[NY 9312 6019] Dotland Park. (1)

Dotland Park seems to have been formed about 1355, when Archbishop Thoresby granted a licence to the prior and convent to enclose their wood called Dotland Park with a higher wall. In 1547 it was in the possession of the heirs of Sir Reginald Carnaby. It was probably a hunting lodge of the prior and canons of Hexham.
The present farm buildings contain some remains of the older establishment including three 15th century windows, all blocked, one of which carries the monogram of Prior Smithson [1491-1524].
The present tenants state that when a garden was recently formed at the back of the house, large quantities of bones were dug up, but it is not known whether they were human or animal. [See Illustrations Card]. (2)

Grange or Lodge and supposed chapel of the priors of Hexham. (3)

Warburton's (1716) and Armstrong's (1769) maps of Northumberland and other early maps show Dotland Park as a dwelling with no indication of a park pale or any enclosed grounds. (4)

NY 9314 6021. A two-storey stone house, situated upon a north west slope with later additions upon the north and east sides. The building is at present a private residence. The additions, together with the surrounding farmbuildings are, probably 18/19th century. (5)

There is no sign of a park wall or pale in the area. The present resident/owners of Dotland Park had no information to offer. (6)

Condition unchanged. Not outstanding. (7)

Dotland Park Farmhouse, Grade II*. Hunting Lodge of Priors of Hexham, c.1500. Late 18th/early 19th century outshut and refenestration. Other alterations 1907. Slate roof. Coursed stone. Left return shows arms of Prior Smithson in spandrels; arms also appear inside in the rear wall of original house. Heraldry suggests the lodge was built by Thomas Smithson (prior 1491- 1524), earlier medieval fabric may be incorporated.
In 1654 it was a Baptist meeting house, one of the earliest in the north of England. (8)