Pooley Hall

Description

Re-built as a semi fortified house by Sir Thomas Cockayne. His house was probably much larger than the existing remains. At the north end is a projecting garderobe, lighted by small loops. The adjoining west wing, probably part of the original great hall, has been much altered. From its width it seems likely that the great hall had aisles or a hammer beam roof. It may be conjectured there was another cross wing at the west end, but of this no evidence remains. It consists of a long rectangular two storeyed nucleus with a western single storeyed wing. To the north is a detatched tower connected to the house by a curtain wall, and adjoining this on the west is a slightly later wing. The buildings generally are of red brick with stone dressings. (Warwickshire HER)

Country house, now 2 houses, and attached former chapel. Said to have been built in 1509 by Sir Thomas Cokayne. Altered 1692 and C18 some C19/C20 and C20 alterations. English bond brick with sandstone dressings. Old plain-tile roofs; brick ridge, external and lateral stacks, Complex plan of 3 separate ranges linked by curtain walls. Domestic Tudor style. Principal fronts are towards the canal, Pooley Hall to left is 2 storeys; 4-window range, On the left is a 2-sore 6-light embattled bay, largely of stone; 3-light return sides and end lights to first floor are blocked, Wide external stack has upper parts rebuilt; 2-light wood mullioned window in base. Irregular fenestration, mostly of 3-light windows. Stone mullioned windows of [-centred arched lights throughout. Left return side has 4-light and 2-light attic windows, and external stack. To rear is a twin-gabled 2-bay front rebuilt in 1692. Blacked door to left. Late C20 half-glazed door and porch. Leaded wood casements with top lights, of 4 lights to ground floor and 3 lights above, with segmental arches, Lower lean-to addition across left return side. Right return side has stone buttress and blocked 3-light muilioned window to first floors Leaded 3-light C18 windows, Interior is said to have beamed ceilings and C16 and C17 panelling. Former chapel is linked by a curtain wall with a lead-latticed glazed corridor with central Cl9 ribbed door or; its west side. Chapel is Perpendicular style. bays. East window of 3 stepped lancets with 4-centred hood mould. Shallow-pitched roof has embattled gable parapets. South side has one-, 2- and 3-light straight-headed windows. West front has chamfered 4-centred doorway with moulded spandrels, hood mould and panelled stops, and ancient panelled door with applied ribs. Straight-headed 3-light window above. Small 2-storey turret to left has single light. Upper part is octagonal, with small opening to alternate sides, North side has doorway. Pooley Hall Farmhouse to north has a 3-storey embattled tower, with splay courses between storeys. Blocked straight-headed 4-centred doorway on right; altered and blocked openings above, Chamfered stone mullioned windows, of 2 lights to ground floor and 3 lights above. Stair turret on left has canted top corner. Irregular one-storey C20 range on right. To rear is a 2-storey 2-window range with stone-coped gable parapet and kneelers. Rebuilt west wall has 3- and 4-light stone mullioned windows with cornices. Left return side has chamfered Tudor-arched doorway with hood mould, probably C20, and panelled door, C21' four-light mullioned window to left. Small C16 brick mullioned 3-light window above, Lateral stack on right has shaft with pilaster strips and string course. Right return side has brick diapering. 2-storey porch has blocked 4-centred doorway and single light above, Similar blocked doorways to left and right. 2- and 3-light brick chamfered mullioned windows. (Listed Building Report)

Comments

Tower of slightly fortified manor house of c. 1509.
Cockayne was knighted by the king personally at the siege of Tournai (1513) so a house built to reflect this military career.