Bacons Farmhouse (EHER 37235)

16th century or earlier timber-framed house.

Farmhouse of the 16th century or earlier, and altered in the 17th, 19th, and 20th century. It is mainly timber-framed, encased in brickwork, partly of structural brickwork, with the roof tiled. The house was originally of four bays aligned approximately north-south, aspect west. There is a 16th century external chimney stack on rear wall at second bay from the north. The halls were raised in the 17th century. In the late 19th century, the whole building was encased in red brickwork, Flemish bond, and re-fenestrated. Later a bay was added to the north in structural brickwork, lighter in colour and set back slightly from the existing elevation, and the roof tiles re-set to blend well together. The interior is fully plastered, except the south bay which was partially stripped when examined in December 1982, revealing heavy close studding and traces of mutilated 17th century wall paintings. No access to roof. The limited evidence available suggests a late medieval hall house of high status, with parlour/solar bay to the north, a two-bay hall with side chimney stack, and south service end, or a 16th century derivation of this plan. <1> See: <2>