Grange Hall, Asby

Description

Farmhouse, originally grange of Byland Abbey, established in C14, possible converted into pele tower. It is made from coursed, squared rubble with quoins. The parapet projects on all 4 sides. The upper works were altered to accommodate a graduated slope roof, possibly in C17. An original stone chimney projects to the rear, and the west end chimney was built in C17. (PastScape–ref. Listed building description)

Grange Hall (Plate 15), nearly 1 m. S. of the church, is of three storeys; the walls are of rubble and the roofs are slate-covered. The main block was built in the 15th century and probably formed the S. wing of a larger building extending to the N. It was altered in the 17th century, when the turret-staircase seems to have been added and the roof re-built. The existing N. and S. wings are late 18th or early 19th-century additions.
The original oriel window is an unusual feature.
The main block is faced with squared stone and has remains of the original parapet on the N. and S. sides. Most of the windows are 17th-century insertions, with square heads and stone mullions. At the E. end (Plate 15) is an original oriel window, at the first-floor level; it is of semi-octagonal plan with a single trefoiled light in each of the five faces, a pyramidal capping and a moulded corbelled base resting on a bearded head. In the gable is a pointed panel with a 17th-century central ornament of pinnacle form. The second floor on the N. side has a re-set original window, of two trefoiled ogee lights in a square head. Lower down, on the same side, is a carved panel, partly cut away by a 17th-century window; it has the Bellingham arms in a wreath and a device including a cross on one side. The N.W. angle has a 17th-century stair-turret in a circular projection resting on moulded corbelling. The S. side has a re-set original window, at the second floor level, of one trefoiled ogee light; near it is a carved gargoyle-head on the parapet-string; the W. projection on this wall perhaps enclosed a garderobe. Inside the building are some exposed ceiling-beams and 17th-century doors. In the N. wall of the first floor is a broad recess with a flat two-centred head. Near the house is a stone well-head, probably of mediæval date. (RCHME 1936)