More information : [SK 55258058] The Hall [T.I.]. (1)
The manor or grange of Shireoaks does not appear by name in Domesday
Book. The first mention in the priory grants is in the deed of
Richard de Lovetot where he confirms his mother Emma's gifts to the
monastery or priory of Worksop. In 1458 the prior and convent of
Worksop leased their grange and manor of Shireoaks to Henry Ellis.
After the Dissolution, on 16th. August,1548, the manor or grange was
granted to Robert Thornhill and Hugh Thornhill. The manor afterwards
passed to the Hewitts, when Sir William Hewitt, Lord Mayor of London
about 1559, purchased it for a residence. In 1811 the house was
partially demolished.
Sir Thomas Hewitt, in compliance with his wish, was buried in Scratta
Wood at a banqueting hall he had had there (its underground remains
are still to be seen). (2)
The Prior of Worksop obtained a charter of free Warren 14 Edward I,
among other places in `Shiraks', no doubt the upper part of the park
and Scratta where the sporting ground would be. The manor or grange
was given to Worksop by Emma de Lovetot, the founder's, wife, the
gift confirmed and increased by her son Richard.
Sir Thomas Hewitt, 1656-1726, made extensive alterations and
improvements at Shireoaks, having rebuilt much of the house, formed
several fine avenues, cascades and fishponds etc. as well as having
erected a costly banqueting house in the wood of Scratta. He seems
also to have formed or enlarged the deer park, and altogether to have
made Shireoaks Hall a very beautiful residence. Some faint traces of
its ancient glory are even yet resting upon it, though it is now
reduced to the condition of a farmhouse and its park enclosed for
cultivation. In the farmyard attached to the Hall there still exist
some interesting remains of the Priory Grange, in the form of various
ancient barns and stables, and especially a portion of the hose,
being a beautiful three light 14 c. window. (3)
Shiroak Hall (name confirmed locally) is a mid-late 17th.c house with
two storeys and a basement; it is now unoccupied and derelict. There
are a number of mullioned and transomed windows but the majority have
been replaced by sashes, probably in the early 18th.c. No evidence of
earlier work was seen. In Scratta wood, at SK 54307967, is a ruinous
barrel-vaulted stone cellar; this is probably the remains of the
banqueting hall noted by Auth 2. (4)
The hall remains as described above. Much of Scratta Wood has been
cleared and the site of the cellar now falls on arable land, at
present under grass. (5)
Shireoaks Hall, Grade II* (full account in Listed Buildings volume).
(6)
Probably built after 1610. Entire basement survives. A second floor
has been removed. Cruciform plan, no embellishments. Illusts.
(fuller account). (7)
Now inhabited, repairs carried out over the past 14 years. (8-8a)
SK 544 803 - SK 553 807. Early 18th century formal and water gardens
at Shireoaks Hall. Scheduled no. NT/182. (9) |