Building record 2005/0/2 - Pytchley Gates

Originally the gate was part of the entrance to Pytchley Hall, which has now been demolished. The classical gateway comprises a large central arch flanked by two smaller pedestrian entrances constructed of oolitic limestone. The main gateway was built in the 16th century, the side gateways, together with the cast-iron gates, were constructed when the gate was rebuilt circa 1843. The central entrance was rebuilt in 1973 following a car accident.

{1} Archway. Early C17. Limestone ashlar. Gate arch flanked by similar pedestrian arches each with semi-circular heads and moulded keystones. Central arch has decorated voussoir. Fluted Doric column between arches support an entablature the frieze of which is decorated with triglyphs and disc ornaments in the metopes. Curved gable over and flanking scrolls over pedestrian arches. Five obelisks on moulded plinths at centre and ends. C19 cast iron gates to each arch. Originally located at Pytchley Old Hall. Repositioned in mid C19. (Buildings of England: Northamptonshire, p.369).

{6} Detailed description, chronology, photos and scaled drawings. Dates the carriage entrance to the sixteenth century and the side gateways and gates to c.1843 when the gate was moved from Pytchley to Overstone.

{11} Four undated photos;

{12} The original Pytchley Gate consisted of the central arch only and was probably designed for Sir Eusby Isham, an ancestor of Thomas Jefferson. The flanking arches were added in 1843 when it was moved to its current location. The gates were also added at this time- the buck's head motif is the Lloyd family crest. The structure was severely damaged in 1973 by a car crash, it was subsequently restored and then damaged again in 2009 and again restored. There were extensive repairs and redecoration in 1995.

Historic England, Undated, PYTCHLEY GATES, SYWELL ROAD, OVERSTONE, BF084056 (Archive). SNN115844.

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 16/201 (checked) (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), G02 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN44900.

<3> Sharman T., 2006, Condition Report on Twenty-Four Northamptonshire County Heritage Sites, (checked) (Report). SNN105591.

<4> Paul Reading & Partners, 2003, Report on A Structural Survey of Nine County Heritage Sites, (checked) (Report). SNN105863.

<5> Cadman, G., 2009, Pytchley Gates, Overstone: Background Briefing Notes, (unchecked) (Notes). SNN106851.

<6> Giggins, B., 2011, The Entrance Gates, Overstone, (checked) (Report). SNN109308.

<7> Mineral Star, 2010, Pytchley Gate Monument Repairs and Reinstatement, (checked) (Report). SNN108565.

<8> Pevsner N.; Cherry B., 1973, The Buildings of England: Northamptonshire, p.369 (unchecked) (Series). SNN1320.

<9> Giggins, B., 1994, The Entrance Gates, Overstone, (checked) (Report). SNN62803.

<10> NCC Heritage Team, 1995, Pytchley Gates, 1995 (Photographic prints (COL)). SNN110842.

<11> Photographs of buildings in Overstone (Photographs). SNN113509.

<12> Froneman, I, 2018, Heritage Statement: Overstone Farm, Northampton (Report). SNN114323.

Record last edited

Jan 10 2024 10:30AM