Ashton Hall Age, Net Worth, Family, Career ,height and weight 2025
As soon as you pass into the grounds of Ashton Hall you enter an area where centuries of English history are united with the modern recreation. Set three miles south of Lancaster, England, this magnificent mansion originated as a tower house of the 14th century and has been changed throughout the generations to an entirely different entity
What is Ashton Hall?
Ashton hall is an old mansion in the civil parish of Thurnham, Lancashire, England. It is on the east side of the River Lune, three miles to the south of the town of Lancaster. It is the clubhouse of the Lancaster Golf Club to-day, and the land that surrounds it is a portion of a golf course.
Ashton Hall biography
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Ashton Hall |
| Type | Historic Mansion / Country House |
| Location | Thurnham, Lancashire, England (3 miles south of Lancaster, east of River Lune) |
| Coordinates | Approx. 54.013°N, -2.808°W |
| Built | Originally around 1381 by Edmund Lawrence |
| Original Structure | 14th-century red sandstone tower house (defensive pele tower) |
| Rebuilt | Major Gothic-style reconstruction in 1856 by William Le Gendre Starkie |
| Architectural Style | Medieval Tower + Victorian Gothic Mansion |
| Materials | Red and grey sandstone, slate roofs, timber interiors |
| Notable Owners | Lawrence Family → Butler Family → Gerard Family → Duke of Hamilton → Starkie Family → James Williamson (Lord Ashton) |
| Current Use | Clubhouse of Lancaster Golf Club and guest accommodation |
| Heritage Status | Grade I Listed Building (Designation No. 1071756, listed in 1952) |
| Grounds | Former deer park, gardens, fishponds, icehouse, and 20th-century golf course |
| Historical Significance | Reflects evolution from medieval defense tower to Victorian estate; showcases adaptive reuse in modern times |
| Visitor Access | Limited (private clubhouse); exterior and grounds viewable; accommodation by arrangement |
Early History and Origins
13th–14th Centuries The location of Ashton Hall had been known since early history: in the Domesday Book of 1086 the Manor of Ashton (or Ashton with Stodday) is referred to. The De Coucy family were in possession of the manor in the 13th century, followed by John de Coupland.
From Tower House to Mansion
The building was initially a standard pele tower-type construction defensive, thick-walled, with small windows, constructed in red sandstone with diagonal towers at the corners.
Ownership and Major Transformations
Between the Lawrences to the Gerards and Hamiltons. Over the centuries, the ownership changed a number of families. Once the estate of the Lawrences had been In 1698 the 4th Duke of Hamilton took over the estate by marrying Elizabeth Gerard.
19th-Century Rebuild
The Hamiltons sold the Hall in 1853 to Le Gendre Nicholas Starkie. In 1856 William Le Gendre Starkie almost completely rebuilt the Hall in a Gothic style, leaving only the tower of the 14th century.
Subsequent Ownership and present use
The building was later purchased in 1884 by James Williamson (Later Lord Ashton) who had the estate until 1930 when he died. The estate and building later became a part of the property of Lancaster Golf Club after several alterations and is used as their clubhouse.
Architecture and Grounds
- Building Structure
- The plan comprises two diagonal towers, embattled parapets, Gothic style elements (e.g. timber doors, carved stone fireplaces) of the 1856 reconstruction.
Grounds, Gardens & Landscape
The estate initially contained deer parkland, 14th-century fishponds and gardens, much of which had been later modified or shrunk. Other features, including an ice-house and pleasure grounds, were included in the 19th century.
Listing and Protection
Ashton Hall is a Grade I building (entry number 1071756) listed on the National Heritage List of England. The implication of this is that it is of remarkable historic or architectural value and it is safeguarded by law.
Ashton Hall Today
Use by Lancaster Golf Club The Hall is currently used as the clubhouse of Lancaster Golf Club. The golf course was planned on the estate in the early 1930s and the Hall was modified.
Heritage Value
Although Ashton Hall is private and not fully exposed to the general population as a museum may be the case, its value is high.
Ashton Hall Key Events Timeline
- 1086 In Domesday Book Ashton manor.
- 1381 Edmund Lawrence constructs the tower house on the premises.
- 1698 Duke of Hamilton by marriage with Elizabeth Gerard inherits an estate.
- 1856 William Le Gendre Starkie major rebuild in Gothic style.
- 1884 Purchased by James Williamson (later Baron Ashton).
- 1931 History Sold the estate; golf course built on the property.
Feature Description
Materials Red and grey sandstone building with slate roofs.Rebuild Style Gothic style extensions since1856: stone carved fireplaces, timber doors, diagonally located towers. Grounds Ex-deer park, fishpond, icehouse and pleasure gardens.
Present Occupancy Golf clubhouse, travel and historic heritage. A Brief History of Architecture and Heritage.
On-site and Fieldwork.
- In case you happen to want to visit Ashton Hall, or to shelter in the neighbourhood, these are products of a few hints:
- Location: Ashton Hall is located in Thurnham, Lancashire on the east bank of the River Lune.
- Accommodation: The building has accommodation services to the guest through bed and breakfast.
Access
The Hall is a private clubhouse and accommodation and therefore may not be very accessible on the inside, however, exterior views of the building and grounds are easier. Surroundings The golf course and estate grounds provide open space and landscaping that echo the historic parkland despite the disappearance of the original deer park.
Why Ashton Hall Matters
History: In between the Domesday Book reference and medieval tower house, 19th-century mansion and current purpose, the Hall follows numerous periods of English architectural and social history.
Cultural heritage: The Grade I listing indicates its significance; it forms part of the heritage narrative in Lancashire.
Adaptive reuse
Although most old mansions are ruined, Ashton Hall has been modified to serve a living purpose (golf clubhouse and accommodation), which preserves it and makes it relevant as well.
Landscape and setting: The grounds of the estate, although modified, have retained elements of previous design – fishponds, deer park, gardens – which demonstrate the way the landed estates had evolved over the centuries.
Visitors: Things to bear in mind
In case you want to stay or attend something at the Hall, make prior arrangements to accommodate or hire an event.building has evolved over the ages without losing its core character. The Grade I listing of the building acknowledges the national significance of the building.
Exterior photography
Building is not a problem, interior access might be limited to permission. The landscape around the house could indicate that of the previous house–garden
As you visit, remember the rich history: the medieval tower, the 19 th century modifications, the golf course period – each adds to the story behind what you look at.
Summary
Ashton Hall is one of the outstanding architectural and social heritage of England. Since its inception as a tower of defence in 1381, through its Gothic transformation in the 19 th century and subsequent use in the 21 st century as a clubhouse and accommodation facility in a golf estate, the building has evolved over the ages without losing its core character. The Grade I listing of the building acknowledges the national significance of the building.
Conclusion
The fact that Lawrence, Gerards, Hamiltons and Williamson have been owners of it, provides human story to the stones. Look at the building now, and you have medieval ambition, Victorian taste and modern functionality all together.
FAQs
1.What is the story behind Ashton Hall?
The history of Ashton Hall starts in the 14th century with a tower house constructed by Edmund Lawrence.
2.What is the location of Ashton Hall and how to visit?
About three miles south of Lancaster on the east bank of the River Lune, in Thurnham, Lancashire, England, is Ashton Hall. The building has privately used interiors although the exterior view and part of accommodation hire are available in some cases.
3.So what are the special architectural features of Ashton Hall?
The main characteristics are the initial red sandstone tower with diagonal corner turrets and embossed parapet, and the 19 th -century Gothic grey sandstone extensions (cut fire places, timber doors, castellated details). It is also interesting because it combines the medieval and Victorian elements.
4.How is Ashton Hall 50 being used?
The Lancaster Golf Club now has Ashton Hall as the clubhouse.
5.What does Grade I mean of Ashton Hall?
Grade I listing is the most important type of building of exceptional interest in England. Ashton Hall listing identifies its architectural importance, historic value and century-old features.