Civil Society- Visit to Elmswell Hall

On the 1st April we visited Elmswell Hall, near Driffield, for a rare opportunity to explore this farmhouse of historic importance. It's only open one day a year so we made the most of it whilst we were there! We were pleased to see the Open Day was so thriving- even at 10:30 in the morning!- and the volunteers in period dress were very friendly and helpful.

Elmswell Hall was built in the 1630s, but is now an at-risk farmhouse, Grade II* listed.

In the post medieval period c.1500 – 1700 the estate reverted to the crown. It was then sold to Thomas Crompton who in turn sold it to Henry Best in 1597 for £ 2000. Subsequently he sold it to his brother James, through whose family it passed until 1844.

Henry Best's writings in "Bests Book of Farming" give an insight into farming in the 17th century and it is here that he makes reference to arranging for 400 000 bricks to be fired, presumably in Brick Close just north of the A166.

The construction of two halls at Elmswell, known as the east and west halls in 1635 and 1640 are perhaps the most permanent reminder of Henry Best. Today the east hall, known as Elmswell Old Hall, is a controlled ruin.

To see what events and outings we have coming soon, see our What's On webpage.