Newbiggin Hall

Newbiggin Hall is a large house that dates from the mid-15th century and has undergone later alterations and additions. It is constructed of coursed, squared rubble and ashlar with quoins, topped by hipped, graduated slate roofs featuring corniced stone chimneys and embattled parapets. The tower, located to the left of the center on the north side and known as the Jerusalem, was likely built in the 1460s as a temporary refuge for the Crackenthorpe family, who were on the losing side in the Wars of the Roses. A more permanent tower was added to the rear in the early 16th century; this two-storey structure has corner turrets and originally featured life-size sculpted figures in armor on the ridge, two of which were returned to Newbiggin in 1983 after being removed. In 1533, a hall was added to connect the Jerusalem to a third tower, which was later rebuilt by Anthony Salvin in 1844. The hall was remodeled in 1569, and a new oval dining room was constructed at first floor level in 1796. A further wing was added to the north corner around 1890 by C.J. Ferguson. Most of the windows are mullioned 19th-century 'medieval' reconstructions. Inside, the original newel stair to the Jerusalem remains, along with a late 16th-century carved overmantel and re-used panelling in the ground floor of the 16th-century tower, as well as some original fireplaces and doors.