More information : [NY 9370 6408] Tower [G.T.] (1)
The building now known as the Manor Office was formerly the gaol the
date of which may be almost exactly ascertained by two entries in
the registers at York. The first of these, dated June 8th 1330,
orders that a gaol should be built. The building had evidently been
completed by Jan. 19th 1332, the date of an order to furnish the
gaol with chains, manacles etc. Only one tower at Hexham is
mentioned in a list dated 1415 and there is nothing to indicate
whether this refers to the gaol or the Moot Hall. [NY 96 SW 9]
A survey of 1552 refers to both towers as being in decay and in 1608
the gaol is described as being in "great ruin". During the Scotch
war in 1640 it was suggested that the two towers be garrisoned with
150 musketeers. The building, which was used as a gaol until 1824,
is the property of the lord of the manor.
The gaol is constructed almost entirely of re-used material, chiefly
of Roman dressing, probably from the station at Corbridge. An early
plan, now in the
British Museum, shows the internal arrangements before the
19th cent. alterations were carried out.
The building is of three storeys with a continuous machiolated
parapet. The only original windows are on the top floor. (2)
The gaol was used for the transactions of all business anciently
connected with the Regality and Manor of Hexham, after this had
passed out of the possession of the Archbishops, and so acquired the
name of the Manor Office.
The chief prisons were in the second storey, the top floor being
used for the gaoler's lodging.
The building is the only mediaeval gaol, built solely for that
purpose and remaining entire in England. (3)
The building is in good condition and used as a store. See
Illustration Card. (4)
[NY 9370 6408] Manor Office [L.B.] (5)
Condition unchanged (6)
5334 HALLGATE
(North East Side)
The Manor Office
NY 9364 1/4 2.10.51.
I GV
2.
Circa 1330 for Archbishop Melton of York. Built as a gaol, which it
remained until mid C19. 3 storey rectangular building with set-offs
to each floor. Range of 64 large triple roll corbels for former
machicolations. Roof at present leaded. Built partly of Roman
dressed stones. Original windows small, trefoil headed with bars.
Later insertions are 3 or 4 light lancets, 2 to east, 1 to north
and 1 to south. Central entrance to west with recent pointed arch;
former entrance to partly dismantled newel stair to left now blocked
and replaced by a 2 light trefoil headed window. 3 windows on 1st
floor, above entrance, later insertions 2 light with mullions.
Interior considerably altered by addition of axial east-west
staircase in C19. Ground floor vaulted. A.M.
The Manor Office, together with Nos 15 to 19 (consec), Hall Bank
House, bankhead and Manor Cottage and Archway form a group of which
Nos 15 and 16 Hallgate are of local interest. (7)
NY 936 642. Hexham Manor Office (or gaol). Scheduled No ND/277. (8)
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