Wingerworth Hall near Chesterfield in Derbyshire began as a small hall in about 1600, rebuilt as a much grander residence in the 1720’s and Wingerworth Hall was finally demolished in 1924 due to insufficient family wealth.

The Hunlokes became the dominant family in Wingerworth, when the manor was purchased, being involved for 400 years and over eleven generations. Until the mid-19th century the property descended through the male line and then through the female line for the last two generations.

The first Wingerworth Hall was a small hall, of which little is known, when built it enforced their status.

This castellated house was said to have been built of ashlar, probably from coal measure sandstone, most likely deep hard rock from Birdholme.

It had a front of five bays with both ends having full height canted bays (a canted bay Window has a straight front and angled sides). The general style is said to strongly resemble that of Barlborough Hall but this is highly subjective and may just be a case of one stone mason adapting another’s ideas.

There is some conjecture over the architect of the original Wingerworth Hall although some agreement is that it was in the Smythson style and could well have been built c.1596/1605 (whilst Robert Smythson was alive). Smythson also designed nearby Hardwick Hall and Barlborough Hall. In ‘Smith of Warwick. Francis Smith, Architect and Master-Builder’ Andor Gomme argued convincingly that the honour lies with Francis Smith of Warwick who had also been working on Sutton Scarsdale hall, a few miles away.

When Wingerworth Hall and 260 acres was auctioned in May 1920 the bidding started at £60,000 but there were no bidders at this price nor at £50,000 and £40,000. A second auction was held in July 1920 when again it was not sold. Sir Philip offered it to a local farmer for £12,000 but eventually W M Twigg and Sons of Matlock bought and demolished it.

Just a small part of the original hall is now left. More information can be found on the Wingerworth Hall website.