See inside ‘time capsule’ Northwold Manor which has had heritage listing upgraded
A manor house which has been described as an “exceptional time capsule spanning 500 years of architectural design” has had its heritage listing upgraded.
Northwold Manor, on the High Street in the medieval village, was granted Grade II listed status in 1951 – this has now been boosted to Grade II*.
It has also now joined 226 other historic buildings and sites which have been added to the National Heritage List for England in 2023, all thanks to its unique interior.
Historic England said when Northwold Manor was listed in the 1950s, the interior was not described.
“This manor house with its inter-connecting rooms and unusual lack of corridors, has been reappraised as having exceptional architectural and historic interest because it reflects 500 years of a variety of architectural styles from the 16th century through to the 21st century,” a spokesperson said.
“This house is a time capsule of the evolution of architectural design which is rarely seen in a single building.
“Sitting on a one-acre plot within a walled garden, the house has been adapted over time by continual expansion and is now around 60m long. At a glance, the building resembles a village High Street more than a family home.”
Northwold Manor was once owned by the Carter family – relatives of British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter.
Highlights include a ballroom from the Regency period, panelled 18th century parlours, a 16th century range, a 17th century oak staircase and a classical archway into the first-floor porch chamber with fluted ionic columns.
“The carved fanlight above the main entrance is of the highest significance and is a rare survival,” the spokesperson added.
The manor house joins a carriage wash dating back to 1600 – believed to be England’s earliest known ‘modern day car wash’ – in Hertfordshire; a railway pub built by the Stockton & Darlington Railway which was a prototype for an early railway station; and a striking Post-War church designed to reflect an upturned boat in Lancashire on the 2023 National Heritage List for England.
Heritage minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: “The striking range of places listed this year are a vivid demonstration of the richness and variety of our national heritage.
“The great work done by Historic England will ensure that they are protected for future generations to enjoy – and to learn about the fascinating people and stories connected with them."
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “A range of remarkable historic buildings and sites are added to the list each year and 2023 is no exception.
“We’ve examined and protected some amazing sites this year, which together give us a window into our rich and varied historic environment.”
Mr Wilson encouraged people to add their own pictures and discoveries regarding historic places to Historic England’s Missing Pieces Project – which aims to “celebrate and protect what makes these places special”.
