The Baronial Halls, and Ancient Picturesque Edifices of England; Vol. 2 of 2Hall, S. C. (Samuel Carter)
History
The Baronial Halls, and Ancient Picturesque Edifices of England; Vol. 2 of 2
Hall, S. C. (Samuel Carter)
Historic buildings -- England
In the time of King John, the Township of Turton was held by Roger Fitz
Robert (De Holland); it became part of the property of Henry, “the good
Duke of Lancaster,” from whom the manor passed into the knightly family
of the Orrels, whom Camden styles “Illustrious.” From them it was
purchased, for £3,000, by Humphrey Chetham, Esq., a manufacturer of
fustians; of whom, about the middle of the 17th century, Fuller speaks,
as “a public benefactor.” From him it passed successively to his
descendants, Humphrey, Samuel, and Edward Chetham; by Anne, one of the
co-heiresses of Edward Chetham, it was conveyed by marriage to ---- Bland,
Esq., whose sole heiress married Mordecai Green, Esq., whose daughters,
the issue of his son, James Green, inherited, and now possess, the
estate. That portion of it, consisting of 365 acres, which contains
Turton Tower, is in the occupation of James Kay, Esq., a gentleman who
deserves the high praise of all, and the fervent gratitude of the
antiquary, for the care he has taken, not only to protect from further
injury the venerable relic of a remote age, but for the taste and
judgment he exhibits in keeping all things in harmony with the character
of the honoured and interesting edifice. The dwelling has received
various additions from time to time; but none of them are of very recent
date. They are principally of a class common in Lancashire, in houses of
the better order, as well as in cottages of the labourer and artisan,
being constructed of wood and plaster. “THE TOWER” is of stone, and much
older than other parts of the structure. It is square, and was evidently
constructed for defence. It has a hall, of small size, but richly
decorated with wood carvings; a quaint staircase conducts to the upper
apartments, the principal of which is the drawing-room, panelled with
oak from the floor nearly to the ceiling--the ceiling being highly
enriched.
[Illustration]
It receives light from two mullioned windows. This room is in the
Tower--the whole length and breadth of which it occupies. Every chamber
throughout the mansion has been fitly furnished by Mr. Kay. The ancient
coffer, bound with iron--(it supplies our initial letter)--concerning
which tradition has been always busy--is one of the few heirlooms of the
House.
We believe, with this exception, the whole of its picturesque contents,
from attic to cellar, have been the introductions of Mr. Kay; and we
cannot sufficiently praise the sound taste and judicious feeling by
which that gentleman has been actuated in his efforts at restoration
both within and without.
At a short distance from the mansion is a singularly picturesque
turret--an
[Illustration]
engraving of which we annex. Through the township of Turton passed the
ancient Roman road; and in the immediate neighbourhood may be traced
many relics of remote antiquity.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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