Doddinghurst: Priest House

An interesting website about the Priest House, Doddinghurst, tells that work will be proceeding shortly on its refurbishment. The work will be carried out by Bakers of Danbury.

Situated next to All Saints Church, Doddinghurst, this Grade 2 listed building was constructed sometime between 1500 and 1560 with an extension added during the 19th century and alterations in the 19th and 20th centuries. Records show that this was used as a cottage. In 1944 it was left by Marianne Adams, widow and patron of All Saints Church, to the Diocese of Chelmsford. The church now leases it from the Diocese on a full repairing lease. In recent years the oak timbers on which the building stands has rotted and work is needed to prevent the building falling down.

Pictures which show the problems can be accessed here: http://www.theparkinsons.me.uk/priest-house/pages/pictures3.htm

The local church held a Gift Weekend in support of the project and has been able to secure grants. Phase 1 of the work to replace the soleplate can now commence.

The site has a link to Blackmore Area Local History:
http://www.theparkinsons.me.uk/priest-house/pages/links_2.htm