| Summary : Excavations have located the layout of the hall which was constructed in 1414, altered and extended between 1573-1590 and remodelled after 1734. The earliest house was reasonably small and moated, but by the mid 15th century it had been extended over the moat and converted into a large country house, represented now by massive brick foundations with butttresses and bastions. It was demolished in the mid/late 18th century and replaced by a new mansion to the north. Excavations have also revealed the remains of the gardens associated with the hall. Documentary evidence indicates that the site was first emparked in 1414. The gardens were developed between 1573 and 1600 and redesigned during the 18th century. They survive now within the larger early 18th century park known as Thorndon Park. The Elizabethan garden is depicted on a map of 1578, which shows it surrounded by a wall containing two gatehouses. Within the wall, the garden was subdivided into smaller enclosures. Geophysical surveys have indicated that these brick walls survive below ground level. The 18th century landscaping created an area of formal gardens, with a central mound known as the 'Pigeon Mount' (See TQ 68 NW 1) and added a kitchen garden and a number of hot houses. |
More information : (TQ 62418982) Old Hall (remains of) (NAT) (1)
Excavations at Old Thorndon Hall by K Marshall in 1957-58 confirmed three periods of construction and alteration. First in 1414 - central rectangular block, massive brickwork, outer walls with bastions and buttresses. Surrounded by moat. Second circa 1450 - small west wing extension over moat, larger east wing, all in brick. Third 1570-1590, complete reconstruction in detail following basic plan of 1450. All that now remains are brick foundations. (2-4)
Listed as a possible castle by Cathcart King. (6)
TQ 624898. Excavations have located the layout of the hall which was constructed in 1414, altered and extended between 1573-1590 and remodelled after 1734. The earliest house was reasonably small and moated, but by the mid 15th century it had been extended over the moat and converted into a large country house, represented now by massive brick foundations with butttresses and bastions. It was demolished in the mid/late 18th century and replaced by a new mansion to the north. Excavations have also revealed the remains of the gardens associated with the hall. Documentary evidence indicates that the site was first emparked in 1414. The gardens were developed between 1573 and 1600 and redesigned during the 18th century. They survive now within the larger early 18th century park known as Thorndon Park. The Elizabethan garden is depicted on a map of 1578, which shows it surrounded by a wall containing two gatehouses. Within the wall, the garden was subdivided into smaller enclosures. Geophysical surveys have indicated that these brick walls survive below ground level. The 18th century landscaping created an area of formal gardens, with a central mound known as the 'Pigeon Mount' (See TQ 68 NW 1) and added a kitchen garden and a number of hot houses. Scheduled. (7) |