Manor house with dark past no longer 'at risk'
Heritage EnglandA house with a dark past which was the scene of a murder in the 17th Century is no longer considered “at risk" of being lost after it was converted into holiday accommodation.
Calverley Old Hall in Leeds, a Grade I-listed medieval house where William Calverley murdered his two sons in 1605, had been on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register for nearly 10 years because of concerns about its condition.
Although it has been removed from the list since its restoration, seven other heritage sites in Yorkshire have been added including St John the Evangelist Church in Ranmoor, Sheffield and the gateway to Temple Lodge, in Cravengate, Richmond.
Heritage minister Sir Chris Bryant said the buildings at risk were in “desperate need of support”.
Calverley Old Hall had originally been added the Heritage at Risk Register in 2016 after the Landmark Trust, which has owned the site since 1981, raised concerns about its future.
The house was the manorial seat of the Calverley family and had a great hall and chapel dating from 1490 and private living quarters that were built around 1300.
The murderer, William Calverley, was executed in York after he killed his children in 1605.
The building was divided into cottages after the Calverley family moved to Esholt Hall in 1700.
Since the renovation, it has been split into self-catering accommodation, a community room and a one-bedroom flat.
Heritage EnglandDr Anna Keay OBE, director of the Landmark Trust, said the transformation had given the building a “whole new lease of life”.
She added: “We are delighted to see Calverley Old Hall removed from the Heritage at Risk register after almost a decade.
“Its inclusion on the register played an important part in our fundraising campaign, which in turn enabled the Landmark Trust to transform this wonderful medieval building and give it a whole new lease of life.”
Other buildings that are no longer at risk on the list include Kexby Old Bridge in Kexby, Hopton Congregational Church in Mirfield and Christ Church in Mount Pellon.
The seven sites that are now on the "at risk" list include:
- Church of St Martin, in Yapham
- Church of St Wilfred, in Ottringham
- The stable block to the east of Forcett Hall, in Forcett
- Gateway to Temple Lodge, in Cravengate, Richmond
- Church of St John in Sheffield
- Church of St John the Baptist, in Hooton Roberts
- Horbury Hall, in Horbury
Buildings that are included on the register become eligible for grant funding from the Culture Recovery Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “Heritage is so important to Yorkshire. It plays a vital role in our society and boosts the regional economy.
“This year, we have seen partners and communities come together to help save the historic buildings and places that need it the most.
“It’s inspirational to see how we can harness the power of our heritage to benefit local people across Yorkshire. Together, we can save our places and find new ways to enjoy the heritage that people value so much.”
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