Building record BKY 044 - Brockley Place, Gulling Green

Brockley Place was built as Brockley Rectory in 1843/4 by the Reverend James Dewhurst Sprigge to replace the previous rectory on the site which burnt down on 6th April 1841. The earlier building was of 16th or 17th century appearance, as shown on a map of 1739, and occupied a large, square moat which adjoined Gulling Green. The new house encroached upon the green, and the remains of the square moat are still visible in the rear garden, along with evidence of a smaller, earlier moat that may have contained the medieval rectory. The house of 1843 was roughly square in plan, consisting of white and red brick with slate roofs, but was substantially enlarged by the next Rector in 1847. This refurbishment included the addition of two rear wings of equal length but unequal height, and the removal of an internal entrance lobby which dramatically altered the building’s layout. The present porch and distinctive stone window hoods also appear to date from this period. The general appearance of the house has changed little since 1847 however the house underwent extensive alterations and repairs during the 20th century. The rear service wing was truncated, probably by demolishing an original lean-to, and a high proportion of the sash windows and other fittings were either renewed or lost. The insertion of a lift caused considerable internal upheaval. A coach house and attached stable to the east of the house may be contemporary with the 1847 refurbishment, but was also extensively altered when it was converted into a garage and studio (S1).