Crook Hall, Durham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crook Hall |
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The hall from its Georgian walled garden
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| General information | |
| Coordinates | 54°46′57″N 1°34′29″W / 54.7825°N 1.5747°W |
| Construction started | 13th-14th century |
| Completed | 18th century |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Official name: Crook Hall | |
| Designated: | 6 May 1952 |
| Reference #: | 1192563 |
Crook Hall is a very old and special house in the city of Durham, England. It was built a long, long time ago, starting in the 13th or 14th century, and then added to over many years until the 18th century. It's famous for its beautiful gardens and its long history. Today, it is a Grade I listed building, which means it is very important and protected.
The oldest part of Crook Hall is a medieval "hall house" from the 1200s or 1300s. It's made of sandstone with a slate roof. This type of old hall is very rare in County Durham. Later, in the 1600s, the house was made bigger in a style called Jacobean. Then, in the 1700s, a large brick Georgian house was added. All these parts together make a house with 11 sections. The house is surrounded by beautiful English country style gardens. Many people think these are some of the best gardens in the north of England.
History of Crook Hall
The land where Crook Hall stands was first given to a person named Aimery in 1217. Later, it passed to a family named Croke, and that's where the name "Crook Hall" comes from. After them, the Billingham family lived in the hall for about 300 years.
In 1657, the Mickleton family took over. Then, in 1736, the Hoppers of Shincliffe bought it. Over the years, many different owners lived in Crook Hall. In 1928, the Cassels family bought it when it was in a very run-down state.
Opening to the Public
In 1995, Keith and Maggie Bell bought Crook Hall. They worked hard to open the house and gardens to the public. It became a popular place for weddings and visitors from all over the world. Keith Bell even wrote a book in 2017 called Blood, Sweat and Scones. In his book, he shared stories about owning such an old building and making it a successful place for visitors.
In June 2020, Crook Hall had to close to the public for a while due to difficult times. However, on March 28, 2022, the National Trust bought the property. The National Trust is a charity that looks after important places. They wanted to reopen Crook Hall to visitors.
Crook Hall Today
As of June 2024, Crook Hall and its beautiful gardens are open again for people to visit. There is also a book shop and a cafe for visitors to enjoy.
The White Lady Ghost
Some people say that Crook Hall is haunted by a ghost known as the "White Lady."
