The Old Vicarage at Methwold: 16th Century Chimney

The Old Vicarage at Methwold, Norfolk features a striking 16th century chimney in three decorative tiers.

Dating from the late 15th century, The Old Vicarage would have been a large and prestigious house for its period.

The roof space has lime-rendered partitions, suggesting that accommodation once extended across three floors.

According to the Landmark Trust, the interconnecting rooms and large downstairs chamber suggest multiple uses as well as lodging for a priest.

The building of church houses was a common feature of the late 15th century, buildings used much as village halls are today as a meeting room or space for the villagers to congregate for Church Ales.

Perhaps there were links between the living and nearby Castle Acre Priory; a church house could also double as a lodging block for visitors to a priory.

Equally, the manor of Methwold had been part of the Duchy of Lancaster and therefore Crown property since 1347; perhaps accommodation was required for the Crown representative.

Perhaps simply the house was built for a lay owner and passed into church ownership later.

Certainly church houses were built to a high standard: the Priest’s House in Halcombe Rogus was also a church house from a similar date and is a far more typical expression of the form, with fine but essentially sober detailing.

In the 16th century, decorative brick chimneys began springing up on royal palaces and the homes of the well-to-do.

At this time, brick was still the preserve of the wealthy – and moulding it into elaborate designs was certainly one way to impress the neighbours!

One striking example is the Old Vicarage at Methwold - here you can see the elaborate chimney rising through the centre of the 16th century brick gable, a later addition to the original 15th century timber-framed building.

The chimney boasts three decorative tiers: cusped trefoil arches made in terracotta, brick diaper (diamond patterns), and a striking vertical chevron meander.

It’s one of the finest chimney’s in England - and it still stands strong today.

By 1800, however, the house was in a state of some disrepair, was being lived in by two families and considered unsuitable for the hospitality deemed appropriate for a vicar to offer.

This was used by the patron, John Partridge, as justification for the uniting of the livings of Methwold and Cranwich at this date.

By the mid 19th century the great Victorian revival in the Church of England had shifted the emphasis from hospitality to care of souls in the duties of their vicars.

Cranwich and Methwold were therefore disunited in 1853 and in 1854 a ‘neat new vicarage house’ was erected at the other end of the parish in Southery.

The building’s decline continued into the 20th century.

By the 1930s, its poor condition brought it to the attention of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

By the early 1960s, it was scheduled for demolition as unfit for human habitation.

Its saviour then appeared in the form of Monica Dance (Secretary of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings from 1939 to 1978), who bought the Old Vicarage with her husband Harry in 1964 and restored it with characteristic sensitivity.

In 1979, the Dances handed their former home, Manor Farm, to Landmark’s care and moved to Methwold.

Over the years the Dances hosted many gatherings of the SPAB scholars at the Old Vicarage, young craftsmen being trained in traditional skills under the aegis of the SPAB.

Today, this lovely building is cared for by the Landmark Trust - and it’s available to the public too rent as a holiday home.

You can book online via The Landmark Trust website, and the reviews are great!

One recent visitor said: “A quirky ancient house full of character and interest.

”Wonderfully old uneven floors throughout requiring attention to where you are walking if carrying anything. Interesting brickwork, beams and original hand drawn paintings on a couple of bedrooms.

”Felt like travelling back in time - a real pleasure to stay here.”

Another person added: “Stunning property- spacious,warm extremely well equipped. Atmospheric- lovely locals. Good sized garden for the dog.

”Huge shower. We were very impressed with the cleanliness which was much appreciated as we were both in the vulnerable category.”

If you’re spending a few nights here, there’s lots to see and do around the area.

On the edge of Methwold village, Methwold Old Vicarage stands in its pleasant garden, opposite the beautiful St George’s Church.

Every Monday, an auction market of all sorts of rarities and curiosities is held in the village.

Grime’s Graves, the only Neolithic flint mine open to visitors in Britain, is just a short distance from here in the heart of the Brecks, a unique landscape full of wildlife.

The historic city of Ely is an ideal place to visit, with its awe inspiring cathedral, stained glass museum and Oliver Cromwell’s House.

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