Building record 2235/2/1 - Manor House, Pilton

Probably built in the mid-late 16th/early 17th century for the Tresham family. Alterations in the mid 19th century by E Browning. Used for a time as a Rectory. An undated skeleton, possibly medieval, was found beneath the floor in 1967.

{1} Manor house. Probably mid/late C16 and early C17 for Tresham family with c.1847 alterations by E. Browning. Squared coursed limestone with Colleyweston and Welsh slate roofs. Originally probably hall plan, now irregular U-shape. 2 storeys with attic. Main front is a 3-window range to right, of 2-light stone mullion windows to first floor. Two 4-light stone mullion windows, to attic, set in large stone gabled eaves dormers. Central C19 plank door with 4-centred arch head and chamfered stone surround. Ashlar gable parapets and ashlar ridge and end stacks with moulded cornices. Large one-window range, probably of earlier build, breaks forward to left. Central, C19, 6-light square stone mullion bay window, with sashes and stepped parapet. Gable above window has armorial plaque. Ashlar gable parapets. Large 4-light stone mullion windows in right hand return wall; first floor window has transom. Elevation to right of main front has twin gables and 2-light stone mullion windows. Elevation to left of main front is an irregular 4-window range with 3- and 4-light stone mullion windows. 2 attic windows have similar eaves dormers as on main front. 2 casement windows at ground floor have gauged stone heads. C20 window to left. Single-storey range is attached to left. Rear elevation is similar with stone mullion windows and some C19 single-storey extensions. Interior: entrance hall has symmetrical archway with wooden surround with tapered pilasters and brackets, probably restored C19. Jacobean staircase also restored C19, has turned balusters, tall newels, half landings and dado with half balusters. Room to right of entrance has blocked doorway with 4-centred arch head, originally giving access to secondary stair. Secondary staircase rising around central columns has quarter landings and stone treads. Room to left, of entrance in projecting wing was probably the hall, now altered. Evidence at time of inspection of large open fireplace with 4-centred arch head. Some first floor rooms have doorways with 4-centred arch head. Room to left in projecting range was probably a first floor hall, restored C19 with some reset C17 panelling. Ribbed pilasters flanking windows and wall opposite, and overmantle with 3 clusters of short columns. Plain plaster barrel vault is probably C19, evidence of earlier structure above. One C17 panelled door in attic. Used for a time as the Rectory. (Northamptonshire Records Office, Architectural Drawings Collection).

{4} Undated photo.

{5} A skeleton was discovered during the insertion of pipes for central heating some 4inches below the flagstones of a ground floor cupboard. The cupboard likely dates to the early 17th century. A single photograph shows an extended burial with arms to the sides. The head rested against the upper courses of the foundations. There was no evidence of grave goods or of a coffin. A single sherd of possible 17th century pottery lay close by. Gwen Brown considered the burial was most likely to be medieval in date.

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 16/106 (unchecked) (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), G09 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN41470.

<3> Pevsner N.; Cherry B., 1973, The Buildings of England: Northamptonshire, p.372 (unchecked) (Series). SNN1320.

<4> Photographs of buildings in Pilton (Photographs). SNN113561.

<5> Litchfield, T, 1967, The Skeleton in the Cupboard at Pilton Old Rectory, Northamptonshire, October 1967 (Typescript). SNN114814.

Record last edited

Mar 1 2023 10:39AM