This photograph c.1885 is part of a collection of black and white negatives provided by Bruce Cleaver of The Old Rectory, Thurlbear in September 2001. It is clear that the photograph is of the previous thatched Old Rectory which was pulled down in 1887 and rebuilt in its present form. See also below.

This photograph provided by Bruce Cleaver, of The Old Rectory Thurlbear in September 2001 is of a Water Colour of the original Rectory and this photograph also appears in 'A History of Thurlbear' by R.A.Sixsmith 1957 - The artists name is not given. It is interesting to note the similarity between the above photograph of the original Old Rectory with the photograph here of a painting. The above shows pre 1887 thatch and quite different roofing. Alan Prime