EDO5069 - Hall House, 101 Newland, Sherborne; buildings survey

J.H.P. Gibb conducted a buildings survey at Hall House, Newland during extensive renovations in 1981. Previously thought to be 17th century in date from its external features such as three-mullioned windows and doorway with moulded architrave. During renovations however, it became clear that this was a 14th century partly timber-framed hall of three bays. The roof was constructed with ‘…base crucks rising from stone walls, but with the upper parts of the gable and side walls timber-framed. East of the hall, divided from it by a partition truss, was a fourth bay, now used as a passage with a loft above, and leading in to the garden and stable. There is also evidence for another bay to the west of the hall, and that the wing running north-east from the west bay of the hall may have been original. Gibb speculates that this large hall may have served as the administrative centre for the bishop of Salisbury in his hundred of Sherborne at a time when the castle had been confiscated and was held by the crown. [However, the castle was confiscated in the middle of the 12th century and regained for the bishop of Salisbury in 1355. So if it was an administrative hall, it may have been redundant as soon as it was built (1).