PLEASE NOTE:
The web pages relating to the self catering side of Hardcragg Hall are available at the Lake District Self Catering website. You might also like to visit the Hardcragg Hall Photo Gallery and Slideshow.
Hardcragg Hall History
16th century historic manor house in Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria
Built in 1563 Hardcragg Hall is believed to be the oldest house in Grange-over-Sands in the Southern Lake District.
The Townley Family of Burnley bought the property in 1860 and as a young woman Beatrix Potter, a friend of the family, was a regular visitor.
Beatrix Potter and the Tale of Pigling Bland
Pigling Bland the second son of Aunt Pettitoes and the family of eight piglets was said to have originated from a friendly porker Beatrix met on her visits to Hardcragg Hall. Looking out from her latticed bedroom window she would gaze over to the piggery and study the swine. When she created 'The Tale of Pigling Bland' she used the Hall's stunning exterior and fine panelled rooms in her drawings.
Famous visitors to the Hall
But Beatrix Potter is not the only one to have been inspired by the Hall, which for nearly 450 years has looked over thousands of tides sweeping Morecambe Bay.
Oliver Cromwell is said to have used it as a haven whilst resting from his military exertions.
For a time England’s famous ironmaster John Wilkinson lived in what is thought to be the oldest house in Grange. He sailed the first iron boat on the nearby River Winster, manufactured new water pipes for Paris, and fashioned a canon used by Wellington at the battle of Waterloo in 1815.
The oak panelled hallway with impressive fireplace looks much the same as it did when Beatrix Potter passed through the front door. Stair gates - to stop animals going further into the house - are still here, as are many original rooms and features.
The Hardcragg Hall Coat of Arms
Set within the dining room window is this Heraldic device - three pierced mullets with a red rose and crest, a falcon with bell and jesses - along with the motto in Norman French 'Tenez le Vraye', or 'Hold onto the truth'.
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Hardcragg Hall
Official plaque on the wall outside Hardcragg Hall.
The tale of Pigling Bland, inspired during Beatrix Potter's visits to the Hall.
Hardcragg Hall, now 5 star luxury self catering accommodation.
Antique barometer at Hardcragg Hall.
The coat of arms set in the dining room window at Hardcragg Hall.
