Dacre Hall

NY 56 SE BURTHOLME LANERCOST

31/54 Dacre Hall

1.4.57 I

Church Hall, formerly west range of cloisters of Lanercost Priory. Early C13 with alterations of 1559 for Sir Thomas Dacre, further early C19 alterations. Mixed red and calciferous squared and coursed sandstone rubble (mostly from the nearby Roman Wall); graduated green slate roof, stone chimney stack. 2 storeys, 5 bays; long range with upper floor C16 dining hall. Scriptorium left has slype entrance under to cloisters, tall lancet window, dentilled cornice and gabled roof. Interior has moulded C16 plaster frieze of mermaids and scallop shells, which is the same as a frieze in the Vicar's tower. Central lower floor is very much altered; 2 two-light stone-mullioned windows and C20 garage entrance to right. Extreme right undercroft has early C13 stone rib-vaulting. Upper floor entrance with segmental arch has been blocked, mid C16 chamfered-surround flat-arched entrance to right; C19 external stone steps. Upper floor 3 & 4-light stone-mullioned windows with C19 restoration. Extreme right mid C16 2-bay projection has 3-light stone mullioned windows, with continuous hood mould. Interior of dining hall: kingpost timber roof of 5 bays; traces of mid C16 mural of heraldic device with vine leaf decorative borders. C16 moulded stone fireplace in thickness of west wall has been partly removed and originally had carved oak chimneypiece of 1618 for Henry Dacre, now in Bowes Museum; blocked spice cupboard to right. Moulded stone fireplace in thickness of east wall is dated 1586 with initials of Christopher Dacre. Behind the present stage is the remains of the timber frame for the mid C16 minstrels' gallery. At the Dissolution, the Prior's tower, Dacre Hall and Outer Court were purchased by Sir Thomas Dacre; his alterations to form his house, are dated by the remains of a stained glass window from the hall, now in the nearby parish church. Remained in that family until the early C18. John Hetherington was of Dacre Hall, when he died in 1745. Purchased by the Earl of Carlisle in C19, converted to church hall in C20. See John R.H. Moorman, Lanercost Priory, 1983, p14.

Listing NGR: NY5557963705