Listed Building: MIDDLETON HALL (280006)

MENDHAM TM 28 SE 2/57 Middleton Hall 29.7.55 -- II* Manor farmhouse. Early C16 rear (south) range, with a cross-wing to the west; late C17 front range incorporating the front part of the cross-wing. The front range is red brick, laid in English bond, under a hipped roof with plaintiles and pantiles. 2 storeys and attics. 5 bays, arranged 2:1:2; original cross windows under segmental arches, with square-leaded panes on the first floor. Reproduction plank door and a tall 2-light fanlight above. 3 modern gabled dormers. Single-storey C19 addition to right with parapet. The rear range is timber framed; the rear wall and the gable facing east have exposed close studding with herringbone brick nogging. The gable of the cross-wing is plastered. Roof part plaintiled and part pantiled. Various casement windows, with evidence for blocked original windows. The east gable has a moulded tie beam. The cross-wing has an internal stack with 4 detached octagonal shafts, each with a moulded brick base and corbelled cap. Interior. The main feature is the remains of a fine ornamental plaster ceiling on the ground floor of the earlier range. Around the walls is a running frieze with cupids and heads in profile (probably Roman emperors); 2 moulded cross-beams with a running design of pomegranate and vine foliage on the soffit. The main design (about 60% complete) has thin moulded ribs forming interlocking geometric patters with 4-lobed bosses. There was formerly a central coat of arias. The motifs include the grasshopper of the Gresham family, dating the work in the period 1594-1624. Dog-leg stair with turned finials to the newel posts; the balustrading to the upper flight has been altered. At the head of the first flight of steps is a fine dog gate with 2 tiers of slender turned balusters; this is a rare survival. The front room of the cross-wing has plaster-moulded beams; to each side of the open fireplace has been added a fluted wooden pilaster strip surmounted by a framed painting on plaster depicting a Roman emperor in profile. There are a number of arched doorways and some fine original studded doors, notably that to the cellar. Both C16 ranges have queen-post roofs. Listing NGR: TM2870383550