Listed Building: ASHBOCKING HALL (279622)

ASHBOCKING CHURCH LANE TM 15 SE 7/3 Ashbocking Hall 9.12.55 GV II* Former manor house, c.1530 with alterations of c.1630, 1755 and early C19. Timber-framed and plastered; the main range encased in plastered brick along front (garden) elevation. The west elevation has an exposed long-wall jetty of c.1530 with two brackets rising from shafts with capitals. Under the jetty is some C17 plasterwork with small raised rusticated panels. Plaintiled roofs with C19 undulating bargeboards and spike finials. Two good external and rear chimneys of mid or late C16 red brick with, on one, diaper patterning in burnt headers. Both chimneys have triple octagonal flues mainly rebuilt in C19 and C20 with diagonally-set square shafts. Two storeys and attics, 7 windows. Early C19 small-pane sashes, some renewed in C20. Early C19 entrance doorway with moulded cornice. The parlour wing at the west end has much C16 and early C17 work: a C16 brick buttress at the south west corner has two arched niches of uncertain purpose. Some main beams and joists have multiple roll mouldings. A fine wide Caen stone fireplace in the hall of late C16 or early C17 has a 4-centred arched lintel with carved spandrels and an arabesque frieze with traces of colour. The parlour wing roof is of interest as a hybrid early C16 type with principal rafters and butt purlins with heavy wind-braces, but each rafter couple having straight collars in the medieval manner. A chamber has a fine but altered plaster ceiling of c.1630 with moulded ribs, and roses and fleurs-de-lys at intersections. Another chamber has complete early C17 wainscotting with Corinthian pilasters. In the main range beneath a staircase is a large plaster cartouche bearing the date 1755, the probable date of major rebuilding. Much internal refurbishing of c.1800. Incomplete surrounding medieval moat. Listing NGR: TM1701154570