Alresford Hall (EHER 34191)

An early 18th century or earlier red brick house with black headers and red plain tiled roofs, hipped to central range. There are forward left and right gabled wings and red brick chimney stacks to left and right of wings and rear right of main range.

Listed building description An early 18th century or earlier red brick house with black headers and red plain tiled roofs, hipped to central range. There are forward left and right gabled wings and red brick chimney stacks to left and right of wings and rear right of main range. An earlier red brick chimney stack in English bond is now incorporated in rear left wall. There are various rear ranges. The main building is two storeys with attics. There is a later central red brick flat headed porch and moulded timber doorway. The interior contains may panelled doors with moulded architraves, moulded wainscots etc. Simple panel plastering and fluted pilasters to main front room. Moulded ceiling cornices. Panelled shutters to windows. Inlaid parquet floor to front room. Several marble and coloured stone fireplaces, one with urns and fluting. Fireplace from elsewhere with carved wood birds, lions and fruit. Some good cast iron grates. Arches to hall and landing. Moulded string and turned balusters to staircase. The Alresford Estate was purchased in 1720 by Captain Matthew Martin, a director of the East India Company who had carried a £200,000 cargo, in the Indiaman "Marlborough", through a French squadron and was awarded £1,000 by the East India Company for this achievement, he owned property in Wivenhoe and was twice MP for Colchester. <1> <2>