Beck Cottage

SD 97 SE KETTLEWELL WITH STARBOTTON OLD MAIN STREET (east side) Starbotton

11/117 Beck Cottage

10.9.54

GV II

Former north wing of Old Hall, now house. Dated 1663, for the Symondson family, restored c1920 after a period of dereliction. Limestone rubble, graduated stone slate roof. 2 storeys, 2 bays, the rear bay being a lower ridged continuation of the Carn Cottage range (q.v.) and the front bay projecting at right angles. Quoins. West gable front: C20 glazed door with outer board doors right; the doorway having moulded jambs and a large lintel with the letters " WS 1663 TS" in relief. 4-light window to left, 3- light above and a single light in the gable, all recessed chamfered and restored. Ashlar stack to centre of ridge. Left return: restored central door and fenestration. Rear: a small chamfered window with segmental head to left; a similar rectangular window first-floor centre. The eaves line slightly lower than Carn Cottage. Interior: the front living room has a large fireplace, the lintel supported by corbelled jambs; the cross beam supported by corbels. The rear kitchen has the rebuilt remains of a large stone cooking fireplace, formerly against the rear wall. History: The Old Hall, Starbotton was occupied by the Symondson family in the C17, Lister Symondson being keeper of the deer at Buckden, in 1600. In the mid C17 the house is said to have been used by Lady Ann Clifford (d.1670) as a resting place during her journeys from Skipton Castle to her estates in Westmorland. After a period of dereliction following storm damage the house became cottages before thorough restoration c1920. F.W. Houghton, Upper Wharfedale, 1980. p.l39

Listing NGR: SD9540574845