Monument record 1770/1/1 - Site of Grafton Hall

<1> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 10/19-21 Bennett B et al 1984 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

Grafton Hall part of Barony of Malpas. By 1314, its name given to a family. In 1602 Sir Peter Warburton bought manor & lands of "16 messuages, 16 gardens & 9OO acres of various kinds of land". Sir Peter built Grafton Hall in 1613 & died there 1621, leaving estate of only 280 acres to daughter. In C18/19 Hall was tenanted farmhouse. In 1881, alts & adds by John Birch, Architect. C17 hall demolished 1965 & parts reputedly sold to USA

<2> Douglas J, 1872-5, The Abbey Square Sketch Book, 1/43-45 (Book). SCH3014.

Hall illustrated by A Schofield 1872. Illustration shows hall of red brick, with stone quoins & on brick plinth. Projecting string course between floors. 2 storeys. Symmetrical 7-bay front. 3 projecting bays, including central bay with door arch. Bays have gabled roofs & corbels to eaves. End bays set back. Stone mullioned windows. Small gateway arch in front of house, flanked by blind arch- es. Illustration of ornate chimney piece flanked by panelling & highly decorated frieze & plaster cornice. Above fireplace 'old painting' in ornate surround.

<3> Ormerod, G., 1882, The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, Ormerod G 1882 2/704 (Book). SCH1389.

The Hall of Grafton, erected by Sir Peter Warburton is a stately building of (red) brick, finished with bay windows, gables, tall chimneys and turrets, exhibiting a fine specimen of the domestic architecture of the early part of the 17th century.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ45SE7 1976 (Index). SCH2487.

<5> Various, Aerial photographs, Grafton 1-6 Williams S R 1983 (Aerial Photograph). SCH128.

<6> de Figueiredo P & Treuherz J, 1988, Cheshire Country Houses, p.235 (Book). SCH785.

Built in 1613 by Sir Peter Warburton, Grafton was a large and stately house on an E-plan with three gables and pyramid capped towers at either end. In the drawing room there was excellent panelling and a plaster frieze with animal heads. The Hall was restored and extended in 1883 for a branch of the Stableys of Alderley by the London architect John Birch, who also designed a stable block. Mostly demolished in 1963.

<7> Pevsner N & Hubbard E, 1971, The Buildings of England: Cheshire (Book). SCH3078.

Grafton Hall, a large Jacobean house, has recently dissappeared. The stables remain. They are of 1884 by John Birch ( who restored the house at the same time). Photograph of house prior to demolition.

<8> Cheshire Gardens Trust, 2015 - 2021, Cheshire Gardens Trust Research and Recording Chester City Reports, Grafton Hall, 2023 (Unpublished Report). SCH9313.

Features of Grafton Hall include a drive, a summerhouse and a pool