The Old Rectory, Main Street, West Tanfield

Image: © Jo and Steve Turner Taken: 26 May 2023

This house was built in 1804 by the then Rector Rev. William Baines. In 1947, the church decided it was no longer needed and the house was bought by Miss Mowbray. She paid 1s (5p) per annum to the estate for right of access through the Marmion Arch (I'm not clear if it also had access to Main Street at this time). In September/October 2008 development work comprised the demolition of existing outbuildings/extensions including a swimming pool, and the construction of a replacement range of buildings including garages, stores, a conservatory and a workshop. Stonework found during the works suggest it may be that the Old Rectory occupies the footprint of a major pre-existing building, with the outbuildings necessary to a medieval manorial complex located elsewhere on the site and so far undiscovered (Tanfield Castle?). A year ago, May 2022, a serious fire in the attic space resulted in collapse of the roof. Crews from Ripon, Masham, Bedale, Leyburn, Northallerton and Thirsk tackled the blaze. Firefighters were called to the old rectory for the second time in three days when smoke was coming from the roof space above a first floor bedroom caused by hotspots from the previous fire.

Images are licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0