Report - The Old Rectory - St Columb Major 2011

[djflava]

Seeing as this was not to far away I thought I would pay a visit, it's such a stunning location and can't believe it's just been left to rot!
It seems the owners moved out around 2005/6 and it has been empty ever since.
Its last use was a Meadery which served food/drink and provided accommodation and it was very successful back in the day .....

History

The Old Rectory at St Columb Major, Cornwall is a major work by the architect William White. Commissioned by Dr Samuel Walker, Rector of St Columb, following speculation that the proposed Cornish bishopric would be based at St Columb. It was built in 1851, on the site of a 14th century moated medieval house. It is an asymmetrical plan rectory in a 14th century picturesque Gothic style.

Records of the original rectory go back 1309 when it withstood a siege by a mob of tinners It was probably built by Ralph de Arundell, rector from 1303 to 1329, a relative of the powerful Arundells of Lanherne.
The original medieval building was replaced in the 19th century, but traces of the moat remain. The enclosing an area 40m square.
The old parsonage house was built and moated round with rivers and fishponds in the second half of the 15th century by John Arundell. (PastScape–ref. Polsue) Salter thinks perhaps a tower like Gidleigh. Grade 2* C19 building on site.
Since this was a rectory tower it fits this sites definition of a pele tower, rather than a tower house, although it may have been quite sizeable. However, it may be possible the moat dated from the C15 and the nature of the early C14 house is unclear.


On with the shots

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[Bohint]

The current owner James Brown now lives next door in the old rectory cottage while he is carrying out extensive work to the Old Rectory. He has completed 2 floors and intends living their permanently so it is private property. Beware the grounds are guarded by very large dogs. Mr Brown is working alongside numerous heritage experts to ensure that the work is both within grade 2 listed specifications and is sympathetic to the age