NHER 12476 (Building record) - Caltofts, Broad Street

Caltofts, Broad Street. Harleston.
A large, two-storey house with attic and an asymetrical plan. Primarily constructed in the late-19th century with brick stuccoe and false timber-framing on the exterior. However, it incorporates part of a 16th-century timber-frame house (S1) and the interior features some exposed timber-framing. Notes collected on HER record cards (S2) indicate that papers within the Bolingbroke Collection (S3) record that the house was constructed in 1460 on the foundations of a house of 1375.
During World War One, the house was briefly used as a Red Cross hospital (S6). Records indicate that it opened 5th May 1917 and closed 7th April 1918. It accommodated 20 beds, and during the year it was in use 136 patients were treated there. Whilst occupied by the Red Cross, medical staff and patients signed a three-foot square linen table cloth which was cared for by a staff member and passed down through friends and is now in the care of the Harleston and District Branch of the Royal British Legion. This has helped local researchers to gather a great deal of information on individuals with a connection to the hospitals, and their report is available on-line (S6).
From 1957 until July 1973, the house formed part of the Eastholme private school (S4).
In December 1974 a fire broke out on the upper floor, destroying most of the roof and leaving first and second floor rooms damaged by fire and water (S4). The building was Listed grade II in 1976 (S1) and since this time much of the building has been restored (S5).
H. Hamilton (HES), 13 October 2022.

November 1976. Listed, Grade II.
Listing Description excerpt:
"Large house, largely late 19th century but incorporates part of 16th-century timber-frame house. Brick stuccoed and sham timber-framing. Black glazed pantile roof. Gabled. Asymetrical plan. Two storeys and attic. Interior: some exposed timber-framing, ornamented plaster pilasters to stair window, ground floor panelled room. Brick chimney stack."
Information from (S1).
Please consult the National Heritage List for England (S1) for the current listing details.
Amended by P. Watkins (HES), 4 November 2020.