NHER 3233 (Monument record) - Gunthorpe Hall

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Summary

Originally built in 1789 by Sir John Soane, on the site of an earlier house, the Hall was extensively remodelled by Butterfield in the 1880s. The house has a three storey entrance tower, and many Classical architectural details. The stables date to the 18th century, with early 19th century addidtions. The balustraded gardens and entrance gates date from the 1880s.

Protected Status/Designation

Location

Map sheet TG03SW
Civil Parish GUNTHORPE, NORTH NORFOLK, NORFOLK

Map

Rebuilt in about 1880 by W. Butterfield from 1789 house by Sir John Soane.
Brick and stone with slate roof.
2 storey entrance front with 3 storey entrance tower.
Residual classical style.
Central door, tower third storey and one round arched window to each face perhaps about 1900.
3 bay south return with 3 ground floor windows survive from Soane's house.
18th century 2 storey service wing forms one arm of U plan courtyard at rear.
Butterfield wing to north set back from main block.
Minor apsed Soane room survives on first floor.
Balustraded gardens etc and entrance gates of 1880.
Mid 18th century stables with early 19th century wing, 2 storeys of brick with central upper oculus, and flint wing with arches replaced by garage doors. Wooden central cupola. Single storey brick wing also. 19th century wing of brick.
Information from (S1).
E. Rose (NAU) 19 December 1984.

On site of older house.
Soane's plans are in the Soane Museum.

The analysis in (S2) differs slightly from (S1) in assigning the façade features all to Butterfield, but correctly notes older brickwork is visible around them.
Soanian pinnacles have been reset around lawns.
E. Rose (NLA), 30 July 2001.

The pre-Soane house was partly retained as a service wing by Soane, who used cleaned bricks from the demolished section for his building - very few new bricks were used. Soane's building survives almost intact as the corner of Butterfield's hall, and is very important as a model for dozens of post-Napoleonic farm houses in Norfolk.
Information from (S3).
E. Rose (NLA), April 2008.

  • --- Aerial Photograph: TG 0034/ F, G.
  • --- Aerial Photograph: TG0034 A-E.
  • --- Newspaper Article: Dereham and Fakenham Times. 1990. [Photograph of Gunthorpe Hall]. 27 April.
  • --- Newspaper Article: Eastern Daily Press. 1976. Gunthorpe Hall and estate sold. 8 April.
  • --- Newspaper Article: Gunthorpe Hall, advice on dry rot and picture..
  • --- Record Card: NAU Staff. 1974-1988. Norfolk Archaeological Index Primary Record Card.
  • --- Secondary File: Secondary File.
  • <S1> Designation: Historic England. National Heritage List for England. List Entries 1171097 and 1171207.
  • <S2> Monograph: Pevsner, N. and Wilson, B. 1997. Norfolk 1: Norwich and North-East. The Buildings of England. 2nd Edition. p 533.
  • <S3> *Verbal Communication: Wilson, R.. 2008. Lecture by Richard Wilson at UEA..

Object Types (0)

Record last edited

Aug 8 2023 5:30PM

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