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Manor House Galleries Exhibition: Hitchin and Bancroft, 26-27

Hitchin, Bancroft, 26-27 (Manor House Galleries)

The fine house, which dates back to around 1700, is divided into two distinct yet abutting sections, both of which have been carefully restored. The house is two storeys, with a red brick exterior and a moulded brick modillioned cornice below a plain parapet that partially conceals the steep tiled roof. The Northern section is symmetrical, with a five window facade and a magnificent wooden porch that is so impressive it may have been brought from a more imposing facade. The porch features fluted Corinthian columns and pilasters, carved modillions, and a carved rounded head enclosing a cartouche. The whole thing is backed by rusticated woodwork, and a round-headed recess contains the door of eight fielded panels beneath a carved semi-circular fanlight.

The windows on the house all have curved heads, and they are framed with broad, almost flush frames. The windows on the ground floor have projecting brick keystones that run up into the string at the first floor level. The windows on the upper floor have plain brick aprons. The Northern section of the house has two leaded dormers, while the Southern section may be a later continuation of the design of the main, Northern, facade.

Overall, the house is a fine example of 1700s architecture, with careful attention paid to the restoration of both sections. The wooden porch on the Northern section is particularly impressive, with its ornate carvings and Corinthian columns.

Posted by Clanger’s England on 2013-06-22 17:56:30