NHER 9415 (Building record) - Colney Hall

October 1976. Visited.
Noted by (S1) as a house beautified in late 18th century, extended in 19th century, reduced in size and reorganised about 1960. Demolished portion was to northeast. Renewals very well carried out; where demolished wing joined, a Roman Doric colonade has been made, extending round northwest front, perhaps incorporating older work. Oldest parts of house appear early 18th century; southwest front has flat corner pilasters rusticated on ground floor, and string course; but porch added here with marble columns and balustrade, and line of terracotta gargoyles. On southwest an odd little 19th century porch. Northwest corner is very fine 18th century conservatory with composite pilasters, inside a grotto of artificial rock, 19th century. Excellent condition.
E. Rose (NAU), 13 October 1976.

1990. NAU air photography.
Parch marks of earlier garden layout in grounds of Hall
D. Edwards (NAU), 30 October 1990

Development of hall is more complex than above notes suggest. First built between 1767-1781, it was extended in 1834, then the Victorian to Tudor wing added in the late 19th century. The demolition around 1960 removed not only this wing but also a third of the width of the original building, and its top storey. The present projecting quoined bay was once paired by another. For the original appearance see (S2).
E. Rose (NLA) 3 January 1991.

January 1998. South Norfolk District Council report that the grotto has been partly removed due to dry rot which threatens the remainder.
E. Rose (NLA) 16 January 1998.

This is disputed by source [1] who says grotto is of rockwork and thus cannot rot! It was part removed without permission; further work has been stopped.
E. Rose (NLA) 10 March 1998.

Detailed report on grotto by source [1] states it is of Pulhamite and may have been entered by an artificial tunnel from the exterior terrace.
See (S3).
E. Rose (NLA) 16 April 1998.

15 October 1993. NLA air photography (S5).
Cropmarks cannot be seen.
H. Clare (NLA), 20 February 2001.

15 October 1993. NLA air photography (S6).
Due to scale and angle of photographs the cropmarks are not visible.
H. Clare (NLA), 20 February 2001.

February 2009.
Permission sought for the conversion of the vinery, potting sheds and studio to a research and development, education and training facility. Minor internal alterations only.
See (S7).
H. White (NLA), 7 April 2009