The earliest phase of (the Hall) is the L-shaped building occupying the south-west corner which appears to have been built c 1640 as a grange/ farmhouse for the Clifton family who owned the Blyth and Hodsock estate. In 1765 the Hodsock estate was purchased by the Mellish family, and it is possible that they remodelled the farmhouse as the symmetrical plan of the south range is typical of the period. In c 1835 Edward Chaloner, a Catholic timber merchant from Liverpool, purchased the Grange and a large part of the village of Oldcotes and its surrounding land… In 1863 Chaloner’s daughter, Katherine Flora, married John Gerrard Riddell (who belonged to a local Catholic land-owning family), and in 1880 they considerably extended Hermeston Grange. An east wing was built, incorporating a carved panel with Katherine’s initials; and it is very likely, based on stylistic evidence, that the chapel in the north-west corner and the north service wing were also built at this time, giving the house a courtyard plan. It is possible that these late C19 extensions were designed by SJ Nicholl. Around the same time, a U-shaped building used as a stable and kennels was built to the north of the house. The estate also included a garden wall with a row of bothies on one side and a glasshouse (since removed) on the other; a coach house and a lodge (both now in separate ownership). Hermeston Hall has been subject to numerous changes and alterations. In 2007-8 it was split into three residential units, although this has had little effect on its plan form. (1)

Hermeston Hall [TI]. (2)

Hermeston Hall - name confirmed - is a range of buildings enclosing a courtyard. It is for the most part 19th c. but the W. wing and part of the S. wing consists of a stone L-shaped building of two stories and attics of late 17thc. date. The S. porch in a similar style is probably a later addition. Some restoration to windows &c. has taken place but the building is in excellent condition. GP/A0/59/193/5 view from S. " " " 6 view from S.W. A MS plan in the possession of the owner Mr. C.E. Riddell known to be pre 1855 names the early house 'The Grange'. (3)

Not outstanding. No change. (4)

Data Held (Document). SNT2647.

(1), Parish File and digital

Historic England, 2021, National Record of Historic Environment (Digital archive). SNT5271.

<1> English Heritage, 06/03/2013, Hermeston Hall, Oldcotes - Consultation Report (Unpublished document). SNT2610.

<2> OS, 1918-48, 6in 1918-48 (Map). SNT1063.

<3> Wardale CF, 1959, Pers Comm (Personal comment). SNT1394.

<4> Colquhoun FD, 1974, Pers Comm (Personal comment). SNT582.