Crewe Hall

Crewe Hall is a Jacobean mansion built between 1615 and 1636 for Sir Randolph Crewe. A west service wing was added circa 1800 for the first Baron Crewe, followed by restoration work undertaken by Blore between 1830 and 1840 for the third Baron. The building was gutted by fire in 1866 and subsequently rebuilt by E M Barry from 1870. Further alterations were made by Thomas Bower in 1896. The hall is constructed of red brick with stone dressings, topped with a lead and slate roof. It comprises two storeys with a basement and attic.

The south entrance front presents two facades of seven bays, with the western section stepping forward of the eastern by two bays, and a further single storey structure built against the west return. The original Jacobean east wing walls survived the 1866 fire and are fronted by a wide paved area with a balustrade featuring lions on alternate piers, and griffin and lion sculptures flanking steps to the main entrance. The entrance bay is of stone, set forward, and features a semicircular arched opening flanked by fluted Ionic columns on strap-decorated bases. Above are tapering Jacobean pilasters flanking a three-light window and supporting a full-width strapwork cartouche. The stone-dressed window above supports the balustraded parapet and achievement cresting. The porch is flanked by pairs of single-mullion double-transome stone-dressed windows in diaper-work walls. The bays at the east corner and west wing are canted two-storey bay windows with shaped gables to the attic windows, set behind the balustraded eaves parapet. The west wing is plainer, with a single two-storey canted bay window surmounted by a shaped gable, flanked by pairs of single-mullion double-transome windows and a first-floor oriel between similar windows in the west bays. All quoins have flush stone dressing, with a full-length cornice at first-floor window-head level and full-length eaves parapet. The east end features four two-storey canted bay windows with shaped gables to the end bays. The north garden front is the reverse arrangement of the south facade, with the east wing forward. This side displays an elaborate two-storey segmental bay forming the chapel apse at ground floor level, with solid cartouche-decorated stone panels below cusp-headed stained glass lights. The rear is dominated by a square stone-dressed brick tower with an ogee roof and corner chimney pinnacles, rising two storeys above the main roof. The west wing includes an arcaded loggia with blind arcaded rear wall, vaulted ceiling, and three Tuscan columns.

The interior's principal interest lies in the east wing. The South West room, known as the "Oak Parlour", retains the only original Jacobean chimney piece, featuring "Green Men" and period carving, which contrasts markedly with the high-quality craftsmanship achieved under the direction of the 19th-century architects. The Entrance Hall contains an elaborate marble chimney piece with Tuscan columns, pediment, and the Crewe Arms, oak-panelled walls, and a timber-panelled ceiling. A triple-arched plastered arcade, flanked and divided by marble Tuscan columns and fluted pilasters, leads to a central hall with panelling and columns on four sides forming a cloister arrangement with a mezzanine-level timber-balustraded gallery above. Columns at gallery level support hammer beams and elaborate arched trusses supporting a lantern light. The chapel lies north of the central hall, its apsidal chancel executed in marble with a miniature Corinthian arcade featuring alabaster heads of prophets and Evangelists. An elaborate carved altar rail with opening flanked by angels, benches with carved backs and poppyheads, and wall panelling with bronze medallions of biblical characters in each panel complete the chapel fittings. The ornate choir gallery entrance is accessed from the mezzanine gallery of the central hall. The open newel staircase east of the central hall is approached by short flights from east and west and features fluted strings, strapwork, carved animal newel caps, and other high-quality carving. The Carved Parlour is lined with oak panelling and contains an alabaster chimney piece depicting "Time rewarding Industry and punishing Sloth", surmounted by a broken pediment with the head of Sir Randolph Crewe. The room features a dentil and egg-and-dart cornice and a deep plaster frieze with figures representing the elements, graces, and virtues. The upper floor includes a vaulted gallery around the central hall with elaborate plasterwork. The Library features Corinthian columns flanking the chimney piece, scenes in the frieze, and a high-quality ceiling with pendants. The Drawing Room has panelling, Corinthian pilasters, marble chimney piece, doors with lavish cases, and a ceiling with strapwork and pendants. The Long Gallery is distinguished by Corinthian pilasters and a modillion cornice. All rooms in the east wing generally contain chimney pieces, doors, door cases, and ceilings of a high standard based on strapwork, each possessing its own individual character. The house represents a fine example of 19th-century reconstruction.