Thetford Warren Lodge |
Hob Uid: 383143 | |
Location : Norfolk Breckland Thetford
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Grid Ref : TL8392884065 |
Summary : Thetford Warren Lodge is a rectangular building of two storeys measuring circa 8.5 metres by 5.8 metres. The walls, which stand for the most part to almost their full original height and are up to 1 metre thick at ground floor level, are constructed of mortared flint rubble with some brick and tile and with limestone dressings which include many reused architectural fragments of 12th century type. The floor of the upper storey no longer survives. Thetford Warren Lodge is generally considered to have been built circa 1400, and to have been occupied by the gamekeeper of Thetford Cluniac Priory. The character of the building is indicative of high status, and its interior features and fittings are consistent with it having been intended as a hunting lodge to accommodate hunting parties rather than a gamekeeper alone. The building also has a number of defensive features which include the narrow lower windows, the murder hole over the porch, and a parapet, which allowed the gamekeeper to survey what was then open countryside. In the post-medieval period, until the early years of the 20th century, the area surrounding the monument was one of the most productive rabbit warrens in the Breckland region of Norfolk and it is known that Thetford Warren Lodge was occupied, from at least the 18th century onwards, by the warreners who managed and culled the stock. |
More information : TL 83928407 Thetford Warren Lodge (NAT) (1) Substantial remains of 15th C building. Grade II. (2) The remains of the building are in the care of the DOE. The building is outstanding. See GP (3)
A rectangular building of two storeys measuring circa 8.5 metres NNE-SSW by 5.8 metres. The walls, which stand for the most part to almost their full original height and are up to 1 metre thick at ground floor level, are constructed of mortared flint rubble with some brick and tile and with limestone dressings which include many reused architectural fragments of 12th century type. The floor of the upper storey no longer survives. Thetford Warren Lodge is generally considered to have been built circa 1400, and to have been occupied by the gamekeeper of the Cluniac Priory of St Mary, Thetford. The character of the building is indicative of high status, and its interior features and fittings are consistent with it having been intended as a hunting lodge to accommodate hunting parties rather than a gamekeeper alone. In the post-medieval period, until the early years of the 20th century, the area surrounding the monument was one of the most productive rabbit warrens in the Breckland region of Norfolk and it is known that Thetford Warren Lodge was occupied, from at least the 18th century onwards, by the warreners who managed and culled the stock. (4)
The building has a number of defensive features which include the narrow lower windows, the murder hole over the porch, and a parapet, which allowed the gamekeeper to survey what was then open countryside. The south-eastern angle of the building has been rebuilt and its roof is modern. See source for further details. (5)
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