Branthwaite Hall
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Branthwaite Hall is pele tower in Cumbria, England, considered by historian Anthony Emery to be "one of the best-preserved early houses in Cumbria".[2]
| Branthwaite Hall | |
|---|---|
| Cumbria, England | |
Pele tower | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Pele tower |
| Condition | Intact |
| Location | |
  Branthwaite Hall Shown within Cumbria | |
| Coordinates | 54.6142°N 3.4493°W |
| Grid reference | grid reference NY065253 |
| Site history | |
| Materials | Rubble masonry |
| Designations | Grade I listed building[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.[3] The new building was constructed from rubble stone with a single tower with a parapet and a spiral-stair turret, with an adjacent hall.[2] The hall was 60 feet long and 42 wide (18 metres by 13 metres), but was largely remodelled in 1604; the new hall is a single space, whereas it was probably originally subdivided, and additional windows were added.[2] Subsequent work was conducted in the 1670s to give the property a grander appearance.[2] The Skeltons held the hall until 1757.[2]
It was designated as a Grade I listed building in 1967.[1]
Today
Branthwaite Hall was restored between 1985 and 1986 by the National Coal Board, which converted the property into offices.[4] It is considered by historian Anthony Emery to be "one of the best-preserved early houses in Cumbria".[2]