More information : (TQ 40100780) Swanborough Manor (NR) (1)
Probably a grange of Lewes Priory. The original hall dating from c1200, measuring internally 37 x 15 1/2 ft can still be recognised. (See plan for detailed dates of construction). The adjacent chapel is mentioned as early as 1180-1204 in the charter of Seffrid the Second. The present manor-house is 15thc when the hall was heightened to accommodate upper and lower floors. (2)
A Cluniac grange. Today the only surviving medieval building is the N range of the mansion (see plan) incorporating at its W end a small interior 13th-14thc gatehouse. The hall (37 ft by 15'6") originally extended to the full length of the building. In its W wall two doorways, now blocked, gave access to a screens passage; in the E wall a door and quatrefoil peep-hole opened into a small chapel occupying the whole of the E end of the range. Considerable modernisation took place at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries. The medieval work has since been carefully restored. (3)
Swanborough Manor, a large private country residence, as described above and in excellent condition. An outstanding building. (4)
Swanborough Manor listed as Grade 1. (5) |