| Summary : Hall and tower; tower built circa 1398. Formerly thought to be a tower house, it is in fact a staircase and latrine turret attached to an unfortified house. Possibly a tower house, with later, possibly 16th century, extensions and a 19th century north wing. The original hall range, to the south west of the tower, has been demolished. The ground floor room of the tower is believed to have been a chapel. |
More information : [SJ 30428269] TOWER [G.T.]
Brimstage Hill [T.I.] (1)
A stone edifice of some size and antiquity. Attached to it is a tower or keep four storeys high and oblong in shape. It is the only
remains of the ancient fortified hall and probably erected in 1398, when a licence was granted to Sir Hugh Hulse to build an oratory, which, in fact, forms the lower storey.
The old hall probably extended to the S.W. of the tower and was surrounded by a moat, which can still be traced on three sides. The period of its demolition is not known, but it was in a habitable state at the end of the 16thc. (2)
The tower is well preserved. See G.P. AO/64/227/1. Adjoining its west side is a 9 by 6 metre building which has an unimpressive exterior but whose interior has well preserved 14th c. vaulting.
It is furnished as a private chapel but there is no indication that
this was its original purpose. See GP AO/64/233/3. There is no trace of a moat. (3)
Brimstage Hall Grade I. (4)
Brimstage Hall and Tower, Grade II House. Tower c.1398, probably a tower house, later possibly C16 extensions and C19 north wing. Stone with slate roof. 3-stage tower has slot windows, corbelled machicolations and early C19 iron railings and stair head. Elliptical-headed stair entrance to north and 2 windows of 2 lights with single-chamfered mullions. Ground floor room has 2-bay rib vault on half and quarter octagonal shafts, corbel in south-west angle said to represent lion (from Domville arms) or Cheshire cat. One of vault bosses has 3 twined fish (possible Hulse arms or symbol of Trinity). North-east spiral stair case has garderobe chambers, that to 3rd stage has original stone latrine, that to 2nd stage has C19 mahogany-cased water closet. West wall shows signs of demolished wing; some double-chamfered-mullioned windows. C19 wing has east facade of 3 bays, 1st gabled projecting bay, re-entrant porch bay, casement windows, those to 3rd bay show signs of original mullioned windows to either side, projecting bay has canted bay window. Rear has wing and some sash windows. Large stack to left return of projecting bay, possibly C16, interior stone fireplace. Upper part of staircase has column balusters. Ground floor room of tower believed to be chapel. (5)
Amended to Grade I. (6)
Cathcart King states that the house was not fortified (7) |