Horham Hall

Horham Hall is a manor house near Thaxted combining brick construction with timber framing and featuring oriel windows, particularly on its south wing. The building integrates materials from different periods of development and displays exposed ceiling beams characteristic of its older sections.

Sir John Cutte built the present structure in the early 16th century, replacing an older timber building that stood on the site. This reconstruction reflected the wealth the family had achieved and how they demonstrated their power through substantial stone and brick construction.

The hall served as a gathering place for the landed gentry across generations and still displays features designed for such occasions. The rooms reflect how a wealthy family displayed their status through the careful design and furnishing of their home.

The house sits at a parish boundary and its exterior is viewable from the public lanes, with the south wing showing the most distinctive architectural details. Visitors should note that interior access may be limited and should be arranged in advance, as this is a protected private residence.

During World War II the building sheltered hundreds of evacuated children, cared for by the Barnardo's charity organization. This period temporarily transformed it from a private aristocratic home into a refuge for vulnerable young people.