England
County Durham

Crook Hall & Gardens, Durham

The medieval manor of Crook Hall is set in rural landscape, yet it is less than a mile from the centre of Durham. The original Crook Hall was built around 1286 on lands belonging to Sydgate Manor. The property was eventually named after Peter de Croke, owner in the early years of the 14th century.

Only the great hall and a screen passage remain from that early medieval building, but they are enough to give a good impression of the first Crook Hall. You can easily see where the old medieval doorways have been filled in. The screen passage leads to a Jacobean addition.

Near the screen passage is an odd-looking set of wooden stairs, which ascend to the ceiling where they come to a sudden stop. The upper floors are now gained by an outside tower staircase. The stairs are associated with the legend of a ghost, or "White Lady" who, it is rumoured, glides down the stairway on St. Thomas' Eve (December 20), and on other occasions.

Surounding the hall are 4 acres of gardens, including a special Shakespeare Garden, a secret Walled Garden, Cathedral Garden, and Silver and White Garden, as well as a grass maze.

Details
Crook Hall
Frankland Lane
Sidegate
Durham
County Durham
England
DH1 5SZ
Location: off the A691, within walking distance of Durham city centre
Website: Crook Hall
Email: info@kbacrookhall.co.uk
Phone: 0191 384 8028
Fax: 0191 386 4521
map
OS NZ274 432

COUNTY DURHAM
Durham Castle | Durham Cathedral | Durham Cathedral map | Crook Hall & Gardens | Raby Castle

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