs in turret with remains of arched doorhead. Right hand (N) r s-beams, plastered over. Small Victorian cast-iron chimneypiece in chamber over lower end. Roof space ceiled but trusses below collar level exposed in chambers; at lower end large principals augmented by another truss with collar halved outer face of its principals; similar truss with halved collar joint over right hand end suggests that the house was reroofed when extended in circa 1660.

{2} Two houses created out of former farmhouse in modern times. Date of change of use unknown. C16th/C17th house; porch dated 1660; possibly on site of former nunnery outbuildings; 4 rooms upstairs & downstairs; cellar; further details given & phasing plan; use as inn or farmhouse suggested by presence of barns & stables.

{3} Farmhouse C16th or possibly earlier; remodelled & extended probably 1660; C18th &/or C19th additions & alterations.

{4} House known as The Nunnery at SP81418126 seems to locate site; built of stone & dated 1660 but may be earlier.

Data with no source details transferred from NRHE record: A farmhouse, now two houses, featuring a datestone above the door inscribed '1660'. The building is of coursed and squared ironstone with limestone and brick dressings, and plain tile and thatched roofs. There are suggestions that the building stands on or close to buildings associated with the former Rothwell Priory (see SP 88 SW 25). Apparently during building work on the house in 1849 large numbers of inhumations were discovered. [NB this building was formerly described as part of SP 88 SW 25. That record should be consulted for sources and further details]

<1> , 1926, MAP, (checked) (Map). SNN59165.

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 9/67 (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> , 1900, Ordnance Survey 25 Inch Map Series, (checked) (Map). SNN55987.

<2> 1976, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), H13 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN100754.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1880, First Edition Ordnance Survey 25 Inch Mapping Series (24.08), (checked) (Map). SNN55941.

<3> GIGGINS B.L., 1988, The Nunnery, 3 and 3a Desborough Road, Rothwell, (part checked) (Report). SNN44949.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP88SW25 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<5> Historic England, The Nunnery, 3 Desborough Road, Rothwell, BF105165 (Archive). SNN115473.

Record last edited

Sep 22 2023 3:01PM