Description

TL 0447 ELSTOW CHURCH END

8/62 Hillersdon Mansion
(formerly listed as
nunnery gateway in ruins
to south of church)
7.5.52
GV I

Remains of large house. Circa 1620-30, for Thomas Hillersdon, incorporating
parts of C14 W and S ranges of cloisters of Benedictine Abbey (dissolved
1539). Partially dismantled in 1770's. Walls partly coursed rubble, partly
red brick, with ashlar dressings. Porch faced with Totternhoe clunch.
Originally linked to church. All that remains is parts of the E facade and
the complete 3-bay N facade, with porch projecting from E facade. Walls
(including porch) rise only to halfway up first floor. N elevation has 3
window openings per floor. E elevation recessed block retains 2 window
openings per floor to L of porch, with one window opening per floor to S
projecting block. Some windows retain moulded surrounds and mullions and
transoms. Porch: ground floor has round-headed arch with archivolt and
keystone. The carved spandrels are badly weathered, only LH one retaining
cartouche and strapwork. Flanked by pairs of Roman Doric pilasters on
pedestals (also with weathered carved panels) with niches between. These
support entablature and remains of central pediment which breaks into first
floor. First floor has central opening flanked by remains of paired Ionic
pilasters, again on worn carved pedestals, with niches between. Above the
central pediment and below the first floor opening was originally a cartouche
bearing the shield of arms of Thomas Hillersdon, since lost.
Scheduled ancient monument.
(Bedfordshire County Record Office -various documents).

Listing NGR: TL0493047363

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q17526429

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

• 
  Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of History Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas
• 
  Berkshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  ENGLAND GUIDE TO POST WAR LISTED: A Guide to Post-war Listed Buildings
• 
  Old House Handbook 2 Books Bundle Collection (Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair,Old House Eco Handbook: A Practical Guide to Retrofitting for Energy-Efficiency & Sustainability)
• 
  Northamptonshire: Buildings of England Series (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Listed Buildings and Other Heritage Assets