Crookhill Hall

It is generally appreciated that while ever a country estate survives so does our countryside. But whenever a country kingdom remains unoccupied it is not long before some development syndicate comes along tears down the house, and its former gardens and parkland swamped by yet another mass of suburbia.

A large country estate not far from Conisbrough has been left unoccupied for five years and has now deteriorated into a sad condition.

Crookhill Hall has been known by many as a hospital, and it had been used for such purposes for over 30 years. Crookhill is a small mansion built on an unusual plan.

Originally the house was an early 17th century manor, the oldest part bearing a stone Inscription of “1636”. Sometime during the 1770’s this house was altered by the Woodyeare family who decided to modernise the manor in order to conform with the classical architectural styles which became so popular throughout the 18th century.

Crookhill was a manor house built of rubble stone and all externally stuccoed. The central block was not altered. Instead an ornate stone facade was added, which is the only part of Crookhill to gain any fair comment with regards to the plan and shape of this house, which, it has often been said, “faces the wrong way”.

The Crookhill estate had belonged to the Woodyeare family for over three centuries and their memorials are in Old Edlington churchyard.

The exact date that this family left Crookhill is not known, but by 1900 the Hall had been acquired by Mr. Joseph Humble. Mr. Humble was responsible for the sinking of Askern Colliery in 1911, the result of which completely ruined a picturesque village which was once regarded as one of Yorkshire’s most popular Spas. Mr. Humble later sold Crookhill to a Mr. Blomefield. The 1920’s was, in fact, the last time this house was used as a private residence, for in March 1926 the property was purchased by the West Riding County Council.

Sanatorium

In 1948 Doncaster Hospital Management Committee inherited Crookhill Hall, the farm and adjoining parkland, as a result of the commencement of the National Health Service. From this date it was used as a Sanatorium for tuberculosis, until July, 1963, by which time the number of tuberculosis cases had declined and the Sanatorium was no longer required. The house was, therefore, closed and has never since been used.

It is approached by means of a long timbered drive which leads directly to the principal facade of Crookhill Hall. The house is tall, five bays wide with a centre pediment. The stone-work is heavy, and the entrance has a Gibbs surround (a style usually attributed to 18th century architect James Gibbs). There is little of interest within the house. The staircase, lit by a Venetian window has at one time formed an attraction. However, the present state of the house is by no means pleasing and it is obvious that it may never be used again. Every window has been smashed, and the heavy oak double doors broken down and split into many pieces. No doubt the vandals responsible for the complete ruination of Old Edlington Church have been present here. Their sickening mark of destruction is so clearly visible.

Spread out before the mansion is an expanse of parkland. Doncaster Rural Council are negotiating for the purchase of Crookhill Hall and grounds from the Ministry of Health for development as a public golf course. Let us hope they are successful, and although the removal of yet another South Yorkshire mansion may be apparent, at least an unspoiled area of attractive park and woodland will be preserved for the public’s benefit.