More information : (SP 96308002) Drayton House (GT) (1)
Drayton House is still fundamentally the great house for which licence to crenellate was obtained in 1328, to which additions of the 15th and late 16th centuries and especially, a remarkable romantic baroque transformation of the early 18th century have given a character which is possibly unique in this country. (2-3)
A large country house in good condition, the residence of Col Stopford Sackville. The house was featured in Country Life May/June 1965. (4)
Medieval work is confined to the Great Hall, which is the largest in the country, and the curtain walls flanking the gatehouse. Country house. Late C13, early C14, mid/late C15, late C16, mid/late C17, early and late C18, late C19 and early C20. Works recorded by Isaac Rowe, John Webb, William Talman, Gerard Lanscroon, William Rhodes, Alexander Roos, George Devey and J.A. Gotch. Squared coursed limestone and limestone ashlar with lead and Colleyweston slate roofs. Courtyard plan with additions. 2 and 3 storeys, parts with attics, and two 3-storey towers. South front, or entrance front, of 5 bays with square buttressed turrets, between bays. Centre bay breaks forward forming late C17 gatehouse probably by Isaac Rowe. Central arch-head doorway has rusticated surround and rectangular panel above. 2 bays flanking gatehouse are early C14 curtain walls. Second bay to right has one-window range to far right of stone mullion windows. Wall, gatehouse and turrets all have castellated parapets. Grade I. (5)
Additional bibliography. (6,7)
Listed as a possible castle by Cathcart King. (8) |