Acton Hall, Felton

Description

Acton Hall - supposed remains of bastle (Long).
A survey of circa 1585 mentions that the old bastle was ruinous or ruined (Hodgson).
NU 1849 0242: The wall forming the south west gable end of Acton Hall although much renovated, appears to be considerably older than the remainder of the building and is 1.5 metres thick at ground level, suggesting that it may represent the remains of a bastle. It incorporates an old chimney breast but there are no other features by which it can be dated (F1 DS 10-AUG-1971).
The present Acton Hall has a five-bay two-storeyed main block of early 18th century date, with three-bay extension to the east of early 19th century date. However, the exterior of the west gable end of the house shows the outline of a lower gable that clearly predates the early 18th century phase, built of rubble masonry and with a much lower eaves line. This early block has been extended to the rear, again in rubble and then this rear extension heightened in squared stone, probably at the same time as the main block was remodelled.
It is difficult to date this earlier fabric, which appears to be confined to the one gable end (no other part of the house shows pre-18th century features and most of the walls are of no great thickness). In view of there being at least two phases of development before the early 18th century remodelling, it is likely that at least the first phase represents a defensible building of around 1600, or earlier, but this cannot be proven (Ryder 1994-5). (Northumberland HER)

Main block c.1730 incorporating C17 or earlier fabric; extended to east in early C19. Squared stone except for earlier rubble fabric in west wall; cut dressings; Welsh slate roof. Double-span main block with extension to east of front part. (Listed Building Report)

Est ibidem in villa una domus constructa propter defensionem contra inimicos vocate le Bastle modo ruinosa. (Will of 1585 quoted in Hodgson 1904)