Todmorden Old Hall - ALC05139

Once a Post Office, this photo was taken before it became a restaurant. Earlier still it was the residence of the Fielden family. Up to the middle of the 16th century all domestic building would have been timber-framed, though in towns such as Halifax the tradition of timbered houses continued till the end of the 17th century. Around 1580 a ‘great rebuilding’ in stone began; many houses were completely rebuilt or had stone wings added or their timber frames encased in stone. While the hall often retained its smokehood, stone fireplaces with external chimneys provided new levels of comfort in parlours. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth a stylish modern house with increased standards of comfort was an important status symbol. The urge to modernise and rebuild extended throughout all levels of society from noble to yeoman. The local gentry, such as the Saviles, were among the first to rebuild in stone. In Todmorden, at the opposite end of the Calder valley, Savile Radcliffe inherited the old hall following his grandfather’s death in 1602 and rebuilt it as a large mansion in stone in 1603, encasing the 15th century timber-framed west wing. On the lintel of the entrance is carved his coat of arms and initials. The house is a full two storeys with gabled attics topped by lantern finials. Large mullioned windows light the principal rooms. In the East Wing the best parlour is decorated with an outstanding carved fireplace celebrating Savile Radcliffe’s marriage to his third wife. Set between their initials are their coats of arms, the complete achievement of arms forming a centrepiece above. The arms of other notable families mainly from Lancashire, are also featured. Set within the panels are cats, unicorns, lions and rabbits, enhancing this delightful conceit.

Text from: Calderdale Architecture and History.

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ALC05139.tif