Building record 1465900000 - The Priory - Old Mill Road

Built by Denham parish in 1789 as a poorhouse and accommodation for Overseer of the Poor. The site was donated by Sir William Bowyer, who attempted to withdraw from the deal. After the creation of Union workhouses in the 1830s this use would have ceased. A catalogue for the sale of the Denham Court estate in 1883 includes the Priory and the Mill with the Priory’s stabling across the road next to the Mill. The Priory was for some time owned by the Great Western Railway and was the Rector’s home from 1945-1960. The shaped gables and white painted brick make it visually part of a group with Wellers Mead and The Mill House. Perhaps they were altered at the same time (possibly in the 1930s) by the same designer, possibly Francis Bacon. The roof is of plain clay tile, reportedly substantially rebuilt after storm damage in 1987. Despite its prominent position next to the road and river the house is mainly hidden from view by tall hedges and trees. However there is an important glimpse of it from Old Mill Road over the main gate. A brief historical note has been written by Mr Norman Gerard. This is a local building of note within the Conservation area of Denham. (B1)