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Wycoller Hall Ruins

Wycoller Hall was built by the Hartley family at the end of the 16th century and subsequently extended in the 18th by Squire Henry Owen Cunliffe, as part of his campaign to attract a wealthy wife.

The building work took over a year to complete, during which time an ornate porch and larger windows were constructed. The interior was improved by the addition of a very grand fireplace.

The squire mortgaged his property to pay for the works and when he died in 1818 he left many debts.

Charlotte Brontë is thought to have frequently visited Wycoller village in her many walks around the area. The Hall is believed by some to be 'Ferndean Manor' in her novel 'Jane Eyre' and was used to illustrate the 1898 edition.

Key Hole in fireolace

Although the Hall appears to have remained reasonably intact until the early 1900's much of it was unoccupied and neglected. Stone was subsequently plundered for other buildings. The ornamental porch went first to Trawden and then to Foulridge, while flagstones and steps have been used in local walls.

Under the ownership of the Water Board the village fell in to disrepair. The Friends of Wycoller were established in 1948 with the aim of preserving the village and in particular the Hall. Some restoration work began in 1950, principally rebuilding the fireplace.

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