Building record 1679/1/1 - Overton Hall

Overton Hall, Overton Heath. Mid to late 16th century, altered, with early 19th century wing and later additions; on an earlier moated site. Timber framed, painted brick nogging to two facades. Mostly brick faced. Slate roofs, tile ridges. Two-storey L-plan. The oldest parts have 19th century sash windows. Moated Sites are characterised by a waterlogged ditch that encloses a platform of land where buildings were built though they were also used for horticulture e.g. orchards. They were most popular in medieval times though not necessarily for the defensive advantages of being on an island as they were also seen as a sign of prestige. There are approximately 6000 across England with over 200 moated sites in Cheshire alone. Wood was in plentiful supply as a building material in Britain until the 17th century. It was therefore the most practical material for house building. Timber framed buildings consist of a wooden framework (usually oak) that was infilled to create solid walls. Infill material used included wattle and daub, lath and plaster, brick and weather board. Brick nogging, (brick infill) was often used in the 17th and 18th centuries to replace earlier wattle and daub or lath and plaster infill as it was longer lasting.