Building record 91/1/1 - Showsley Farmhouse (Former Priory Building)

A Victorian farmhouse constructed of local stone in 1856/7 and extensively remodelled in the twentieth century. It is possible that two small fragments of medieval wall are incorporated into the house which may be associated with the former priory. Further archaeological remains of the priory may lie underneath the house.

{1} Standing building. The present house, though much altered in the mid C19th still includes some parts of a medieval building.

{2} Baker describes the priory as ‘long since degenerated into a common house’ although with some evidence of the former priory still visible in the kitchen. It is most likely that Baker is referring to the current farmhouse. The Victoria County History also states that “although altered in the 19th century, the house at Sewardsley appears to incorporate some remains of the Priory".

{7} Showsley was known as Sewardsley until the nneteenth or twentieth century.

During alterations to the house in 1852 three graves dating from the fourteenth century were discovered under the east wing and that a number of wall foundations, glass and decorated tiles were found nearby.

There is an illustration of a thatched farmhouse on the site dating 1712.

Ordnance Survey, 1884, First Edition OS Map (Sheet 56.3) (Map). SNN109236.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.46/Site 8 (checked) (Series). SNN77382.

<2> Fletcher T., 2013, Showsley Grounds, Easton Neston, Northamptonshire: Historic Building Recording, p.11 (checked) (Report). SNN109130.

<3> Baker G., 1830, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, (unchecked) (Book). SNN77328.

<4> Riden P.; Insley C., 2002, The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire, (unchecked) (Series). SNN102540.

<5> 1844, Plan of Easton Neston House and Village, (unchecked) (Map). SNN74000.

<6> 1849, Easton Neston (With Hulcote) Tithe Map, (unchecked) (Map). SNN17813.

<7> ENGISH HERITAGE, English Heritage Listing File (Report). SNN111579.

Record last edited

Feb 10 2025 8:21PM