The fine two-storey merchant's house was built in around 1500 for John Paycocke.
It is a good example of early 16th century architecture and its long pink and white front facade incorporates the finest carpentry and carved woodwork.
The closely spaced vertical timbers are limewashed a silvery-grey and the brick filling the spaces was originally packed with wattle and daub give the building its distinctive appearance.
Running the width of the house, beneath the five oriel windows of the projecting upper storey, is a wooden beam carved with delightful cameos.
The fine oak gates, through which a carriage way leads to the rear of the house, are framed by larger naturalistic figures. The interior of the house has fine panelling and carving.
The Paycocke's were a family of substance. The will of John Paycocke reveals that he had two other houses, in one of which he himself lived. As well as being a butcher or grazier, he was also a clothier. At that time Coggeshall, Colchester and other neighbouring towns had a flourishing cloth trade.
Many merchants used their fortunes to built houses advertising their enhanced status. John Paycocke built this house for his son Thomas on his marriage to Margaret Harrold. The initials TP and MP are carved on the interior and exterior of the building.
During the 17th century and until 1746 Paycocke's was owned by the Buxton family.
They were also concerned with the cloth trade and possibly used the premises as their place of work as well as their home. The studs of the walls have peg holes for holding the warp thread of the looms. Wool would have been stored in the roof space and the lengths of cloth stretched out in the garden to dry.
Their descendant Lord Noel-Buxton bought back the property in 1904 and in 1924 gave the property to the National Trust.
The interior of Paycocke's has been furnished by the Trust with 16th and 17th century oak furniture from the Grisby Collection from West Drayton.
In the little sitting-room is a display of lace for which Coggeshall was famous.
At the rear of the house is a delightful garden leading down to a stream.
2008: 23 Mar-12 Oct: 14:00-17:00 Tue,Thu, and Sun. Open Bank Holiday Mons. Last entry 30mins before close.
Tel: 01376 561305 Paycocke's Website
