56 Village Road, Clifton

Image: © Alan Murray-Rust Taken: 13 Feb 2014

The historical significance of this building is not apparent from this view. The central part of the building is a timber-framed open-hall farmhouse dating from as early as 1319, an internal floor and the right-hand cross wing being added around 1600. The west bay was added in the 17th century, but rebuilt in brick in the 19th. The whole house was cased in brick in 1707 for Thomas and Joan Lambert, these initials and date appearing in the brickwork of the gable. The interior retains the majority of the unusual 14th century timber framing. The English Heritage listing includes the following historical note: "This building is of outstanding interest and importance. Timber-framed halls are rare survivals, and this example is particularly complete. Its framing is an unusual combination of aisle posts and base crucks, and a good part of the original roof remains. It is also a perfect example of the evolution of accommodation, first by the insertion of a floor and smoke hood, then by the addition of a storied cross wing. The brick casing is the typical next stage. In this case it can also be dated and attributed to an individual." The importance can also be inferred from the Grade II* category of listing, rarely awarded to smaller domestic buildings.

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