Unthank Hall, Stanhope (Stanhope; Unthank)

Stanhope, Unthank © Ryder, P 2006

Unthank Hall is on of the earlier manorial sites in Weardale; a 1393 Inquisition records a that a William de Merley 'died seized of the manor of Unthank' ; it later passed by marriage to the Maddisons who held it until c1640; then to Westgarth family who held it until the 19th century. The building fell into a semi-ruinous condition until restored c2000 by its present owner. Archaeological recording was carried out at this time, including dendrochronology analysis which allowed the West Range to be dated to c1542 and the East Range to c1592.

The house is built of coursed rubble with large squared sandstone quoins and dressings and stone slate roofs. The original openings of the South Range have chamfered surrounds, the windows being mullioned; those of the West Range have hollow-chamfered surrounds. It is suggested that the site had a moat at some point and was a defensive buildings. The C18 sash windows have raised surrounds of tooled ashlar. The main building is 17th century in date, but the north wing was added later. This is a Grade II* Listed Building protected by law.

Reference number:

D2233

Historical period:

Post Medieval (1540 to 1901)
Tudor (1485 to 1603)
Victorian (1837 to 1901)
Medieval (1066 to 1540)
21st Century (2001 to 2100)
Uncertain

Legal status:

Listed Building
• National Heritage List for England Entry Number: 1230062

Event(s):

Defensible Buildings in County Durham Survey 2005 - 2006; Peter Ryder, Historic Building Consultant
Dendrochronological survey at Unthank Hall, Stanhope 2001; English Heritage
Building recording at Unthank Hall, Stanhope, County Durham 1997 - 2000; North East Vernacular Architecture Group
Excavations at the Stair Tower at Unthank Hall, Stanhope, County Durham 2000; Various Local Societies

Disclaimer -

Please note that this information has been compiled from a number of different sources. Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council can accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy contained therein. If you wish to use/copy any of the images, please ensure that you read the Copyright information provided.

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