Summary : Remains of the gatehouse of the Mediaeval College of Secular Priests, converted into a residence by Sir Ralph Sadlier between 1536-1547, now houses. Built 1459-69 by John Carpenter, the Bishop of Worcester on a quadrangular plan as a rebuild of the preceding Westbury College (ST57NE7). Only the gatehouse of 4-storeys survives from that period. This is a square tower with gateway to ground floor and a newel stair at rear left hand with square exterior. The gateway is vaulted in 2 bays with rib vaults decorated with shields and bosses. Battlemented parapet, 2nd floor weathered string, 2-light window openings, and the corner turrets, of circular plan with good pointed stone cone tops, slit windows indicate use as stairways. The buildings became residential after the Dissolution, and were slighted by Prince Rupert in 1643 and left in ruins. The ruins were cleared and rebuilt as College House in 1709, and then in 1773 all the remains were restored and incorporated in a new building. It has been modernized and incorporated in further buildings in recent years. A range connecting one turret with left hand side tower, of 2 storeys. Rubble wall with evidence of openings, arches. Restored simple doorway and 2 small windows. At side are 4 C18 sash windows. Pantile roof and parapet. College House built circa 1709 from site materials; the house incorporates in one corner the other turret. 3 storeys, 7 windows. Rendered, coved eaves (now a parapet), plain openings. Sashes in reveals. Some alterations to ground floor. |