Clarghyll Hall

NY 74 NW ALSTON MOOR

3/4 Clarghyll Hall 25.9.51 G.V. II*

Large house of several periods: C16 bastle, heightened and extended to north in late C17 for Nicholas Whitfield; further extended to north for Thomas Whitfield mid/late C18. Top floor of tower, east wing, and north study/chapel (incorporating remains of another bastle) added c1860 (date on tower's north gable) by Rev. Octavius James who lived here 1847-89; (he also designed his church at Kirkhaugh, Northumberland). Coursed squared rubble with quoins; C19 work of ashlar. North wing has stone-flagged roof with stone mid and end chimneys; C19 roofs of welsh slate with corbie-stepped gables and end chimney to tower; 3 gables on north side of east wing with castellated octagonal chimney to south side. L-shaped with 3-storey tower to left of centre, 2-storey north wing and projecting east wing of one tall storey, all with undercrofts. Tower has steps up to gabled C18 porch on right with C19 stone-traceried bow window on right at 1st floor level; original stone mullioned window between with similar above, that to right having inscription: N.W. JULY THE X 1679 on lintel and motto on sill. (Staircase wing to rear has similar window dated MARCH 1678). C19 mullioned windows to top floor. 5-bay north wing has wood mullioned and transomed windows. East wing in Gothic style. Interior: Tower undercroft retains original semicircular-headed door to bastle, with draw-bar slot and pivot-holes, now opening off C17 cross-passage. Heavy oak beams carry stone-flagged floor above. Large bracketed fireplace on entrance floor c1688 (date on re-positioned spice cupboard); end room in north wing on same floor has C18 cornice, panelled doors and shutters, with some original carving remaining in remodelled fireplace. Study-chapel at north end, partly destroyed by fire in 1889 in which Rev. Octavius James died.

Listing NGR: NY7257249324