|
7 - 10 Offham Cottages |
|
|
Description |
|
Although possibly built upon an earlier site, the earliest surviving remains date from the middle years of the 18th century (period A) and represent a handed pair of cottages. During the second half of the 18th century (period B) the two cottages were thrown into one and a new bakehouse added to the rear. Subsequently, during the 19th century (period C) the building ceased to be a farmhouse and was converted into four estate cottages. Twentieth century alterations include the conversion of the southern two cottages into one, re-opening of the northern period A doorway, insertion of chimneys into the south wall, alterations to the period C roof over the rear range and the addition of a new rear range to the northern cottage. The latter is very narrow and allows a short section of the period A lean-to outshut to survive. There have been several alterations to the internal layout. In the rear garden stands a detached outhouse of at least three periods, the earliest being 19th century in date. This was in residential occupation at the time of the tithe apportionment of 1838. Both the external walls and the two-storeyed wall dividing the street range from the former rear lean-to outshut are of mass construction. The external faces are finished in flint, of which those within the front elevation are neatly knapped and coursed, whilst those in the end walls are noticeably more roughly finished with only occasional knapping. Brickwork is used to form the dressings of the quoins and openings. The internal wall faces are of chalk block, those blocks within the superstructure being unsquared, whilst those in the cellar are neatly squared with evidence of mason's marks. The internal faces of the superstructure were intended to be rendered, whilst those in the cellars were left exposed. There are seven bays to the property with the main stack occupying the central bay. A large segmental arch carries the rear wall between the main range and outshut across the two former ovens at the rear of the stack, the ovens having intruded through the wall and into the outshut. The original roof construction is of continuous-side-purlin-and-collar type without a ridge board at the apex. |
|
| These notes have been compiled from an architectural report (no.1222) prepared by David Martin, (FSA, MIFA) in 1993. The full report has been deposited in the East Sussex Record Office, Lewes, where it can be consulted by researchers. | |
|
|
 |
|
Offham village in the 1920s showing cottages 7-10. The hills were still sheep grazed at this time as can be seen by the lack of trees and scrub. |
|
|
|
 |
|
Cottages left to right: Toll Cottage, The Old Granary, 7-10 Offham. The young children are believed to be the Mitchell brothers from no. 8. Picture taken about 1902. Reproduced by kind permission of SAS. |
©2007 Sussex Archaeological Society
