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Description

DOWSBY DOWSBY HALL LANE TF 12 NW (south side) 7/41 Dowsby Hall 6.5.52 II* Country house. C16, early C17, probably by John Thorpe, C18, C19. Limestone ashlar, coursed limestone rubble. Slate double ridge roofs with stone coped gables, with kneelers and apex crowned with small knopped obelisks. 4 stacks in central valley between roofs, one with 3 tall angle shafts, the other 3 with tall paired angle shafts. 3 storeys plus basement and garrets, 4 southern bays of the original 7 bay east front demolished in late C18 leaving 3 northern bays. Plinth with 2 two light cavetto mullion basement windows to left and single 3 light cavetto mullion basement window in canted 3 storey bay window to right. Tall 3 light mullion window flanked by single lights, with 2 transoms and upper blocked lights. 2 tall 3 light mullion windows to left, with 2 transoms. Projecting moulded band above. 2 three light mullion and transom windows above with a 3 light mullion window to right flanked by single lights and with transom. Projecting moulded cornice above with corbelled out bay window above with a 5 light mullion window with projecting moulded cornice crowned with gablet with obelisks on apex and kneelers. A similar uncorbelled window to left under gablet with obelisks on apex and kneelers. South wall with doorway to right which originally would have lead into the screens passage, now with moulded doorcase, double glazed doors and C19 gabled lattice work porch. 2 moulded string courses above at first and second floor levels. 4 bay west front with doorway to right with double glazed doors and wooden lintel continuing to left to run over a 2 light casement. Cross mullion window to left with moulded cornice. Canted 3 storey bay window to left with the top floor removed. 3 light mullion and transom window with upper blocked lights. 3 light mullion and transom partially blocked window above. Roll moulded corbelling of the truncated upper bay window above. 3 light narrow mullion window to right, with moulded cornice. 3 light mullion and transom window above, with moulded cornice. Rubble north front with ashlar dressings. Mid C19 doorway in projecting gabled porch with semi-circular head, raised keystone, traceried fanlight and double panelled doors. 2 light blocked basement mullion window to left. Single storey mid C19 curving stock brick addition to right with 3 casements with segmental heads. Blocked 2 light mullion window partially hidden by porch to left with moulded cornice. 3 light mullion window above, with moulded cornice. Larger 3 light mullion and transom window to right with moulded cornice. Moulded first floor band above. Central 2 light mullion window above flanked by single partially blocked 4 light mullion and transom windows with moulded cornices. "Launder box" above dated 1630. 2 light mullion window above with moulded cornice, flanked by single 4 light mullion and transom windows with moulded cornices. Early C20 doorway with plank door inserted in that to left. Small central gablet with single blocked 2 light mullion windows in each of the larger flanking gablets with knopped obelisks on kneelers and apex. Cellar with beamed ceiling including very long C16 chamfered beam probably from former timber frame hall on site. Brick lined well. C17 oak fielded panelled billiards room with chamfered beam and small panelled cupboard doors flanking fireplace. Early C18 bolection moulded dining room and mid C18 marbled panelled drawing room inserted into original hall. C19 staircase. Lower attic room to south with early C17 ashlar fireplace with 4 centred head, angled shoulders and simply moulded surround. Roofs with 2 floors of garrets with numbered trusses revealing from the breaks in sequence that the roof has been truncated to south. Excavations carried out in 1972 by D. Roberts revealed the original dimensions of the house. D. Roberts suggests that his reconstructed, symmetrical front can be clearly linked with various designs by John Thorpe made on behalf of Sir William Rigdon of Dowsby, who sold the estate to Richard Burrell before the plans were carried out, the latter subsequently erecting a modified plan. Roberts believes drawings in the Thorpe Album reveal past discussion, correction and adaptation of plans, working towards the design of Dowsby Hall before its truncation in the late C18. Sources; D. Roberts "John Thorpe's Designs for Dowsby Hall and the Red Hall, Bourne", Lincolnshire History and Archaeology. viii 1973. Sir John Summerson, ed. "The Book of Architecture of John Thorpe". Walpole Society Volume XL, 1966. Listing NGR: TF1105229307

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