Southwick Hall, privately owned, is a stone-built manor house set in the valley of the River Nene on the edge of what was once the royal forest of Rockingham.
The origins of the house date back to the 14th century but it was considerably altered and extended up until the 19th century.
The Knyvett family acquired the manor in 1320 and the house was constructed shortly afterwards. The hall block and chamber wing on the site of the main body of the present house were probably constructed by Richard Knyvett, who also erected the low tower to the south which was enlarged in the second half of the 14th century.
In 1442 Southwick Hall was sold to John Lynn, a London merchant, and his descendant, George Lynn, rebuilt the hall range and chamber wing in their present form in 1571-80.
Further alterations were carred out in the mid-18th century by another George Lynn who inherited Southwick Hall in 1742. The property later passed through the female line and in 1841 it was sold to George Capron, a London solicitor. Southwick Hall is still the family home of the Capron family.
The 14th century tower survives mostly intact, this vaulted undercroft of the rubble-stone tower was converted into an Entrance Hall in 1909. The room above, lit by two-light windows, was probably used as an occasional chapel. The extension to the west, containing a staircase turret, is of a slightly later date.
The main house is faced in ashlar and, aparts from the spikes on the gables, has little external decoration. The courtyard beyond has remnants of medieval work including a semicircular turret.
Several of the interiors, including the Hall and the Study, were remodelled in the mid-18th century and are now hung with portraits of the Capron family. Over the Hall is a barrel-vaulted room dating from 1571 - 80 which retaines its original wood panelling.
The Parlour, part of an 18th century extension, has a Gothick bay window.
Exhibition depicting Victorian and Edwardian Life and also collections of agricultural and carpentry tools and a display of local archaeological finds.
2008: 23 Mar,24 Mar,4 May,5 May,25 May,26 May,24 Aug,25 Aug: 14:00-17:00. Last entry 16:30. Free admission on Sun Sept 14th 2008 14:00-17:00 for Heritage Open Day.
Tel: 01832 274064 Southwick Hall Website
