Wealden Houses Database

This database has been compiled using earlier lists and information from contributors, to provide a gazetteer of Wealden (or 'recessed-hall') houses. These are a distinctive medieval house type, characterised by having an open hall flanked by either one or two floored, jettied end bays, all under a single roof. Because the wall plate is aligned with the front walls of the end bay(s), it 'flies' over the hall, where it is usually braced from the corner posts of the end bays, giving the distinctive 'recessed' hall appearance. The term 'Wealden' apparently came into use among members of the Vernacular Architecture Group in the 1950s, reflecting the concentration of examples in the Kentish Weald. In all, almost 850 examples are known at present. The database provides information on the address, grid reference, state of preservation and source reference(s) for every entry, together with partial information about topographical setting and some structural features.