Historic Manor House, Site of 17th-Century Murder, Removed from ‘At Risk’ Register After Conversion

A historic property, known for a 17th-century murder, is no longer deemed “at risk” of dilapidation following its transformation into holiday lodging. Calverley Old Hall in Leeds, a Grade I-listed medieval residence where William Calverley killed his two sons in 1605, had been listed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register for almost a decade due to worries regarding its state. While it has been taken off the register following its renovation, seven additional heritage locations in Yorkshire have been included, such as St John the Evangelist Church in Ranmoor, Sheffield, and the entrance to Temple Lodge, located in Cravengate, Richmond. Sir Chris Bryant, the heritage minister, stated that the endangered buildings required “desperate need of support”. Calverley Old Hall was initially placed on the Heritage at Risk Register in 2016 after the Landmark Trust, its owner since 1981, voiced apprehensions about its long-term viability. The property served as the manorial residence for the Calverley family, featuring a great hall and chapel from 1490, alongside private living areas constructed around 1300. William Calverley, the perpetrator, was executed in York subsequent to killing his children in 1605. The structure was partitioned into cottages after the Calverley family relocated to Esholt Hall in 1700. Following the renovation, it has been reconfigured into self-catering units, a community space, and a single-bedroom apartment. Dr. Anna Keay OBE, director of the Landmark Trust, commented that the transformation had imparted a “whole new lease of life” to the edifice. She further stated: “We are delighted to see Calverley Old Hall removed from the Heritage at Risk register after almost a decade.“Its inclusion on the register played an important part in our fundraising campaign, which in turn enabled the Landmark Trust to transform this wonderful medieval building and give it a whole new lease of life.” Additional structures no longer deemed at risk on the list encompass Kexby Old Bridge in Kexby, Hopton Congregational Church in Mirfield, and Christ Church in Mount Pellon. The seven locations now appearing on the “at risk” list are: Properties added to the register qualify for grant funding from the Culture Recovery Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, remarked: “Heritage is so important to Yorkshire. It plays a vital role in our society and boosts the regional economy.“This year, we have seen partners and communities come together to help save the historic buildings and places that need it the most.“It’s inspirational to see how we can harness the power of our heritage to benefit local people across Yorkshire. Together, we can save our places and find new ways to enjoy the heritage that people value so much.”