Listed Building record MDO17551 - Creech Grange, Steeple

A manor house which has its origins as a medieval grange attached to Bindon Abbey. Following the Dissolution it became a private residence and between 1540 and 1559 was replaced by a new house which was built by Sir Oliver Laurence. In 1738-41 Francis Cartwright enlarged the house and remodelled the south front for Denis Bond. The east front was remodelled by Nathaniel Bond in 1846. The house originally had a half-H plan, this was extended to form a rectangular block, with added service wings on the north. It is of two storeys and built of ashlar with stone slate roofs.

Anciently a manor. Grange, or retiring place of the Abbot of Bindon. <1>

The original mansion was probably built by Sir Oliver Lawrence, as the style of architecture was that which prevailed in the reign of Henry VIII. The ancient East front was partially modernised and greatly disfigured about 1739 by Dennis Bond Esq. <3>

A 15th century building the remains of which are by the back door. Oriel windows, probably from this house, were replaced when the house was rebuilt in the time of William and Mary. 1688-1702? The south front is William and Mary and the west side early Victorian.

The inner courtyard, where the back door is located, is constructed of Purbeck stone and the remainder of the house is built of sandstone blocks. The house is in an excellent state of preservation and is owned by Col Bond of Corfe Castle and occupied by Mrs Bond. See Ground Photographs 52/46/6.7.8. <4>

Creech Grange, of two storeys with attics, has walls mainly of Portland stone and roofs of stone slates. The house was probably built by Sir Oliver Lawrence who acquired the site, which had belonged to Bindon Abbey, soon after the Dissolution in 1539. It was extended to the north circa 1600, and was badly damaged in the Civil War. Extensive alterations were made in the 18th century, when the west front was remodelled. Mid 19th century rebuilding included a new east front in local Tudor style. <5>

Creech Grange is a large manor house of 16th century origins, altered and enlarged in the 17th century, 18th century and 19th century. It was built by Sir Oliver Laurence. Enlarged and south front remodelled by Francis Cartwright of Blandford for Dennis Bond between 1738-41. East front remodelled 1846 by Nathaniel Bond. Originally of half-H plan - extended to form a rectangular block, with added service wings on north. Two storeys and attics. Built of Ashlar stone walls with stone slate roofs. <6>

Creech Grange, as described and well preserved. Published 1:2500 survey correct. <7>

The house has its origins as a medieval grange attached to Bindon Abbey. Following the Dissolution it became a private residence and between 1540 and 1559 was replaced by a new house which was built by Sir Oliver Laurence. In 1738-41 Francis Cartwright enlarged the house and remodelled the south front for Denis Bond. The east front was remodelled by Nathaniel Bond in 1846. The house originally had a half-H plan, this was extended to form a rectangular block, with added service wings on the north. It is of two storeys and built of ashlar with stone slate roofs. <8>

<1> Hutchins, J, 1774, The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset. Volume 1. 1st edition, 203 (Monograph). SWX2949.

<2> Shipp, W, and Hodson, J W (eds), 1861, The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset. 3rd edition. Volume 1, 598-606 (Monograph). SWX4496.

<3> Ordnance Survey, Ordnance Survey Map 6in, 1902 (Map). SWX1540.

(SY 91128226) Creech Grange (NR)

<4> Rigg, J, Field Investigators Comments JR, F1 JR 23-JUL-1952 (Unpublished document). SWX1255.

<4.1> Bond, Col, Oral: Colonel Bond (owner), Creech Grange, Steeple (Verbal communication). SDO20204.

<5> Royal Commission on Historical Monuments (England), 1970, An Inventory of Historical Monuments in the County of Dorset, Volume II (South East) Part 2, 270-271 (Monograph). SDO149.

<6> Department of the Environment, 1984, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest: Purbeck 1984, 86-87 (Scheduling record). SDO19622.

<7> Fletcher, Martin, Field investigator's comments MJF, F2 MJF 23-APR-1986 (Unpublished document). SDO17630.

<8> English Heritage, 2005, Register of parks and gardens of special historic interest in England: Dorset (Revised) (Monograph). SDO17438.

<9> Historic England, Historic England Archive, OS52/F46/6 (Index). SDO14738.

THE SOUTHERN FACE OF CREECH GRANGE. Photographer: UNKNOWN

<10> Historic England, Historic England Archive, OS52/F46/7 (Index). SDO14738.

COURTYARD INCLUDING BACK DOORWAY. Photographer: UNKNOWN

<11> Historic England, Historic England Archive, OS52/F46/7B (Index). SDO14738.

THE EASTERN FACE OF CREECH GRANGE. Photographer: UNKNOWN

<12> National Record of the Historic Environment, 456981 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Oct 24 2023 11:49AM