Woodsome Hall

Woodsome Hall

An extremely fine hall house with additions, now a golf club house, built in stages for four generations of the Kaye family between the early 16th century and the mid-17th century. The building is constructed of ashlar stone with a slate roof and comprises two storeys arranged around a rear courtyard.

The main range containing the hall faces east and overlooks a terrace. To the right and rear are two later blocks, one L-shaped. To the rear left is another L-shaped range enclosing the courtyard. Architectural details include double hollow chamfered windows, hollow chamfered gable copings on moulded kneelers, pointed finials, projecting chimney breasts with ashlar stacks bearing moulded caps, and lead guttering, fall pipes and rainwater heads. Many of these rainwater fittings carry the motif of a finch, and one is dated 1774.

The hall range is flanked by a gabled wing on each side and features a two-storey gabled porch. The main elevation displays a ten-light hall window with transom and cross windows to each side. The porch has an eight-light window with transom to the first floor, as does each gabled wing. A moulded door surround with imposts and a moulded Tudor arched lintel dated 1600 provides the entrance. The inner doorway is similarly detailed and retains an early oak door. The later wing to the right projects for two bays and contains two-light windows, with a further addition at right angles to it.

To the rear, right of the hall range and at right angles, stands a three-gabled two-and-a-half storey range whose main facade overlooks the courtyard. The left two gables are symmetrical, each containing a central Tudor arched doorway and five-light windows to either side. Above these, at first floor level, are two ten-light windows with transom and a central cross-window lighting a fine first-floor chamber. This chamber contains a very fine plaster frieze with alternating motifs of affronted wyverns and a merman holding hands with a mermaid to each side, with the Kaye arms at the centre. At the rear of this block external stacks rise from each of the three gables, with paired diagonal ashlar stacks. The south range, to the rear left of the hall range, is largely altered. It is now entirely of stone, though straight joints suggest the upper floor may once have been of another material. The west range features square-cut windows to the west, but its courtyard side is distinguished by a colonnade of short Tuscan columns, possibly of early 17th-century date. The courtyard contains a round pond with fountain dated 1857. An early oak door from the courtyard provides access into the south range.

Interior

The hall range contains a through passage to the courtyard with the hall situated to the right. The hall is open to the roof with timber posts and arched braces still visible. A broad fireplace backing onto the passage displays a moulded surround with stone seats. Stone corbels support a massive bressumer carved with raised letters reading "ARTHUR KAY BIATRIX KAY" with a Tudor rose and fleur-de-lys as stops and a central Kaye shield at its centre. Oak panelling lines the hall. A gallery to the rear features turned balusters and an elaborately carved frieze. A carved oak clock dated 1652 is present. Two windows at high level open from a ladies' chamber. The parlour to the right is oak panelled and contains elaborately plastered beam soffits decorated with vines and grapes, along with several good fireplaces. An open oak staircase to the rear displays turned balusters, with further evidence of timber posting visible in this area.

A paved terrace adjoins the hall, featuring tapering fluted balusters with stone rail and ball finials, with a small flight of stone steps providing access.

Historical Context

The first recorded dweller at Woodsome is thought to be Gilbert de Notton in 1236. The Tyas family occupied the site until 1370, when the manor was granted to Sir William Finchenden. The finch motif appearing throughout the building derives from this family connection. The Kayes held Woodsome from 1378 until 1726, when Sir Arthur Kaye died. His daughter married George Legge, Viscount Lewisham, eldest son of the Earl of Dartmouth. This family occupied the house until 1911.