Tuesday, May 06, 2014

Burton Agnes Hall - Part One

Behind this 17th century red brick facade is a most fascinating building

Through the green door and you are in the lower chamber of a building that is much older.  This early manor house was built in 1173 by Roger de Stuteville not a lot remains from that time but certainly most of the ground floor is from that period.  Apparently Roger de Stuteville had a daughter called Agnes and it is thought that this is where the name Burton Agnes came from.

Up the stairs in the far corner of the lower chamber taking great care on their uneven surface whilst wondering what would lie at the top


It was certainly one of those 'wow' moments!



The upper floor has been altered many times over the centuries but it is believed to have been the main hall of residence used by Sir Walter Griffith and therefore mid-fifteenth century in origin.  It is believed that the roof dates from then.

This building was encased in brick during the seventeenth century when the 'new' hall was built next door.  The earlier building was used as a laundry for the larger house and an extra floor was added hence the higher row of windows. 

Behind the old hall is a waterwheel which was worked by a donkey to draw water from a well.

It was time for tea and cake in the lovely cafe - I didn't take a photo but the blueberry and lime cake was delicious.


Fully refreshed we were ready to visit the 'new' hall and gardens.



To be continued in part two.

32 comments:

  1. I do love a winding staircase but wouldn't it be a pain to have to go up and down there all the time?! Fascinating building Rosie. x

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    1. Yes, it would - especially with my knees! Apparently there was a larger staircase on the outside leading to a door now bricked up - I expect this would have been a much sturdier affair:)

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  2. That was way too much fun. I love visiting places like that. I'll be back to see part two ...

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the visit - hope to post part two over the weekend:)

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  3. I visited with my friend Shan some years ago but we didn't go below into the old part, how fascinating!
    Xxx

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    1. The old hall is at the side just beyond the courtyard tea rooms next to the church - we didn't get chance to visit the church. The Norman hall is looked after by English heritage and is free to go in:)

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  4. I've driven past Burton Agnes so many times and never called in - What a fantastic place it looks. xxx

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    1. It is fascinating, Diane - perhaps next time you are passing you will pop in for a look - the main hall has an entrance fee but the old hall is free:)

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  5. Lovely old house Rosie. I do like the arches and pillars in the lower chamber. Very interesting.
    Patricia x

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    1. It is a fascinating place, Patricia and visiting the main hall was a bonus as we'd originally intended just to visit the old hall:)

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  6. What fantastic place!!!.I love these old buildings.
    Thanks Rosie for share it.
    I'm waiting for the second part.

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    1. Glad you enjoyed visiting with me, Dolores - part two over the weekend - hopefully:)

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  7. This looks like the kind of place I would love! I've heard of it but never been - I shall be doing something about that omission this summer. Looking forward to your next post about it.

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    1. I'm sure you would like both of the halls, Rowan - there is a church too which we didn't have time to go into after we'd discovered the walled gardens:)

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  8. This looks like an interesting place to visit, The blueberry and lime cake sounds delicious too!

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    1. It was delicious, Louise I wasn't sure about the combination but it did work:)

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  9. What amazing architecture, the beams are very impressive. I look forward to part 2! xx

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    1. It was fascinating, Amy - part two hopefully over the weekend:)

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  10. Aren't we fortunate to have such a rich and varied heritage? I've never even heard of Burton Agnes but it will be added to my list if ever I'm in the area. The light on some of your photos is remarkable.

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    1. We are indeed - we'd seen the old manor house on the map but thought it was a distance from the Elizabethan hall but they were next door to each other so we changed our plans and visited both:)

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  11. Just one word - fabulous.

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  12. I have been to Burton Agnes Hall a number of times but I never knew there was a new hall and an old one. I've only ever seen the new one. (I grew up near there)

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    1. The old one is next door just beyond the courtyard and side gate - it is run by English Heritage whereas the main hall still belongs to the family. We also visited Flamborough and Bempton of which more later:)

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  13. The old building looks amazing!

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    1. It is small but wonderful - so much history there:)

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  14. A fascinating old building because of the alterations with changes to the fabric and use over the years. Looking forward to your next post about the new hall.

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    1. Yes, I wonder what it was like to work in there when it was a laundry- very hot, damp and busy I expect especially if there were guests at the main hall:)

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  15. This is my kind of place Rosie. It looks steeped in history. I love the rather squat lower chamber! Fascinating. Once again you have shown me an historical place new to me. Look forward to part 2.

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    1. Thanks, Jeanne - it had quite an atmosphere - as did the main hall. Both were fascinating:)

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  16. Really it is a wonderful place Rosie! Enjoyed all your photos. Especially the garden looks very nice!

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    1. Welcome and thank you - glad you enjoyed the photos:)

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