Hoghton Tower At Sd 622 264

Hoghton Tower is a mansion house built by the de Hoghton family, begun by Thomas Hoghton in 1562–3. The house is dated 1565 in the upper courtyard and 1700 on the south wing of the lower courtyard, with construction probably continuing sequentially from the earlier date, supplemented by parts dating from the mid to late 17th century and additions around 1700 and 1900. The building fell into disrepair by the mid 19th century but underwent restoration from 1862 onwards; ex situ datestones of 1673 were found in the south-west turret of the ramparts during this work.

The tower is constructed of sandstone with stone slate roofs and occupies a dramatic position on the crown of Hoghton Hill escarpment. It follows a conservative double courtyard plan, mostly of two storeys, and employs similarly conservative architectural features, apparently deliberately so.

The lower courtyard is enclosed by a screen wall with an embattled gate tower and corner towers facing down the westward slope, with added ranges on the north and south sides. The upper courtyard contains a gateway on the same axis (the tower was destroyed in 1642), with the Great Hall and kitchen on the north side, state rooms on the east side, and living rooms on the south and west sides. A former chapel attached at the north-east corner had decayed by the mid 19th century and was replaced with a porch. Most of these elements appear to be of different periods of construction.

The gateways of both courtyards feature 4-centred double-chamfered arches with semi-octagonal responds crowned by moulded caps. Above the outer arch of the lower gate is a carved plaque depicting a man wrestling with a beast, lettered "T H" and set within a Renaissance architrave. The upper gateway displays on its outer side a carved plaque with a shield of arms (with two bulls as bearers) and a helm in a heavily foliated surround lettered "TH"; on its inner side is another plaque bearing the Hoghton arms and the date 1565.

Windows throughout the building have slightly recessed mullions (some moulded, some with cavetto moulding) but lack hoodmoulds, varying between two, three, or four lights, except those serving the principal rooms of the upper courtyard, which have transoms.

The Great Hall is raised over a basement and features a full-height semi-octagonal bay on both the inner and outer sides of its upper eastern end, fenestrated all around with three transoms. The gable is corbelled out over the corners and bears ball finials on the kneelers and apex. On the courtyard side is a high-set tripartite window with two transoms (12, 15, and 15 lights), while opposite on the outer side is an external chimney stack serving a side-wall fireplace. At the lower western end is a moulded 4-centred arched doorway approached by nine semi-circular steps, with a similar doorway at the north end of the screens covered by a short outer wing or porch. The porch is decorated at ground floor level with remains of fine Renaissance detailing including pilasters, strapwork, and entablature, and carries a moulded cornice supporting a slightly oversailing upper floor.

The east range of the upper courtyard has transomed windows at first floor with 8+8, 8, and 10+10 lights. The south range similarly features transomed windows of 4, 6+6, 6+6, and 6+6 lights.

Interior features of note include a late 17th-century screen and minstrels' gallery in the hall with turned balusters in both elements; a staircase in the east range with twisted balusters; a well-house in the north-east corner of the outer courtyard equipped with wooden winding gear; and ovolo-moulded beams, panelling, and Renaissance-style fireplaces and overmantels, variously restored or copied.