Kirkland Hall

Kirkland Hall is a large house of substantial historical importance, combining a significant 18th-century front with substantially earlier remains incorporated into its rear ranges.

The main block dates to 1760 and is attributed to John Carr of York. It is constructed of brick with sandstone dressings beneath a slate roof. The south front presents a symmetrical composition of two storeys with attic storey, spanning seven bays. Stone quoins and a cornice articulate the elevation. The three central bays project slightly forward beneath a pediment. Windows throughout are sashed with glazing bars (except certain attic windows), finished with gauged brick arches. The principal door is flanked by paired Tuscan pilasters and opens through a Tuscan porch mounted on four steps. Within the porch pediment is inscribed 'AB [Alexander Butler] 1760'. Chimneys stand behind the ridge on either side of the pediment.

The rear of the main block contains wings that extend northwards, with a further wing at its northern end running eastwards. Although these wings possess 19th-century dressings, the brickwork is of 17th-century size. Cross windows feature chamfered stone surrounds with hoods and margin lights. The eastern-facing wing comprises five bays, with the two rightmost bays projecting forward beneath a gable containing a clock. The main house entrance is positioned here, accessed through a door with decorative strap hinges set within a hooded surround. The southernmost wing contains four bays, with the two central bays placed beneath a gable. Its east gable wall holds a re-tooled sandstone doorway with a shaped lintel inscribed 'ABE 1695'. Part of the rear wall of this wing is now missing, with eaves supported on concrete brick piers. The roof is of 17th-century type, constructed with hardwood tie beam trusses incorporating raking queen struts.

An adjoining but separate block occupies the outer angle between the two principal rear wings. Its west-facing gable has been rebuilt in concrete brick. Internally it contains the remains of a timber frame, with three main ceiling beams mortised into wall posts, two of which are now truncated. The ground floor preserves a blocked moulded stone fireplace dating to approximately 1600, its spandrels carved with shields. The north wall contains a wallplate with mortises for studs belonging to an independent timber frame, presumably from a parallel range. Two plaques are built into the external walls: 'TBE 1679' and 'TBE 1668'. The first floor was not accessible during survey, though part of a timber-framed partition wall could be observed.

Within the main block, the entrance hall at the rear contains a plaster triglyph frieze and Tuscan pilasters. A narrow vestibule is screened from the main hall by two Tuscan columns. The dog-leg stair features an open string with three turned balusters to each tread and a ramped and wreathed handrail. The east room is panelled with a plaster cornice, carved fireplace surround and timber overmantel. The room accessed from the south front door has been shortened and contains a fireplace with carved surround. The west room holds a similarly styled fire surround and features a delicate plaster ceiling whose central motif is a covered cup.

Mid 19th-century rear wings incorporate 17th-century remains, with part of a timber frame possibly dating to the 16th century. The complex stratigraphy of the building, encompassing elements from the 16th through 19th centuries, provides substantial evidence of its evolving architectural history.