The History of Hardcragg Hall

uilt in 1563 Hardcragg Hall is believed to be the oldest house in Grange-Over-Sands and possibly one of the oldest it this part of the Southern Lake District.

n the late 19th century, a young Beatrix Potter was a regular visitor to the hall and friend of the family. At this time the hall had a piggery and it is believed that the young Miss Potter ‘met a friendly porker’ who later gave the inspiration for her character ‘Pigland Bland’ in her book ‘The Tale of Pigland Bland’. There is a striking resemblance to Hardcragg Halls many period features in the drawings of Beatrix Potter.

liver Cromwell is said to have used Hardcragg Hall as a haven whilst resting from his many military battles in the 17th century. Cromwell was a famous English soldier in his self named ‘New Model Army’ and statesman who helped make England a republic and then ruled as ‘lord protector’ from 1653 to 1658.

ngland’s famous ironmaster John Wilkinson lived here in the 18th century. John Wilkinson pioneered the use of cast iron and sailed the first iron boat on the nearby River Winster, manufactured new water pipes for Paris and invented a cannon boring machine which was to radically change the design and reliability of the cannon forever. It is reputed that he supplied the canon used by Wellington at the battle of Waterloo in 1815. Wilkinson died in 1808 a wealthy man and was aptly buried in an iron coffin.

he oak panelled hallway with its impressive inglenook fireplace looks much the same as it did when Beatrix Potter came to stay. You can while away many an hour wandering around the hall and grounds discovering many of the original features of this historic building.

ardcragg Hall's coat of arms and Norman motto can be found in several different places throughout the Hall. 'Tenez le Vraye' 'Hold onto the truth'.