Beetham Hall

Beetham Hall is a farm set back from the main road south of the village of Beetham. The location is not particularly strong, but overlooks the River Bela to the north. Within the farm steading buildings are the remains of a substantial medieval building consisting of a hall with a solar tower, together with substantial remains from a rectangular courtyard wall. The site is privately owned, and buildings nearby form a crematorium. It may be that permission can be gained to look at the ruins – but the tower and hall range can be seen clearly from the road.

In the late 11th century Beetham fell within the wide lands of Roger de Poitou, but was ejected from England when he supported Robert Curthose in a rebellion against King Henry I. By the early 13th century the lands of Beetham were held by a family taking their name from the manor, Thomas de Beetham being recorded in 1212 and 1246, a Sir Ralph de Beetham who died in 1254 Thomas son of Robert de Beetham in 1265, and Ralph de Beetham in 1324. Ralph appears to have been knighted, appearing as Sir Ralph in 1334 and 1346. Other members of the family continue to appear afterwards well into the 15th century at least, but at some point in the 17th century the estate had passed to the Brabin family. The Beethams were therefore responsible for the high status medieval buildings.