NHER 19207 (Monument record) - Icehouse

Ice house.
In ground of old rectory (18th century) cut into side of hill on which church stands.
Of very interesting form; L-shaped, comprising 2 barrel-vaulted rectangular chambers. Entrance is at one end of one of the long sides of one of these and is almost filled up with earth. Interior is whitewashed brick, with sockets in walls at junction with second chamber, which is similar but has winebins round the walls. In the centre of each wall of this chamber is a triangular-headed candle niche, and sockets as if for shelves. These predate the winebins which are probably a 19th century addition.
River at foot of slope.
First reported by [1] via Icehouse Hunt. Present owners believed it to be a priest hole.
Visited E. Rose (NAU) 25 May 1983.

A church brass from Irstead is stated to have been found hidden beneath the old rectory stables.
Reference not checked and not yet known if this is a genuine archaeological find or a recent hiding.
See NHER 8340.
E. Rose (NAU) 9 July 1986.