Old Redgate Farmhouse (EHER 38546)

A 16th century timber framed house, altered in the 20th century. The house comprises the two-bay crosswing of a hall house which formerly extended to the north, facing west, with a 20th century rear extension. It retains much of its original timber, but has been extensively restored since 1970 and bares some non-original features.

May 1986. Grade II listed. A 16th century timber framed house, altered in the 20th century. It is plastered with an exposed frame and imitation framing, and is roofed with handmade red clay tiles. The house comprises the two-bay crosswing of a hall house which formerly extended to the north, facing west, with a 20th century rear extension. The front elevation is jettied, the joists sawn off square below the bressummer. Much of the exposed studding is original, but some re-used timber has been introduced since 1970, and the external 'Suffolk' bracing is not authentic. Mortices and free tenons indicate the former existence of a large oriel window below the jetty, with three-light windows to each side, only one of which is now present. On the first floor, the present window replaces an original window of similar size, and there is evidence of a former three-light window to each side, now studded over. The left return (which formerly abutted on the hall) has been extensively altered, including the insertion of studding, and a re-sited window. The original rear wall is now entirely open, but mortices indicate that it probably had an original chimney, whether of brick or timber framing. There is a good series of carpenter's assembly marks, mainly scribed, but chisel-cut on the wallposts and braces. The constructional features are consistent with a date in the second half of the 16th century, probably around 1570. The Ordnance Map of 1896 shows a north wing, possibly the former hall, demolished before the 1920 edition. The house has been extensively restored since 1970. Before this it was weatherboarded, and was associated with a farm of 66 acres. <1> See photo <2>. This is a 'new' crosswing which was added to an existing hall house in the late 16th century, the hall itself having, burnt down in the early 20th century. The wing is timber framed, all exposed, and of two stories, the first floor being jettied. Both floors previously had large oriel windows on the front elevation which have now been lost, although some-of the remaining original windows survive. <3>