Langford Hall and manor (EHER 7875)

A 17th century or earlier timber framed house, with a red and black brick façade from around 1700 and 1748. It was designed by John Johnson and was, at one time, the home of Lord Byron. Whether the house is of an earlier origin or replaces an earlier manor house is unknown, but is suggested from the proximity of the house to a moat, which pose the possibility for it to have been built on the site of a medieval manor house.

January 1953. Grade II listed. A 17th century or earlier house, with a red and black brick façade from around 1700 and 1748. The roof is covered in red plain tile and the building is two storeys with attics. The brickwork is symmetrical and the three centre bays break forward, with the building being on an overall 'L-shaped' plan. The central doorway has Tuscan columns, detailing to the moun and a moulded flat canopy. The east face adjoins the road has a six-window range of mainly diamond leaded cross transoms, some with the original hinges. The interior features include panelled dado in the entrance hall, dogleg staircase with moulded handrail and turned balusters, and panelling to the walls. The servants bells are intact. The property was, at one time, the home of Lord Byron. There are the remains of moat to the SW (see EHER 7874). <1> See photos <2>. The present hall is a two-storeyed house with red brick walls and tiled roofs. It was built late in the 17th century and has an addition from 1748 at the south end. The east side has a mullioned eaves-cornice and the original block has windows with solid mullions and transoms. Inside, the small staircase is probably original with turned balusters and square newels. <3> The clearing of undergrowth revealed an ornamental bridge, possibly designed by John Johnson in around 1782, the designer of the house. It is built in Suffolk white brick. Recommendation to list. <4> Whether the 17th or 18th century house known as Langford Hall is of an earlier origin or replaces an earlier manor house is unknown. Court rolls survive from 1605 (ERO D/DK M1/6) and the remains of a moat close to the house suggest the site of an earlier, possibly medieval, manor house. A plan of Glebeland belonging to the rectory of Langford, dated 1610, makes mention of Langford Hall but does not specify where it’s location is. The manor house is located to the north of the church, along the Witham Road. It is a large two-storey, 'L-shaped', timber framed house of red brick. The house appears to have been built in the 17th century but has an 18th century red and black brick façade with a red plain tiled roof with dormers. Some original interior features survive including doors, staircase and wall panelling. In its court is a large basin and fountain, supplied by an artesian well. The building is now used as a farmhouse and is a Grade II Listed Building. A 17th century barn (EHER 38967) and 18th/19th century stables (EHER 38965) and cartlodge (EHER 38966) also survive and are Grade II Listed Buildings.<5> See also <6>.