Built in the 1560s for the Winstanley family who were lords of the manor since (at least) 1252. The Winstanley family also owned the Braunstone Hall estate in Leicestershire.
The estate was later sold to James Bankes, a London goldsmith and banker in 1596. The Bankes family had huge economic influence over the centuries, with links to coal mining and the subsequent railways. The final additions to the hall were made in 1843, with one of the smaller stone buildings used to house bears that provided entertainment for the hall's guests. The Bankes family retained ownership of the hall until the 21st century when it was sold for private development. The estate remained in decent condition until the 1960s when the family moved out - last occupied in the 1980s.
More recently, the manor was sold on in 2000 with 10 acres. Reports are that the new owner intends to develop the hall into private flats, and the refurbishment is held up due to problems with planning permission.
It's a shame how these once Tudor buildings have been left to rot. After speaking with other explorers it’s apparent how almost all of the entrances have now been bolted and locked off in recent times. The only real access point is through a small window to the rear of the building. On a positive note it does seem some effort is being made to restore the buildings with scaffolding and new materials being rife within the main parts.
The estate was later sold to James Bankes, a London goldsmith and banker in 1596. The Bankes family had huge economic influence over the centuries, with links to coal mining and the subsequent railways. The final additions to the hall were made in 1843, with one of the smaller stone buildings used to house bears that provided entertainment for the hall's guests. The Bankes family retained ownership of the hall until the 21st century when it was sold for private development. The estate remained in decent condition until the 1960s when the family moved out - last occupied in the 1980s.
More recently, the manor was sold on in 2000 with 10 acres. Reports are that the new owner intends to develop the hall into private flats, and the refurbishment is held up due to problems with planning permission.
It's a shame how these once Tudor buildings have been left to rot. After speaking with other explorers it’s apparent how almost all of the entrances have now been bolted and locked off in recent times. The only real access point is through a small window to the rear of the building. On a positive note it does seem some effort is being made to restore the buildings with scaffolding and new materials being rife within the main parts.
