Capheaton Hall. Photo by Harry Rowland.

Capheaton Hall was built in 1668 and stands close to the site of an earlier castle. The castle had a moat and a drawbridge and is first mentioned in documents in 1415. It still stood in 1538. The new house was built in Baroque style by Robert Trollope for Sir John Swinburne with no hint of a defensive nature. Much of this original 17th century work still survives, although the north side of the building has been altered and two wings were added in the mid-18th century. The hall was built in a style new to this region in the 17th century, reflecting ideas common in the south of England 20 years earlier. It has been described as 'one of the most interesting houses of its date and character in England' by Pevsner. This is a Grade I Listed Building protected by law.