of this early work which, being of transition Norman character, is possibly a remnant of the walls built by the men of Southampton early in the reign, of John; that monarch having allowed them two hundred pounds out of their fee- farm rent for the enclosure of the town[1]. Adjoining to a postern gate in this wall, are the remains of two houses of ancient date. One of these has preserved scarcely any original features, excepting a Norman doorway; the other house is of about double the size, and situated on the opposite side of a narrow lane which leads to the gateway. It is nearly perfect, except the roof, and is probably one of the oldest houses remaining in England; being of rather earlier character than either the Jew's house at Lincoln, or the other house in the same street, or those at Christ Church, in Hampshire, Boothby Pagnel, Lincolnshire, or Minster, in the Isle of Thanet. All of these are well known instances of the domestic architecture of England in the twelfth century, many of them belonging to the latter part, whilst the present example may perhaps be safely referred to the earlier half of that century. Like most other examples, the principal dwelling rooms appear to have been on the first floor, and the fire-place remains, with Norman shafts in the jambs; the chimney is carried up to the top of the wall, and may have risen above it, with an
PLAN OF NORMAN HOUSESWith part of the Town Wall, Southampton.
|
A. Passage in the wall.
|
C C C. Windows.
|
- ↑ Rot. Pip. 4 Johan.
