| Description | Gledholt Hall: reputedly of medieval origin, but the present building dates from 1720 initially, but features later additions and alterations. Originally, it is thought that the house was held by the Gledholt family from the 13th century until the 16th century, when it passed to the Hirst family. In 1686 the Hirsts sold it to Matthew Wilkinson of Greenhead Hall, and it is his son John Wilkinson (who married Ellen Townley, daughter of John Townley of Newhouse Hall) who is responsible for much of the rebuilding of the house.
The Hall is rendered, of 2 storeys, and has a hipped stone slate roof. L shaped plan. On the entrance side, both the ground floor of the south block, and both floors of the west block are apparently of 1720 date. The façade features stone chamfered mullioned windows and an ashlar doorframe with a 4 centred chamfered arch inscribed 'I W E 1720' (for John and Ellen Wilkinson); porch of c.1920. The garden front was regularised in late 18th or early 19th century, and features eight ranges of sashes with glazing bars in plain raised surrounds. The doorway has a frame with Tuscan half columns and segmental sediment, and the ground floor has a fretwork verandah.
Inside, the dining room retains its 17th century oak panelling and late 18th century iron and brass grate with blue and white Delft tiles. Very large chamfered beams. Most of the interiors belong to the period of alterations in 1923, when they were executed by Messrs Libertys.
(Text edited from English heritage’s LBO description) |