St Clere's Hall (EHER 2839)

St Clere's Hall is a rare surviving example of a 14th century aisled hall house, and is listed at Grade I. It is surrounded by a moat which is thought to be contemporary with the house.

St Clere's Hall is a house surrounded by moat, the house is a rare example of an aisled hall. The moat is waterfilled and was formerly divided by a cross arm. <1>-<4> The house is probably associated with the family of Cicely 'St Clere' (1273). Various other mentions and spellings given in this source, including 'Chichridell alias Seynclers Hall' in 1555. <5> The moat is incomplete, rectangular. <6> Sketch plan on back MSRG card. <7> List of buildings with special architectural or historic interest: St Clere's Hall is a 14th century aisled hall and crosswings with some 16th century and later alterations and additions. Both the two storey crosswings were originally jettied. The aisles of the hall survive internally, as do the great octagonal aisle posts. Roof is of side purlin type and has a Radiocarbon date to c.1350. There are remains of a screen in west wall and a crenelated wall plate on the east wall. There are various original windows. The east wing has crown post roof. <8> <9> An archaeological evaluation was carried out by Channel 4’s Time Team with recording and post-excavation analysis by Wessex Archaeology. Dendrochronology work did not further earliest dating of the hall. However a brace on the arcade plate dated to 1500- 1532, indicating that the brace was added at a later date. <10>