Description

TL 466 066 NORTH WEALD BASSETT LONDON ROAD
4/26 Latton Priory

GV II*

Ruined priory, early C14, converted to a barn. Flint rubble with some Roman
brick and dressings of Reigate stone, barn structure timber framed,
weatherboarded, roofed with handmade red clay tiles. Comprises (1) the
crossing and a little of the N and S transepts and nave of an Augustinian
priory, established in the C12, rebuilt in the early C14, already abandoned
by 1534, and (2) timber framed structures converting it to a barn, C17 and
later. The crossing has on each side a 2 centred-arch of 2 moulded orders
with a label; the responds are moulded and have each 3 attached shafts with
moulded capitals and bases. The N transept survives for approximately 3 metres
on each side. In the E wall there is a blocked 2-centred arch formerly opening
into a N chapel; the responds had attached shafts of which the moulded capitals
are visible; the E wall has a moulded string course internally and externally.
In the W wall is a blocked doorway with segmental pointed head on the E side
and 2-centred head on the W side, formerly opening into the N aisle.
Approximately metres of the E side of the S transept survives. There is a
blocked window with shafted splays and destroyed head; below the sill is a
moulded internal string course. Approximately 3.5 metres of the nave walls
survive. The weathering of the N aisle is visible externally and above it a
blocked sexfoiled circular window. In the S wall there is a blocked doorway
with moulded jambs of 2 orders, the E much repaired with brickwork, with 2-
centred arch on the inside, segmental pointed arch on the outside, both with
moulded labels. Piscina in the E wall of the N transept, with moulded and
shafted jambs, trefoiled head, drain missing, C14. E of the crossing, on the
site of the presbytery, there is a timber framed barn of 3 bays with hipped
roof. Jowled posts, primary straight bracing in walls, queen strut roof with
clasped purlins and no wind bracing, late C17. S of the crossing, incorporating
the remaining wall of the S transept, there is a 3-bay barn of similar structure
but of C19 construction. N of the crossing the remaining walls are sloped off
to form a lean-to, weatherboarded, roofed with machine-made red clay tiles. In
the NE angle there is a C20 extension of breeze blocks with steel stanchions and
corrugated iron roof. In the NW angle there is a lean-to roofed with corrugated
iron and C19 red clay Roman tiles. RCHM 3 (parish of Latton). Two engravings
of Latton Priory are included in J. and G. Storer: Antiquarian and Topographical
Cabinet, 1809, showing it in use as a barn then, but with more of it still
present. They state that the S transept collapsed about 1806. It is difficult
to reconcile their measurements with those of the RCHM. The post-dissolution
history is covered in B. Winstone: Epping and Ongar Highway Trust, 1891, 274-5.

Listing NGR: TL4657906558

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Latton Priory at Wikipedia
• Wikidata Q6497168

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Devon (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Devon (Pevsner Buildings of England)
• 
  Building Small Projects (New Best of Fine Woodworking)
• 
  London 1: The City of London: City of London v. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  For the Record
• 
  Kent: West and the Weald: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)