Crakemarsh

Crakemarsh Hall was constructed around a staircase of a late 17th century manor house, thought to be the work of Grinling Gibbons,^[4] for Sir Thomas Cotton-Sheppard.^[5] Construction began in 1815 and was complete in 1820.^[4]

In the 1881 census, Tyrell William Cavendish is recorded as living at the hall, and again in the 1911 census with his wife Julia Florence Cavendish.^[6]

In 1912, Tyrell and Julia Cavendish, and her maid Ellen Mary Barber, travelled on the Titanic to visit Julia's father in Mamaroneck, New York. Tyrell Cavendish died when the ship sank and his body was later recovered by the Mackay-Bennett. Julia and Barber survived and returned to live at Crakemarsh Hall. Julia was a regular worshipper at Saint Michael and All Saints' church in Stramshall.^[7]

During the Second World War US troops were billeted at the hall.^[4]

Around 1948, Joseph Bamford rented premises at the hall before moving operations to Rocester. In the 1970s, JCB purchased the hall with intent to create an hotel for visitors. However, in December 1982 a fire damaged the building which was then left derelict.^[4] The Gibbons staircase had previously been removed and transferred to Wootton Lodge, also owned by the Bamford family.^[7]

The hall was demolished in 1998 but the North Lodge Gate House remains. In 2002, planning permission was granted with conditions for the construction of several residential properties.^[8]

• Listed buildings in Uttoxeter Rural