Sizergh Castle

SD 48 NE HELSINGTON

3/13 21.11.52 Sizergh Castle

G.V. I

Castle. South Tower, probably C15, (previously thought to be C14 and the earliest building on the site) appears to have been added to earlier hall with crosswing which forms the basis of the North Tower. Original pre-C15 external entrance to Hall is at ground floor level on East side. Remains of wall under present verandah to East apparently date from alterations to enlarge the Hall carried out between Machell's record of the building in 1670 and an eyewitness account in 1770. Alterations to accommodate carriage entrance carried out during the C19. Subsidiary wings to the West mid C16 with later alterations including refenestration of North wing during C19. Limestone rubble walls, wings partially rendered. Pitched roofs slated, with decorative barge boards (probably C17) and stone ball finials, embattled roofs leaded: leadwork to South Tower turret dated 1749. Variety of stone chimney stacks to Hall, massive 3-stage stacks to West wings, embattled stone chimney stack to South Tower probably C16. Upper floor windows to west side of South Tower C15 mullioned and transomed, ground floor C19. East and West sides of main block mostly late C18 Gothick under hood moulds with labels; Venetian windows in East side of both North and South Towers; C16 mullioned and transomed windows in South West wing. A panel of uncertain date above 2nd floor window in West side of South Tower displays the arms of Deincourt quartering those of Strickland. The interior has vaulted undercrofts to the North and South Towers, that in the North being a later addition; mural staircase in South Tower; very fine panelled rooms from C16 and later with ornately carved overmantles and decorative ceilings; dated Jacobean glass from various sources. References: The National Trust Guidebook to Sizergh Henry Hornyold Strickland of Sizergh Kendal 1928 (Limited Edition) (p.258 quotes eyewitness account pre 1770) Jane M Ewbank (Ed) Antiquary on Horseback (from collections of Rev Thos Machell) C&W Extra series Vol.XIX Kendal 1963 pp.67/68 R.C.H.M. (For interior descriptions only)

Listing NGR: SD4986587884