Holmeswood Hall

TARLETON THE MARSHES LANE SD 41 NW Holmeswood 6/63 Holmeswood Hall 11.10.1968 GV II

Hunting or fishing lodge (or part thereof) built by Hesketh family of Rufford, now farmhouse. Dated 1568 at 2nd floor; altered. Brick roughcast and painted white; pitched roof concealed by parapet. Rectangular single-cell 3-storey tower with embattled parapet, large rectangular external chimney stack in left return wall continued above the parapet and finished with battlements disguising flues; in south front one large square window on each of the 1st 2 floors, a 3-light casement at 2nd floor, and between the upper windows a carved stone plaque in ropework surround with a wheatsheaf in the centre flanked by stylised letters T H (= Thomas Hesketh) with date 15 68 in upper corners. Addition to rear. Other features and interior of less interest. History: associated with fishing and hunting on and around former Martin Mere (which was 4 miles long and 2 miles wide before draining); probably built to protect Hesketh's disputed rights here. Reference: VCH Lancs VI pp.116-7; and W.G. Procter "The Manor of Rufford and the Ancient Family of the Heskeths" His. Soc. Lancs and Cheshire, 23, 1907, pp.91-118.

Listing NGR: SD4223317450