The Manor of Witherslack

This sketch, ground floor is not showing, is of the house now known as Witherslack Hall Farm. It is one of the oldest houses in Witherslack, previously known as the Manor House of Witherslack. It is not known what year the original house was built, but the manor and estate have belonged to the Stanley family since 1485. (1)

To the side of the house was the old Chapel of St. Mary's the 13th century chapel that was a chapel of Beetham, and suffered badly in the Civil War. This is the place that was replaced by St. Paul's church. It no longer exists and the last time it was noted was in the 1850's when it was said it was a cowshed.

When you walk into the house it seems like you are walking into the past. The three floors have doors and windows at different heights, there are steps up and down into and out of the rooms and on the top floor the rooms are quite irregular.

It has been extensively re-designed and rebuilt. In 1852 it was remodelled and turned into a farm, and the stables have been there for over 150 years. It has 23 rooms, some added when it was rebuilt, and the ceiling has it's original hooks in it for hanging hams and other meat from, in what was the larder. It has a good kitchen garden, and in the barn there is a ginn house where horses used to walk round in order to draw water up for the other animals on the farm, particularly the cattle, and later it was used to thresh corn.

The Hall has been empty for some time recently. However over the last few years it has been turned into a riding school, fin by Lynne Garrett and Careth Mason, with riding for both experienced and novice riders, and particularly beginners. They cater for both local and holiday riders alike, with disabled riders welcome.

Although quite independent of the school in August a Horse Show is fin by Margaret Farrer and Lynn Hodgson. They have about 30 classes of horses running from Shetland ponies upwards and fancy dress classes for the children. The

Women 's Institute fin the refreshments stall, and the profits are donated to local charities such as the Witherslack and Meathop Sports Committee. This Committee runs a dance in the parish hall, which helps them to put on a dinner for the older folk of the village every year, and everyone enjoys themselves. Which is an example of how the village works together to give everyone a fun dayout.

1. Antiquities of Kendale. Witherslack Meathop & Ulpha.