MEM24185 - The Old School, Wootton Courtenay (Building)

The Tithe Map for Wootton Courtenay shows a large building labelled 317 occupying this plot and beyond to the east. The Apportionment describes it as "Churches Barn and Barton". [1] By the time the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map was surveyed, the building appears to have been demolished and a smaller structure built in its place, at SS 9385 4336. It is labelled as a school. It is possible, however, that some elements of the farmstead may have been incorporated into the school. [2] The building is still extant, apparently in its original form, and is now named "The Old School", suggesting it is in residential use. [3] A National schoolroom was erected in 1859 and enlarged in 1867, but has been closed for some years. It exhibits a neo Gothic influence, popular in the latter half of the 19th Century, including a Gothic arched entrance door and window openings. There is extensive use of stone, some dressed, at a time when sources of building stone and skilled stonemasons were plentiful. Close to the junction is the L plan former village school, built mid to late 19th Century, and mainly single storey with a first floor flat roofed dormer. The style is neo Gothic with a steeply gabled entrance and pointed arch triple windows to the right gable. Construction is a mix of ashlared and squared stone. [4] To the east of the Old Rectory and fronting the lane is the former school and schoolhouse. Built as a National school in 1859, it was enlarged in 1867 and is now a dwelling. It is constructed of squared stone, mainly single storey with steep low swept gabled slate roofs, first floor flat roofed dormer. Its gothic revival style detailing includes the pointed triple arch windows to the right gable. The property was described as of local interest. [5] The heritage asset was assessed for inclusion on the Exmoor Local Heritage List in November 2022. It was decided to add the asset to the Local Heritage List. [6]