Old School House (EHER 15018)

Early 17th century building, extensively altered in the 18th century. Timber-framed and weatherboarded with red plain tile roof.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Old School House. Early 17th century building, extensively altered in the 18th century. Timber-framed and weatherboarded with red plain tile roof. <1> 1996. Survey. Timber framed, weather-boarded two storey building with gable ends and red peg tile roof; brick-built chimney stack at south end. East elevation has 3 window range on both storeys with three vertically boarded doors. There is no evidence of its former industrial use and the building is now in use as a community hall. Archaeological potential: Slight in a maltings context, but the 18th century timber frame may be of interest. Site significance: This is one of the earliest surviving malthouses in Essex, but if interpreted correctly, the building retains few diagnostic features. Management: Structurally sound. If proposals are submitted to alter the internal plan of the building the timber frame should be inspected. If it is of sufficient importance a drawn record should be made, otherwise full photographic coverage. <2> 2014. Building survey. The timber-framed building known as the Old School Room and listed grade II is typical of the standard type of framing used in the late 18th century and the extent of reused timber is commensurate with it being a utilitarian structure. Although previously known as The Old Maltings today there is virtually no clue to that former use or how it functioned. The Tithe map does not even recognise it as a building. It is clear that the ‘makeover’ of 1844 to provide accommodation for the school and School Master’s House removed many features and covered wall surfaces. Subsequent changes in the 20th century have further changed the structure and character of the building. <3>