Marlipins Museum
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Marlipins Museum, is a 12th to early 13th century Grade 1 Listed building[1] located at 36 High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea West Sussex and is prominently distinguished by its chess-board pattern of stone flint on its frontal façade.
The initial estimate of the date of the building is thought to be 12th century based on new evidence which has emerged following the demolition of the adjunct building during the construction of the new annexe. The northern wall was originally constructed between 1167 and 1197 and that this was demolished and replaced by a new wall in the 15th century
It is thought to be the oldest complete secular building in Britain.
The Caen stone frontage is thought to have added in the late 13th to early 14th century along with other renovations. Repairs and reconstruction then took place to the roof in the 15th century and new timbers installed in 16th century.
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[edit] Origins
There are various theories about the origins of the building and its intended purpose. These theories range from it being a storehouse for wool and hides, a hospital, the remains of the Carmelite Priory, and even a meeting-house for the Knight Templar. There have also been suggestions it was built for ecclesiastical purposes but there is no real evidence for this.
The buildings may well have served as a pie powder court (dusty feet) for those frequenting the markets held outside its doors, whilst it might have originally been built by the de Braoses as their depot in the town (they dwelt at nearby Bramber Castle).
[edit] History
The deeds for Marlipins survive back to 1347. These deeds describe Marlipins as an 'Oat Market on the corner of Motherlove Street' (a corruption of its modern name 'Middle Street') Later when it belonged to the Prior of Lewis is become known as 'his cellar'.
1346 The deeds show the Marlipins building (now a Museum) sold by Stephen Must. It is described as a stone corner tenement called 'Malduppine' situated in the Otmarcat .....
1489 Procession Street is described on the south of the Malapynnys. the building is described as a certain cellar ..... chamber or loft above the cellar built and sold to a merchant of Suthampton.
1703 Current spelling of Marlipins seems to have been first recorded.
1928 Marlipins was announced as a Museum, the property acquired by the Sussex Archaeological Trust formed for this purpose.
The Marlipins was purchased by a the Sussex Archaeological Trust in 1922, which was a trust separate but connected with the Sussex Archaeological Society.
The building was in a bad state of repair and the renovation was made with local contributions towards the specially formed Sussex Archaeological Trust. It was opened as a museum in 1928.
[edit] Today
Today the museum holds permanent displays which concentrate on Shoreham's important maritime past and the local history of this part of Sussex. The Archaeology Gallery looks at the Shoreham area from early prehistory to medieval times. Pictures from the extensive art collection are changed regularly and displayed at the two new galleries recently built.
[edit] References
- ^ Marlipins Museum. Images of England. Retrieved on 2008-04-10.
[edit] External links
