Find Spot record 1174/0/0 - Post medieval architectural fragment

During works to form a driveway in 1980s, a large carved stone was recovered which had formed half the arch head of a small opening. Its origin is uncertain

{1} During works to form a driveway in 1980s, a large carved stone was recovered which had formed half the arch head of a small opening. The arch is about 300mm wide, and the limestone is weathered on the face. There is no glazing groove. The stone is carved on the face in bas-relief, showing a shouldered ribbon scroll and leaves, with a central acanthus keystone. The arch has a chamfered internal arris carved with raised diamonds.
This work is characteristic of early 17th exuberant motif. It fits reasonably well within the style of the joinery of Banastre’s new choir at St Guthlac’s. The purpose of this small arch can only be guessed. It is suggested here that it may be part of an external balustrade. This implies a house of some pretension whether or not it comes from the rectory site or the manor.

<1> Woodfield P., 2005, The Whittlewood Project: Historic Buildings Survey, Passenham with Old Stratford, (checked) (Report). SNN105033.

Record last edited

Sep 27 2019 10:19AM