Leighton Hall, Lancashire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leighton Hall |
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View of Leighton Hall
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| Location | Yealand Conyers, Lancashire, England |
| Elevation | 200 feet (61 m) |
| Built | 1759–61 |
| Restored | 1870 |
| Architect | John Hird Paley and Austin |
| Architectural style(s) | Georgian, Gothic Revival |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Official name: Leighton Hall and Stable Block | |
| Designated | 2 May 1968 |
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Leighton Hall is a beautiful old house located about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) west of Yealand Conyers, in Lancashire, England. It's officially recognized as a special historic building, known as a Grade II* listed building. This means it's very important and protected!
Contents
History of Leighton Hall
The Hall's Early Days
Leighton Hall was once the home of important families. Sir George Middleton, who was a top official in Lancashire in 1661, lived here. After him, his grandson, George Middleton Oldfield, took over the hall.
Later, the house passed to Albert Hodgson. He got involved in the Jacobite rising of 1715, which was a big rebellion. Because of this, he was taken prisoner, and the house was even burned down! His belongings were also taken away.
A Friend's Help and New Owners
In 1722, Leighton Hall was sold. Luckily, a friend named Mr. Winkley bought it. He allowed Albert Hodgson to live in the partly ruined house after he was released from prison.
Later, a rich man named George Towneley became the owner. He married Albert Hodgson's daughter, Mary, in the 1750s. George Towneley built the house we see today between 1759 and 1761. It was designed in the Georgian style, which was popular back then. He also planted new woods and designed the park around the house.
Changes Over the Years
George and Mary Towneley did not have children. So, George's nephew, John, inherited the estate. John sold the hall in 1805.
In 1822, Richard Gillow became the owner. His grandfather was a famous furniture maker. Richard changed the look of the house, making it more like a castle. This style is called Gothic Revival, and he used local white limestone for the changes.
Later, in 1870, Richard's son, Richard Thomas Gillow, added a new three-story part to the house. This new section included a billiard room and guest rooms.
Modern Times at Leighton Hall
Richard Thomas Gillow passed away in 1906. The hall was not in the best condition then. His grandson, Charles Richard Gillow, took over. Charles's wife continued to live there until she was 96 years old, passing away in 1966.
Today, Leighton Hall is owned by Richard Gillow Reynolds and his wife Susan. They are descendants of the Gillow family.
In 2021, Leighton Hall received money from the government's Culture Recovery Fund. This helped to protect and preserve the historic building. The hall also won the 2023 Sustainability Award from the Historic Houses Association. This shows they are doing a great job caring for the environment!
Leighton Hall has even been on TV! It was featured in the 1984 TV show about Sherlock Holmes. It was used as the setting for "Ridling Thorp Manor" in the story The Adventure of the Dancing Men.
See also
- Grade II* listed buildings in Lancashire
- Listed buildings in Yealand Conyers
- List of non-ecclesiastical works by Paley and Austin
