Notes: A mediaeval building, said to be where the knights who killed Thomas a Becket in 1170 met, on 29th December, to plan the dirty deed and to arm themselves. At that time the house was owned by Gilbert the Citizen.This would put its date at 12th century or earlier, but the shape and style from the outside are not as old as that. Quiney (see bibliography) says that

"its front was rebuilt earlier this century [i.e. last century, the 1900s!] with some of its original timbers and others brought from elsewhere as a remarkable but not reliable version of its seventeenth century form"

Inside, however, it has a marvellous Norman undercroft (cellar) with exposed flint and cement walls, and upstairs a wonderful 14th century galleried hall, as well as a wonderful decorated 17th century fireplace.

Carving above door to left

Go back to view from back of the building>