Description

SP61NW AMBROSDEN MERTON ROAD
(North side)

11/10 Kennet House and Dryden House
26/11/51 (Formerly listed as Vicarage)

GV II

Vicarage, now 2 houses. 1638 for Rev. John Stubbings, altered late C17 and
enlarged 1838 for Rev. L. Dryden. Random and coursed squared limestone rubble
with ashlar dressings; old plain-tile roofs with brick stacks. Complex plan. One
storey plus attic and 2 storeys plus attic. 4-window front has the taller range
projecting on the right and a small gabled 2-storey bay in the angle of the
ranges; both have casements in moulded stone surrounds with labels. The lower
2-window range, in random rubble, was remodelled, probably in 1838, and has
stone-mullioned and transomed windows with labels plus large stone-gabled
dormers; a C19 stone porch has a 4-centre arched entrance. A double stack rising
at the junction of the ranges retains diagonal shafts. The right side of the
cross wing has original ovolo-moulded stone-mullioned windows to all floors
including a 3-light transomed stair window, all with labels and leaded glazings
and also has a canted chimney projection and a gable datestone inscribed
"ISD/1638". The C19 range to rear, parallel with the main range, has similar
mullioned windows and gables and is flush with the rear projection of the
crosswing; it incorporates an ancient plank doorway, the 4-centred stone
surround of which may be re-used. This range masks the original entrance front,
2 gables of which face the central valley. Interior: crosswing contains the
original dogleg stair with moulded handrails, heavy turned column balusters and
panelled newels with lantern finials; early C18 fielded panelling in drawing
room plus a large moulded Tudor-arched stone fireplace with a moulded-brick
reredos; shell alcove. Lower range has a plainer Tudor-arched fireplace and
re-used mid C17 oak panelling; early C18 coffered ceiling (Dryden House);
original 4-centred arched stone entrance with moulded surround, label and
shields in the spandrels (Dryden House). C19 range (Dryden House) has a room
with fine late C17 oak panelling from Merton Manorhouse, with elaborate
mouldings and fluted Corinthian pilasters supporting carved consoles. The
Reverend White Kennett, vicar (1685-1701) and antiquary, later became Bishop of
Peterborough.
(V.C.H.: Oxfordshire, Vol.V, p.16; Buildings of England: Oxfordshire, p.422).

Listing NGR: SP6032019382

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q26495958

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

• 
  Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
• 
  Oxfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Pevsner's Architectural Glossary (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
• 
  Hertfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Period Property Manual (New Ed)
• 
  Old House Eco Handbook: A Practical Guide to Retrofitting for Energy-Efficiency & Sustainability