Brief History of Thurnham Hall

Lancaster is renowned for its magnificent moorland and fells and is a treasure trove of many of Britain 's most picturesque scenery.

It is a panoramic vista of rolling hills and moors, laced with streams, rivers and ancient canal-ways rambling through picture postcard market towns, villages and hamlets.

Steeped in history, the county has played a prominent part from the early ages in the formation and development of this country.

Therefore, herein lie many of Britain 's most historic sites, castles and country mansions, some dating back over 2000 years. All this history set side by side with seventy miles of stunning coastal scenery, a mixture of quiet golden sandy coves and traditional seaside resorts, make it a prime region for living, learning and leisure.

At the head and heart of Lancashire lies the ancient city of Lancaster and a few miles to the south, on the coastal road, is the hamlet of Thurnham. Presiding over this community, bounded by the Lancaster canal and its tributaries is Thurnham Hall.

This remarkable seat of the de Thurnhams dates back to before the 12th Century, - passed on to descendants, the Daltons , in the 15th Century, where it remained until 1861 when the direct lineage of the Dalton Baronetcy became extinct.

Ownership of the estate then passed onto another line of the family, but remained in the Dalton hands until 1982 when the last of the line, Miss Alzira Dalton, died.

For over 600 years the hall had survived the dissolution, the Jacobite Uprising, countless civil wars and strife. From the late 1800's Thurnham Hall, whilst still occupied by the Daltons , gradually fell into disrepair and was partially burnt out in 1959. This handsome hall came to the attention of the Crabtree family in 1979; they purchased it and restored this grand monument to the past to its former glory. The centrepiece is the great hall with its magnificent Tudor fireplace, Elizabethan friezes, decorated ceiling, oak panelling and armorial windows. Stretching out from the hall there is a labyrinth of ancient stone Jacobean staircases and galleries, bedrooms and parlours, terminating in the oldest part of the hall, the Pele Tower. Thurnham Hall even boasts a chapel, a priest hole and several ghosts.

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All this has been superbly renovated and is preserved for its new co-owners in holiday ownership. Just imagine, with Holiday Ownership, a piece of this history and future can be yours – forever.