NHER 7293 (Building record) - Little Fransham Old Hall

2 storeys, 5 bays, brick. East gable has 4 blocked pedimented windows; upper two are partly covered by a central chimney stack topped by 2 octagonal chimneys, but this stack has itself a false pedimented window on it, so are the others falsifications? Also on the stack is a coat of arms bordered with vines, with 'E R', so is this meant to be the royal arms?, the date of house is right. There is another central group of 4 octagonal chimneys. All of these details at east end are east of gable in the north front, so west end may be earlier; the west gable wall is stepped down at rear, revealing another gable behind with blocked window. Chimney here is square. North front has a Georgian hooded porch.
Visited by E. Rose (NAU) 7 October 1976.

The coat of arms is meant to be the Royal arms, and it is said that Queen Elizabeth stayed here. There is said to be a tunnel 'just big enough for a man to crawl through' leading to the road (a drain?).
See (S1).
E. Rose (NAU)

(S1) adds for interior: pair of ovolo moulded stone fireplaces at first floor; evidence of partition between them. Various stops on beams. Fine 18th century staircase. Upstairs room with plaster barrel vault. 18th century roof. One 17th century panelled partition in roof with part of 4 centred arched door. Oak panelling formerly in house removed.
E. Rose (NAU) 15 March 1984.

At rear of house is an outbuilding/barn of unusual form, of same date, converted to threshing barn in 19th century.
See (S3).
E. Rose (NLA) 25 June 1993.

15 May 1994. Field walking finds.
From not very weathered soil in flower beds of garden at rear of Old Hall.
Medieval and post medieval sherds.
A. Rogerson (NLA) 25 January 1995.