NHER 12328 (Building record) - Sustead Old Hall

Flint and brick. North facade collapsed in 1888 and was rebuilt, with original iron clamps forming date 1663. At rear (south) is an original brick-mullioned and transomed window, double under one hoodmould, also an original smaller window, and similar ones in east wall. Elaborate carved staircase inside, and there is said to be original panelling (not seen). On north front a Sun fire insurance plaque and on south a Royal Exchange one.
Visited by E. Rose (NAU) 16 March 1977.

Owner says some time ago he uncovered a Tudor drain.
Print shown at Repton exhibition at University of East Anglia in 1982 of 'Sustead Old Hall' depicted building with three shaped gables in facade. Slides shown under same name depicted above building. Presumably therefore the print shows this building before collapse of facade; date of 1663 would fit such gables.
E. Rose (NAU) 25 October 1982.

1:10,000 OS map confirms this building now known as the Old Hall.
Drain mentioned rediscovered by new owners 1992. Stated to have brick arch and brick floor, large enough to crawl through, cut about by recent pipes. Inspection hatch made to give future access.
E. Rose (NLA) 26 June 1992.

Drain dimensions: Width 0.5m - brick floor. Height: 0.4m - flint vertical wall, brick arch (round) makes total height 0.7m.
Near house, depth of floor beneath ground level is 1.8m.
B. Cushion (NLA) February 1993.

Source [1] former occupant, states that she found 'ruins of a building' under the back lawn when digging. 'A metal detectorist called Jon who would not give his surname' identified these as Roman. This seems improbable. Were they part of the hall complex?
E. Rose (NLA) 24 February 1997.

Could these foundations have any connection with the 'lost' manor - see site 13240?
E. Rose (NLA) 28 July 1997.