The Old Rectory

Above : The sketch (with the writer's annotations) appears in the flyleaf of the Parish Registers (Baptisms and Burials from 1771). It shows a Rectory building which was built in 1795/6 and pulled down in 1850. A note on the sketch refers to a piece of ground being bought at the expense of the Rev Mr Fenton (Rector 1756 - 1778). It can therefore be dated is having been drawn between 1771 and 1778.

Together with the 1788 map below, it shows the Parsonage House at the extreme front of the site bordering the road. The grounds appear to have been enlarged by this purchase and the demolition of a cottage and part of the party boundary wall between the two areas.

Further notes have been found from the same source which note that a former building was taken down in 1795 and a new house completed in 1796. This house had a relatively short live as it was, in turn, pulled down some 54 years later in 1850.

Below : The extract of a plan dated 1788 (DCRO Bolton Papers Ref D/map/e151) shows the Parsonage House (plot 4) that was demolished in 1795. It appears to have protruded into the road but note that no stream is shown. There was a ford to cross the river just opposite the Church.

The demolition of the 1796 building and construction of the present building is also recorded in a note in the Parish Registers (DCRO) :

...........In the year 1843, during the incumbency of the Rev F Skerry, part of the Rectory barn was converted into a School Room. The expenses being defrayed by subscription, but without alienation of the room from the Rectory estate. The work was much promoted by the Rev George Manivell curate.

In the year 1850 Rev Martin Johnson Green, Rector : the Rectory House at Steepleton and all the outbuildings were taken down and a new house was begun in the same year (July 1st) and finished in the year 1851 with offices.

Ridgeway Portland and Caen stone was used for the edifice, the latter being part of a cargo brought for the rebuilding of Littlebredy Church. Chimney stacks of Bath stone

Architect : Richard Chas Hussey (London)

Builder : Mr John Wellspring, (Dorchester).

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