Branthwaite Hall
| Branthwaite Hall | |
|
Cumberland | |
|---|---|
 Branthwaite Hall | |
| Type: | Pele tower |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | NY065253 |
| Location: | 54°36’51"N, 3°26’57"W |
| Village: | Branthwaite |
| History | |
| Built Mid-15th century | |
| Information | |
| Condition: | Intact |
Branthwaite Hall is pele tower in Cumberland, considered by historian Anthony Emery to be one of the best-preserved early houses in the county.[1]
History
Branthwaite Hall was built near the village of Branthwaite and the town of Cockermouth in the mid-15th century by the Skelton family, who acquired the surrounding manor from the Branthwaites by marriage.[2] The new building was constructed from rubble stone with a single tower with a parapet and a spiral-stair turret, with an adjacent hall.[3]
The hall was 60 feet long and 42 wide, but was largely remodelled in 1604; the new hall is a single space, whereas it was probably originally subdivided, and additional windows were added.[4] Subsequent work was conducted in the 1670s to give the property a grander appearance.[5] The Skeltons held the hall until 1757.[6]
Today
Branthwaite Hall was restored between 1985 and 1986 by the National Coal Board, which converted the property into offices.[7]
References
- Emery, Anthony: ) 'Greater Mediæval Houses of England and Wales, 1300–1500: Northern England.' (Cambridge University Press, 1996) ISBN 978-0-521-49723-7
- Pettifer, Adrian: 'English Castles: a Guide by Counties' (Boydell Press, 2002) ISBN 978-0-85115-782-5