URPoint Details
The Hall designed attributed to Robert Smythson was built between 1598 and 1611 for Sir Stephen Proctor, who bought the old monastic states at Fountains from the Gresham family in 1597. After passing through several changes of ownership, the Hall together with the famous abbey ruins, parts of which had been ransacked by Proctor for building materials for his new home. It was acquired by William Aislabie in 1768.
The exterior is a most interesting building at the centre is a deeply recessed first storey with a tall semi-circular window below, a balustraded fore-building entered through a Renaissance porch with pairs of Ionic columns and carved figures to either side, projecting gabled wings the whole flanked by 2 further projecting battlemented towers.
The central hall with great chamber above good plasterwork and in the great chamber is an elaborate chimney-piece with obelisks, columns and an inset panel depicting the judgement of Solomon.
The Hall forms part of the Abbey and Studley Royal estate. The park and gardens offer various buildings of interest including 'The Temple of Piety' (early 18th century), a banqueting hall (1730s) and the Octagon Tower (1728).
- Type:
- Landmark