Building record WKB 053 - The Old Vicarage

The Old Vicarage lies in a highly picturesque situation to the east of Wickhambrook churchyard, and, while the oldest part of the present building dates only from the 16th century, may be presumed to occupy the site of its medieval predecessor. The jettied cross-wing of circa 1510 to the left of the façade represents the surviving fragment of a larger house that was substantially rebuilt in the late-17th century, and provided with an additional rear range around 1830. The cross-wing contained four rooms and was heated by an external chimney that has since been removed; it probably operated as the parlour wing of an adjacent hall, with a matching service cross-wing towards the church (as described in the Appendix), but alternative interpretations cannot be excluded. A remarkable 14th century manuscript of Piers Plowman was discovered by a previous owner beneath its floorboards, where it was probably deposited as an apotropiac device to prevent evil spirits entering the building via the nearby fireplace. The small barn to the north of the property is a rare survival that dates from the late-16th century and was originally entered from the yard in front of the house before its 18th century conversion into sheds and stabling; it is too small to have contained the parish tithes, and probably served the vicar’s glebe. A 17th century timber-framed bakehouse to the east of the house is also of historic interest, as is the rectangular pond which is almost certainly a 17th century garden ‘canal’ (S1).