Holywell Manor House

A 192 NZ 37 SW (East side, off) Holywell, Whitley Bay 8/7 Holywell Manor House (Formerly listed 8.2.49 as Strother Farm) GV II House, dated 1654 with inscription MEDIOCRIA FIRMA on door lintel, built for Sir Ralph Bates. Large rubble with cut dressings, some renewed c.1970; renewed pantile roof with C20 brick stacks. South elevation 2 storeys, 4 bays. Left- of-centre renewed door in moulded surround with flattened 4-centred head, inscribed lintel and hoodmould. Pair of doorways with similar but unmoulded arches, the left a C20 insertion, between left bays. Ground-floor windows formerly of 2 lights, in chamfered surrounds with hoodmoulds, that on right enlarged into doorway; far right inserted C20 window. Upper windows with similar surrounds, in flat-topped half dormers; smaller windows with timber lintels between left bays and to far right. Coped gables with moulded kneelers; end and 2 ridge stacks. Left return shows large projecting stack; former 2-light window with hoodmould on right and smaller chamfered window above. Rear central gabled stair wing flanked by gabled single-storey wings, that to left a C19 addition. Scattered fenestration; flat-topped half dormer near right end.

Interior: At west end large fireplace with segmental chamfered arch. Parlour fireplace has moulded 4-centred arch; similar but simpler fireplace in bedroom and another with corbelled-out lintel on stairs.

It is uncertain whether the present building is Bates' original house or a service or lodgings range; the Northumberland County History suggests that the main house stood on the east of the former courtyard, now a lawn.

The motto MEDIOCRIA FIRMA - 'The Middle Course is Safe' is associated with several families including the Bacon Baronets and the Lords Grimston of Westbury.

Listing NGR: NZ3180674490