NHER 10548 (Building record) - The Old Rectory and barn, Swannington

This is in the form of two conjoined parallel blocks, each with its own roof so that a central gulley divides the building.
The front section is of 1635 and was built with royalties gained from George Herbert's hymns. Castelleted parapet, with stepped gable on dormer over central door. At south end of façade the stepped gable of a non-projecting wing at right angles. The door and windows in this façade are replacements, presumbaly of 1841, but the blocked small windows are visible in places. English bond brick, covered with cement until recent years. In north wall two small windows with stone mullions under stepped gable. Clusters of polygonal chimneys. Rear section is of 1841, imitating front, but in Flemish bond with yellow brick window surrounds, bay window etc. Coat of arms has Greek inscription and date 1842. This is in itself a very fine building. An off-centre porch on rear with imitation portcullis is dated 1922 'JDW'.

June 1976.
Outbuilding attached to south wall has huge polygonal chimneys (of 1841). To south is tithe barn, Flemish bond and pantiled, with door/window on south in shape of cross, and iron clamps 'GC'. This was converted into a stable in 1841, but is not as old as older part of house. It has been damaged by the fall of a tree but is to be restored.
House in excellent condition; owner may demolish later porch in restorations.
E. Rose (NAU), 5 June 1976.

Listing 1983 Grade II (S1) does not mention 1922 porch so it presumably has been removed.

July 1994. House under thorough restoration, at least externally (seen in passing. NB now the Old Rectory - no longer church ownership).
Compiled by E. Rose (NLA), 22 July 1994.

The stone for the detailings of the 1841 block came from Haveringland Old Hall at its demolition.
See (S2).
Compiled by E. Rose (NLA), 4 June 1999.

April 2006.
Detailed examination confirms above details; a most interesting example of a largely intact house of 1635, altered when rear pile of high quality added 1841; barn mid 18th century converted to stable 1841.
The stonework mentioned in (S2) could however not be found.
(S3) in file.
E. Rose (NLA), 18 April 2006.