For 350 years Ashworth Hall was
owned by the Holts. A branch of the Gristelhursts took over
the hall in 1348 until 18th century. The owner Hugh son of
John del Holt married Matilda daughter of Robert de Assheworth
and heiress to the estate. The manor was lost by the Holt
family by Richard Holt who was extravagant. |
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A stone built gate was with
large studded gates stand alone. Much of the original
hall was destroyed and a new hall built in its place.
Originally there was an eastern side to the quadrangle.
The southern part having a rose garden terrace, orchard
and ornamental pond with a moat and hanging gardens. A
chapel and chapel house was built by Sir Thomas Holt in
1514. The hall still has a massive stone gable end of
the 15th century. The house was enlarged to form the
mansion, half timbered lath and plaster. A wing of 3
gables running back to the road. A courtyard is formed
with 2 cottages and farm buildings. |
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A later date saw the wing
and square entrance tower removed and half timbered walls
replaced with hand made bricks. The original stone built
house had mullion windows. A hundred yew trees once
grew in stately avenues or in sombre groups around the
house for many generations. Two-thirds of the hall was
let to the vicar at a nominal rent and the remainder
was the hall farm and farmhouse. A stream ran under
this portion of the house and beneath the floor a small
waterwheel provided power. In the garden are a large
upright stone inscribed 'R.H. 1658' for Richard Holt and an
undated sundial on a graceful stone pedestal |
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To read more about the Holts of
Ashworth click here.
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There is a 17th century gatehouse but
otherwise nothing much remains of the ancient seat of the
Ashworths. The main block of the house dated from 1685,
brick on a stone foundation, with a nice staircase and
collection of panelled rooms, probably of the early 18th
century. |
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