Donington le Heath Manor

Description

House, c.1280, altered C17, restored 1966-71, of Charnwood granite rubble with ashlar dressings, C20 timber-framed gables and Swithland slate roofs. Massive rubble stack to rear (truncated). Main hall block of 2 storeys lies E-W with wings projecting N at each end to form a half-H plan, and a further wing of slightly later date extends from the NE angle. S wall contains original 1st floor entrance to hall, holes for staircase still visible. Shallow angle buttresses (except at SE corner and in N wing). C13 cusped lancets, restored. S, N and E walls largely rebuilt during restoration. Ground floor fireplace C17, dates from conversion of undercroft to kitchen, when the height of the ceiling was also raised. 1st floor hall has C17 fireplace (fragment of stone wall bracket only remains of C13 fire- place). 3 C17 roof trusses, one closed and 2 open. Hall separated from wings by timber-framed partitions. Part of original plaster infilling survives by doorway to E wing. C17 mullioned windows of 3 and 4 lights with hood bands above, inserted in S and E walls. Window at W end of hall is single large lancet. (Listed Building Report)

A slight depression on the east and south sides suggests a former moat, but the enclosure bank to the east is now almost ploughed out. (PastScape–Field Investigators Comments-B H Seaman/06-JUL-1972/Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigator)

Comments

Williams calls this a fortified manor house in a group not 'requiring' a licence to crenellate i.e. low status and weakly fortified. A complete misapprehension of licences which were most often granted to just such buildings. (see Licences to Crenllate)
Site staff report that air photo shows possible moat and finds of roof slates may indicate the position of a gate house.