Bourchiers Hall (EHER 39123)

An early 14th, 16th and later, timber framed house. This house was probably built by Robert Bourchier, Lord Chancellor of England, who acquired the manor by marriage, held his first court in 1329, and died in 1349. The manor dates back to before 1222.

January 1953. Grade II* listed. Early 14th century house altered in the 16th century and later. Timber framed, mainly plastered. 17th century one bay extension to north wing. Late 16th century stairtower in south-east angle, on site of former east aisle and higher 18th century extension to east of it. 19th century dairy of red brick in Flemish bond to north-west of cross wing two storeys. <1> This house was probably built by Robert Bourchier, Lord Chancellor of England, who acquired the manor by marriage, held his first court in 1329, and died in 1349. Moated site, see EHER 11516. <2> <3> See photos <4>. April 1960. Field survey. 'Bourchier's Hall' (name confirmed) is as described above. The house is in good condition. See general photographs AO/60/150/5 from south-west; /6 from south-east. <5> Hall built in 14th century and originally comprised great hall with aisles probably on both sides and crosswings at north and south ends. In the 16th century the staircase was added on part of the site of the former east aisle. The south crosswing was destroyed and the hall divided into two storeys. There are 17th century additions on the east side and a modern addition at the north-west angle. <3> <6> Bourchier’s Hall is sited on rising ground approximately a mile to the north-west of the village, it has extensive views over Old Hall marshes to Mersea. The manor was held by knight’s fee from the Honor of Bologne, passing into the hands of the Earls of Guisnes in 1222. It appears that the manor extended into Tolleshunt D’Arcy parish and onto Tiptree Heath. In 1247 permission was granted to empark the wood of Tolleshunt called Schiricheshall, ‘which had been of old inclosed for a park’ (Morant 1768). Robert Lord Bourchier held a charter for free warren in Tollesbury in 1330. The site was moated, of which only two ponds remain. The moat encloses Bourchiers Hall, which is of two storeys, timber-framed and plastered with tiled roofs. It was built in the 14th century and originally consisted of a great hall with aisles probably on both sides and cross wings at the north and south ends. The house still contains, within the loft, the 14th century roof of the hall, with tie-beams, curved braces forming a two-centred arch, octagonal king post with capital and four way struts. The west aisle survives but the east aisle was removed. It was probably built by Robert Bourchier, Lord Chancellor of England, who acquired the manor by marriage, he held his first court there in 1329, dying in 1349. In the 16th century a staircase wing was inserted into the area of the former east aisle, the south cross wing destroyed and the hall divided into two storeys. An extension was added in the 18th century. At Guisnes Court (EHER 45662), 150 metres west of Bourchiers Hall, there is a considerable quantity of early 16th century linenfold panelling which is said to have been removed from Bourchiers Hall. The timber-farmed and weather-boarded barns in the yard are of 18th century date. <7> Bourchiers Hall is of two storeys, timber-framed and plastered with tiled roofs. It was built in the 14th century and originally consisted of a great hall with aisles probably on both sides and cross wings at the north and south ends. In the 16th century the staircase wing was added on part of the site of the former east aisle, the south cross wing destroyed and the hall divided into two storeys. At Guisnes court, 150 yards west of Bourchiers Hall, is a considerable quantity of early 16th century linenfold panelling said to have been removed from the latter. <8> The house still contains, within the loft, the 14th century roof of the hall, with tie-beams, curved braces forming a two-centred arch, octagonal king post with capital and four way struts. <9> Site Assessment: The house shows interesting timber construction of the 14th century. <8> Bourchier's Hall [T.I.]. <9> The Hall is Grade 2. <11> See also <12>. Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import.