Photo Source: Peter Tait (Morpeth History Matters)

Gatepiers, Netherwitton mark the entrance to Netherwitton Hall, Rusticated piers joined by quadrant links and topped by ball finials C17th/C18th. 

Photo © Copyright Stephen Richardsand licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Photo © Copyright Stephen Richardsand licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Netherwitton Hall is a grand historic country house located in the charming village of Netherwitton, Northumberland.

Medieval Foundations. A house has occupied the site since at least the 14th century. In 1405, Roger de Thornton, a prominent Newcastle merchant-prince, acquired the manor and built a castle or fortified tower.

In 1685 Sir Nicholas Thornton commissioned the architect Robert Trollope to design a new house, incorporating earlier structures which was completed in 1693, and later remodeled, remaining with the Trevelyan family since 1778, known for its distinctive Baroque features and status as a Grade I listed building in Northumberland. 

Netherwitton Hall

Ownership & Key Families

• The Thorntons (14th Century – 1770s): The estate was owned by the Thorntons from at least the 14th century. Roger de Thornton, a prominent Newcastle merchant, reportedly built a castle on the site in 1405.
• The Trevelyans (1778 – Present): In 1772, heiress Margaret Thornton married Walter Trevelyan, the second son of Sir George Trevelyan of nearby Wallington Hall. The property passed to the Trevelyans in 1778 and remains in the family today, currently owned by John Trevelyan. 

Architectural Evolution

• Medieval Foundations: The site contains remnants of earlier structures, including a stair turret at the rear that likely belonged to a medieval fortified tower or "turris".
• The 1685 Mansion: The current house was commissioned by Sir Nicholas Thornton and built around 1685 (completed c. 1693) by architect Robert Trollope. It features a distinctive three-storey, seven-bay frontage with irregular window pediments that may mimic the Thornton family's chevron coat of arms.
• Later Changes: Minor remodelling occurred in the late 18th century following the Trevelyan marriage. A small Roman Catholic chapel was formerly located within the building. 

Historical Incidents

• Civil War: During the English Civil War, Oliver Cromwell quartered troops in the grounds for one night. He later paid £95 5s 6d in compensation for damages.
• Jacobite Rebellion: After the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the Jacobite leader Lord Lovat reportedly hid from government forces in a "priest’s hole" in the Hall's upper room.
• Hidden Fortifications: While the front is a classical mansion, the rear of the building incorporates remnants of a medieval fortified tower, including a stairway turret with blocked windows.
• World War II: The hall served as an army headquarters for the 51st Highland Division.
  
  

Today, the hall remains a private residence owned by John Trevelyan, though the estate also operates holiday cottages and focuses on sustainable forestry and conservation.