(627) Bill of Farley Hall and Storthes Hall

Bill of Farley Hall

Many landed families owe their status to one or two individuals who have brought the family game-changing wealth or power through their abilities in politics, the law, the armed services, or industry. Not so the Bills, whose rise into the Staffordshire county gentry was almost imperceptible, and was achieved by the patient acquisition of property through judicious marriages and purchases over a couple of centuries. It was a family with numerous junior branches around Staffordshire, the exact connections between whom it is beyond the scope of this project to disentangle, as many of them remained below the threshhold of gentility. Here I follow the upwardly mobile Bills of Farley Hall, whose story begins with Richard Bill (d. 1656). He came from Norbury (Derbys) and called himself a yeoman, but was the first of his family to acquire property at Farley (in 1607), and is said to have built the core of the present Farley Hall. He married Elizabeth Shenton, the heiress of the Shentons of Farley Hall, and continued to make small purchases of land in Farley and the surrounding parishes throughout his life. Richard and Elizabeth had three sons, of whom the youngest and the eventual heir was Robert Bill (c.1625-1710), who settled in his father's lifetime at Stanton in Ellastone parish, and seems to have continued living there after his father's death. Robert and his wife Joan Jefferson also had three sons, who each received a portion of his property, with the eldest, Richard Bill (1645-1716), being the heir to Farley Hall. Richard was for some 20 years bailiff of the Earl of Shrewsbury's Alton estate, which adjoined his own estate, and perhaps for that reason lived at Alton Lodge rather than Farley.

Richard's youngest son and eventual heir was Robert Bill (c.1684-1751), who was married twice and sired an eye-watering nineteen children, although all the six children of his first marriage seem to have died young. His second family was much more successful, with five sons and four daughters out of thirteen children achieving adulthood, and several of them living notably long lives. His eldest surviving son and chief heir was Robert Bill (1720-61), whose estates extended across the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border and also into Cheshire. He died aged forty, having already lost his wife, and leaving as his heir his only child, Robert Bill (1753-80). The young Robert was probably brought up in the household of one of his uncles, and when he came to adulthood chose a military career, dying during the siege of Gibraltar in 1780. The management of the Farley estate had been, throughout his minority, in the hands of his uncle Charles Bill (1721-1809), a London solicitor with chambers in the Temple, who acquired property at Marlborough (Wilts) and Sydenham (Kent), and on Robert's death in 1780 Charles came into ownership of the Farley estate. Soon afterwards, in 1782, Charles engaged Thomas Gardner (c.1737-1804) of Uttoxeter to remodel the house and build a new main front, but it is not clear how much he used the house, and at the end of his long life he handed the estate over to a nephew and retired to his house at Sydenham.

The beneficiary of this arrangement was Dr John Bill (1757-1847), who was one of the surgeons to Manchester Royal Infirmary from 1790-1804. He was the younger son of Charles' brother, the Rev. John Bill (1726-1806), the Cambridge-educated rector of Draycott-le-Moors (Staffs). On coming into the property, Dr Bill retired from his profession and took up residence at Farley Hall, which he enjoyed for more than forty years. When he died the estate passed to his only surviving son, John Bill (1795-1853), who qualified as a barrister but did not practice.  In 1827 he made a trip to America, of which in later years he published an account. He survived his father by only some six years, and at his death left two sons, the elder of whom died while a pupil at Harrow in 1856. The estate then devolved on the younger son, Charles Bill (1843-1915), who after Eton and Oxford went on to Lincoln's Inn and qualified as a barrister. In seeming contrast with his father, he had an active public life, serving as MP for Leek, 1892-1906, Colonel of the North Staffordshire militia, and a director of the North Staffordshire Railway Co. He married a daughter of the Fitzherberts of Somersal Herbert (Derbys), and they had two sons and a daughter (who became a Roman Catholic Sister of Mercy). The eldest son, Charles Fitzherbert Bill (1872-1955) was an engineer who had a career with the militia battalion of the North Staffordshire Regiment that took him to the Boer War and the First World War. After the war, he gave up Farley Hall, which was advertised to let in 1920. For the next thirty years the house had a chequered existence, being tenanted as a school, a guest house and a youth hostel, before returning to private occupation. At his death, it passed to his niece, Pamela (1912-62), who occupied it for some years with her husband, Christopher Clifford (1910-86) and their four sons. In 1958, Clifford, who owned a pottery firm in Stoke-on-Trent, was appointed managing director of Royal Worcester Porcelain, and the family had to move south (eventually renting Thornbury Castle in Gloucestershire). They let Farley Hall, hoping that one of their sons would choose to live there when they grew up, but in about 1970 the family took the decision to sell the estate, which was purchased by Anthony Bamford (b. 1945), now Lord Bamford.

One other branch of the family must be considered here. The elder son of Rev. John Bill (1726-1806) of Draycott-le-Moors was Robert Bill (1754-1806), who pursued a career as a merchant and East India Company official on the island of Sumatra (Indonesia). On his return to England, he married in 1791 Dorothy Horsfall, one of the daughters of William Horsfall (d. 1780) of Storthes Hall, Huddersfield (Yorks WR). Horsfall, who had no male heir, had left his property to his widow and daughters, who in the late 1780s came to a family agreement that they would rebuild Storthes Hall so that it could provide a home for such of the sisters as remained unmarried, and pass after their deaths to the children of the sisters who had married. As a result of this unusual arrangement, the house was occupied by two of Dorothy's sisters until 1818. They then moved out and handed the property over to Dorothy's son, Charles Horsfall Bill (1792-1863), who was the only child of any of the five sisters. He occupied the house until 1846, by which time he had inherited the freehold, but after that he let it, and it was occupied as a private school for some twenty years. His eldest son, Charles Horsfall Bill (1818-1908), who inherited in 1863, continued to let the house - this time to private tenants - and lived a curious peregrinating existence, taking houses from Dorset to Aberdeenshire for a few months or a few years at a time. He eventually acquired the town house (now an inn) called The Priory in Tetbury (Glos) as a more permanent base, although he seems to have continued to rent additional houses as well. In 1898 he sold Storthes Hall estate to a middle-man, who promptly resold it to the West Riding County Council, which developed a pauper lunatic asylum in the grounds. The house itself became a home for the mentally handicapped until 1991 when the whole hospital site was closed. 

Farley Hall, Staffordshire

The core of the house seems to be a 17th century building, three gables wide, which is said to have been erected after 1607 for Richard Bill. This had a stone ground floor and was timber-framed above, but the 17th century origins are now only really suggested by the north side, which has gables, a mix of smaller and larger casement windows, and a general irregularity which hints at a complex evolution.

Farley Hall: the north front c.1970. Image: Staffordshire Record Office C/P/65/7/1/15/8/1 (43/13593)

Farley Hall: the house from the south-east, 1929. Image: Country Life.

In 1784 the house was extensively remodelled by Thomas Gardner (c.1737-1804) for Charles Bill (1721-1809). He created a new south front, with two-storey canted bow windows at either end and classical fenestration with sash windows, above which the three gables of the older house float. He was probably also responsible for building the whitewashed stable block to the west of the house.  The tripartite window in the centre of the first floor of the south front may well be a later alteration, and a single-bay two-storey wing to the right of the south front may be of the same date, since it has similar fenestration. Running further east from the wing is a tall plain stone wall, from which projects a most attractive D-shaped greenhouse with a domed top and ashlar plinth. This must date from the mid 19th century, for it is the sort of decorative glasshouse popularised by J.C. Loudon. The wall continues to a later Gothic billiard room, erected by William Evans in 1866, which seems to have been designed with the qualities of both a lodge and a chapel in mind. It is a curious little building; detached billiard rooms were surely a rarity so perhaps it was also designed to be the smoking room of a household which detested tobacco fumes?

Farley Hall: the house from the south-west, c.1970. Image: Staffordshire Record Office C/P/65/7/1/15/5/1 (43/13597)

The last addition to the house of great significance was the application, sometime in the later 19th century, of nailed-on laths to suggest the semi-timbering which genuinely lay underneath. There have been 20th century changes too, involving some demolition on the north side, which altered the footprint of the house after the 1920s. Just before the Second World War, the house briefly became a youth hostel, but this closed on the outbreak of hostilities and it returned to private ownership. The house was restored for Sir Anthony (now Lord) Bamford, the managing director of JCB plc, who later bought Daylesford Park (Glos) and inherited nearby Wootton Lodge.

Descent: built 1607 for Richard Bill (d. 1656); to son, Robert Bill (c.1625-1710); to son, Richard Bill (1645-1716); to son, Robert Bill (c.1684-1751); to son, Robert Bill (1720-61); to son, Robert Bill (1753-80); to uncle, Charles Bill (1721-1809); to nephew, Dr. John Bill (1758-1848); to son, John Bill (1795-1853); to son, Charles Bill (1843-1915); to son, Charles Fitzherbert Bill (1872-1955); to niece, Pamela (1912-62), wife of John Bertram Christopher Clifford (1910-86); sold c.1970 to Sir Anthony Bamford (b. 1945), later Baron Bamford.

The house was advertised to let furnished in 1920; the contents were sold in 1921, and the property was let to Overdale School for Girls c.1922-27, and thereafter to Miss Gladys Hunt, who ran it as a guest house (bankrupt 1932); in 1936 it was let to the Youth Hostels Association, but closed at the beginning of the Second World War. It was let again from 1959 to Mr & Mrs John Goodwin (fl. 1968).

Storthes Hall, Kirkburton, Yorkshire (WR)

Storthes Hall: sketch by John Warburton, c.1720. 

Very little is known about the earlier house on this site, which is recorded in a crude sketch of about 1720 by John Warburton showing a gabled manor house. It seems likely that this was built in the early 17th century after Richard Horsfall had purchased the estate from the eponymous Storthes family.

The Jacobean house was cleared away before the present building was built in 1787-90 for the Misses Horsfall to the designs of William Lindley (1739-1818) of Doncaster (Yorks WR). This has a severely plain seven bay front of two-and-a-half storeys, with a pediment over the middle three bays, and a porch with Doric columns and a segmental pediment. A lower two-storey three-bay service wing adjoins the house on the left, recessed by almost the full depth of the house, from the end of which another wing projects forward. In the 19th century this was a four-bay two-storey block, slightly lower than the service wing, but it appears to have been replaced in the 20th century by a wing of similar proportions that has five windows on each floor that are not even spaced but rather clustered towards its outer end.

Storthes Hall: a Victorian engraving of the house before it became part of the Storthes Hall Hospital.

Storthes Hall: the house today.

In 1897 the house and grounds were acquired by the West Riding County Council as the site of the 4th West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum, for which grand new hospital buildings were erected by Joseph Vickers Edwards, the West Riding County Architect, from 1902 onwards. The Georgian house was used as an institution for the mentally handicapped, and known as the 'Mansion Hospital'. The whole hospital site closed in 1991, after which most of the hospital buildings were demolished, except for the gabled administration building of 1902-17 and the Georgian house, which was returned to private ownership. Part of the hospital site was redeveloped c.2000 for Huddersfield University's student village, but these buildings were themselves demolished in 2025 ahead of a planned large housing development. The mansion house stood empty and boarded up for some years, but was subsequently restored and returned to private ownership.

Descent: Thomas Storthes (fl. 1603); sold after 1603 to Richard Horsfall; to son, Richard Horsfall (d. 1644); to son, Col. Richard Horsfall (1612-68); to son, William Horsfall (d. 1711); to son, John Horsfall (d. 1722); to son, Richard Horsfall (d. 1731); to son, William Horsfall (d. 1780); to his widow and five daughters who rebuilt the hall in 1787-90 and occupied until  1818, after which it passed to Charles Bill (1792-1863), the only son of Dorothy Horsfall (d. 1792); to son, Charles Horsfall Bill (1818-1908), who sold 1898 to Thomas Norton, who sold 1898 to West Riding County Council; transferred 1948 to National Health Service; sold 1991...  The house was let from 1846-65 to Peter Inchbald, who ran a boarding school for boys, and later by Benjamin Lockwood, woollen manufacturer, and Joseph Armitage Armitage (d. 1898).

Bill family of Farley Hall

Bill, Richard (d. 1656). Parentage unknown, born at Norbury (Derbys). Yeoman. He married Elizabeth Shenton of Farley Hall, and had issue:

(1) John Bill (fl. 1634); married and had issue one daughter; living in 1634;

(2) Richard Bill (d. 1649?); died without issue, and perhaps the man of this name whose will was proved at Lichfield in 1649;

(3) Robert Bill (c.1625-1711) (q.v.).

He settled at Farley Hall in 1607.

He died in about April 1656; his probate inventory was sworn 1 May 1656. His wife's date of death is unknown.

Bill, Robert (c.1625-1711). Third and youngest son of Richard Bill (d. 1656) and his wife Elizabeth Shenton, born about 1625. He married, perhaps c.1642, Joan Jefferson, and had issue:

(1) Mary Bill (1643-1712?), baptised at Ellastone (Staffs), 24 August 1643; married, 8 August 1665 at Ellastone, Joseph alias Josias Whieldon of Ipstones (Staffs), and had issue; perhaps the woman of this name buried at St Werburgh, Derby, 14 July 1712;

(2) Richard Bill (1645-1716) (q.v.);

(3) William Bill (fl. 1676), of Stanton in Ellastone, yeoman; died without issue;

(4) John Bill (d. 1726), of Mayfield (Staffs); married, 1680 (licence 11 November), Dorothy Ensor (1658-1733) of Tissington (Derbys), and had issue two sons and three daughters (including John Bill (1686-1770), who was king's messenger to Hanover, and died a Poor Knight of Windsor); died 1 October 1726; will proved at Lichfield, 1726;

(5) Margaret Bill (fl. 1676); married, 1676 (settlement 10 June), John Smith of Stanton in Ellastone.

He inherited Farley Hall from his father in 1656, but may have lived at Stanton in Ellastone.

He was buried at Ellastone, 6 March 1710/11. His wife is said to have died in 1701, but I have not been able to trace a burial.

Bill, Richard (1645-1716). Eldest son of Robert Bill (c.1625-1710) and his wife Joan Jefferson, baptised at Ellastone (Staffs), 26 January 1644/5. Bailiff to the Earl of Shrewsbury's Alton estate in the late 17th and early 18th century. He was also involved in lead mining, leasing land on his estate to prospectors. He married 1st, c.1669 (settlement 17 December), Hannah Morris (1650-94) of Cotton Hall, Cheadle (Staffs), and 2nd, 3 May 1700 at Alton (Staffs), Mary Prince (1654-1719), and had issue:

(1.1) Jane Bill (c.1673-1703), born about 1673; married, by 1693, Thomas Masgreave of Alton, and had issue three sons; buried at Alton, 29 March 1703;

(1.2) Joan Bill (c.1675-1718), born about 1675; married, 16 November 1694 at Ipstones (Staffs), William Rushton (1673-1759), son of Anthony Rushton (1654-1734), and had issue six sons and four daughters; buried at Alton, 17 March 1717/8;

(1.3) Robert Bill (1677-78), baptised at Alton, 8 February 1676/7; died in infancy, 5 December 1678;

(1.4) Richard Bill (b. 1680), baptised at Alton, 12 August 1680; living in 1715; 

(1.5) Robert Bill (1684-1751) (q.v.);

(1.6) Hannah Bill (1685-1766), baptised at Alton, 4 November 1685; married, 27 December 1714 at Alton, Roger Sutton (1683-1752), husbandman, and had issue four sons and two daughters; buried at Alton, 6 March 1766.

He inherited Farley Hall from his father in 1710, and also owned Alton Lodge.

He was buried at Alton, 26 May 1716; his will was proved at Lichfield, 11 October 1716. His first wife was buried at Alton, 23 July 1694. His widow was buried at Alton, 12 November 1719.

Bill, Robert (c.1684-1751). Third, but second surviving, son of Richard Bill (1645-1716) and his wife Hannah Morris, born about 1684. Landowner and farmer. He married 1st, 23 February 1708 at Doveridge (Derbys), Winifred Adams (d. 1717) of Norbury (Derbys) and 2nd, 21 December 1718 at Rolleston (Staffs), Lydia (1692-1755), daughter of Robert Hurst of Cheadle Grange (Staffs), and had issue:

(1.1) Robert Bill (b. & d. 1710), baptised at Alton, 20 February 1709/10; probably the child of this name buried at Alton, 22 April 1710;

(1.2) Richard Bill (b. & d. 1711), baptised at Alton, 7 May 1711; died in infancy and was buried at Alton, 20 May 1711;

(1.3) Hannah Bill (b. 1712), baptised at Alton, 28 June 1712; probably died young;

(1.4) Christopher Bill (1713-14), baptised at Alton, 9 May 1713; died in infancy and was buried at Alton, 2 December 1714;

(1.5) Catherine Bill (b. & d. 1714), baptised at Alton, 12 July 1714; died in infancy and was buried at Alton, 21 July 1714;

(1.6) Winifred Bill (1715-17), baptised at Alton, 5 July 1715; died in infancy and was buried at Alton, 8 June 1717;

(2.1) Margaret Bill (1719-80), baptised at Alton, 11 November 1719; married, 23 December 1754 at Alton, Rev. Francis Ward (1731-83), perpetual curate of Croxden (Staffs), 1758-83 and rector of Stanford-on-Soar (Notts), 1771-75, and had issue at least two sons; died 18 April and was buried at Alton, 23 April 1780;

(2.2) Robert Bill (1720-61), baptised at Alton, 24 December 1720; farmer and landowner with property in Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire; married, 17 December 1752 at Elvaston (Derbys), Alice (1727-57), daughter of William Storer of Manchester, and had issue one son (Lt. Robert Bill (1753-80) who died during the siege of Gibraltar, 1780); died 30 April 1761, and was buried at Alton, where he is commemorated on his father's monument; will proved in the PCC, 6 May 1761;

(2.3) Charles Bill (1721-1809) (q.v.); 

(2.4) Lydia Bill (1722-97), baptised at Alton, 14 November 1722; married, 3 January 1743 at Kingsley (Staffs), John Gilbert (1724-95) of Cotton Hall, Cheadle (Staffs) and later of Worsley Hall (Lancs), joint agent (with his brother Thomas) to the Marquess of Stafford and Duke of Bridgwater, canal-building pioneer, and had issue at least three sons and one daughter; died 22 November and was buried in the Egerton family vault at Eccles (Lancs), 25 November 1797; will proved at Lancaster, 21 December 1797;

(2.5) Francis Bill (1723-1813), baptised at Alton, 13 February 1723/4; married, 18 January 1757 at Alton, Dorothy (1735-1809), daughter of William Hall Walton, and had issue four sons and three daughters; died in London aged 90, and was buried at St George-in-the-East, London, 1 January 1814;

(2.6) Elizabeth Bill (1724-1809), baptised at Alton, 23 February 1724/5; married, 10 November 1754 at Alton, Michael Barbour (c.1719-82) of London and Stone (Staffs), and had issue two sons and three daughters; buried at Lewisham (Kent), 13 June 1809; will proved in the PCC, 13 June 1811;

(2.7) Rev. John Bill (1726-1806) (q.v.);

(2.8) William Bill (1727-84), baptised at Alton, 23 November 1727; married, 26 October 1752 at Draycott-le-Moors (Staffs), Mary (d. 1802), daughter of William Hall Walton, and had issue five sons and six daughters (including the inventor, Robert Bill (1754-1821)); died intestate, 18 November 1784; administration of goods granted 28 April 1785;

(2.9) Winifred Bill (b. & d. 1729), baptised at Alton, 6 January 1728/9; died in infancy and was buried at Alton, 2 February 1728/9;

(2.10) Mary Bill (b. 1730), baptised at Alton, 7 April 1730; perhaps died young;

(2.11) Rupert Bill (1731-49), baptised at Alton, 24 May 1731; apprenticed to Henry Cooper of London, feltmaker, 1747; said to have died unmarried, 20 or 22 September 1749;

(2.12) Ann Bill (b. & d. 1733), baptised at Alton, 17 March 1732/3; died in infancy, 28 August 1733;

(2.13) Penelope Bill (1735-61), baptised at Alton, 4 October 1735; married, 23 September 1755 at Alton, Edmund Smith (c.1730-77) of Underwood, Rochdale (Lancs), merchant, (who m2, 11 October 1762 at St Mary, Ousebridge (Yorks), Mary Rayner, and had further issue), and had issue two daughters; died 20 July and was buried 23 July 1761 at St Chad, Rochdale, where she is commemorated on her husband's monument.

He inherited Farley Hall from his father in 1716.

He died 22 February and was buried at Alton 25 February 1750/1, where he is commemorated on a monument. His first wife was buried at Alton, 8 June 1717. His widow died 18 September and was buried at Alton, 21 September 1769, where she is commemorated on her husband's monument.

Charles Bill (1721-1809) 

Bill, Charles (1721-1809). Second son of Robert Bill (c.1684-1751) and his second wife, Lydia, daughter of Robert Hurst of Cheadle (Staffs), baptised at Alton (Staffs), 5 December 1721. A solicitor with chambers in the Temple, London. JP for Staffordshire. He was unmarried and without issue.

He lived at Marlborough (Wilts) and inherited the Farley Hall estate from his nephew in 1780. At the end of his long life he seems to have handed over Farley Hall to his nephew, Dr John Bill, and moved to Sydenham (Kent). 

He died at Sydenham, 6 January, and was buried at Alton, 21 January 1809, where he is commemorated on the family monument; his will was proved 19 April 1809 (effects under £45,000).

Bill, Rev. John (1726-1806). Fourth son of Robert Bill (c.1684-1751) and his second wife Lydia, daughter of Robert Hurst of Cheadle (Staffs), baptised at Alton, 29 May 1726. Educated at Christ's College, Cambridge (matriculated 1745; BA 1749). Ordained deacon, 1749 and priest, 1750. Curate of Hatley St. George (Cambs), 1749-50 and rector of Draycott-le-Moors (Staffs), 1750-1806. He married, c.1750*, Mary (1723-1800), daughter and co-heiress of Thomas Harrison (1688-1749) of Dilhorne Hall (Staffs), and had issue:

(1) Maria Bill (1753-1847), baptised at Dilhorne, 8 April 1753; married, 7 April 1774 at Draycott-le-Moors, as his second wife, William Burton of Sheffield, surgeon, and had issue one son and one daughter; died at Bath (Som.), 14 April, and was buried at St Mary's Chapel, Bath, 22 April 1847; her will was proved in the PCC, 11 June 1847;

(2) Robert Bill (1754-1806) [for whom see below, Bill family of Storthes Hall];

(3) Dr. John Bill (1757-1847) (q.v.);

(4) Susannah Bill (1763-68), baptised at Draycott-le-Moors, 29 December 1763; died young and was buried at Draycott-le-Moors, 25 September 1768.

He died 25 May 1806, and was buried at Alton (Staffs), where he is commemorated on a family monument; his will was proved in the PCC, 10 June 1806. His wife died 29 December 1800 and was buried 5 January 1801 at Alton (Staffs), where she is commemorated on a family monument.

* The date and place of marriage have escaped me; it was not registered at either Dilhorne or Draycott-le-Moors.

Bill, Dr. John (1757-1847). Younger son of Rev. John Bill (1726-1806) and his wife Mary, daughter and co-heiress of Thomas Harrison (1688-1749) of Dilhorne Hall (Staffs), born 13 April and baptised at Draycott-le-Moors (Staffs), 17 April 1757. A surgeon and apothecary, who practised at Manchester by 1788 and was surgeon to the Manchester Royal Infirmary, 1790-1804, when he retired and moved to Farley Hall. He became blind some years before his death. He married, 5 December 1785 at Bury (Lancs), Esther (1767-1833), daughter of Samuel Grundy of Lyme Field, Bury (Lancs), and had issue:

(1) John Bill (b. & d. 1787), born 5 May 1787; died in infancy and was buried at St Ann, Manchester, 25 May 1787;

(2) Robert Bill (1789-1823), born 15 August and baptised at St Ann, Manchester, 6 November 1789; educated at Macclesfield and Oriel College, Oxford (matriculated 1807; BA 1812; MA 1814) and Lincoln's Inn (admitted 1811); lived at Blackheath Park (Kent); married, 4 January 1820 at St George, Bloomsbury (Middx), Louisa (1796-1870), daughter of Philip Dauncey KC, and had issue three daughters; died in the lifetime of his father, 12 October, and was buried at Cheshunt (Herts), 21 October 1823;

(3) Charles Bill (1790-91); born 23 August 1790; died in infancy, 12 January, and was buried at St Ann, Manchester, 14 January 1791;

(4) Mary Bill (1792-1854), baptised at St Ann, Manchester, 5 October 1792; married, 22 May 1823 at Alton (Staffs), Rev. Edward Whieldon (1787-1859) of Hales Hall (Staffs), and had issue two sons and one daughter; buried at Cheadle (Staffs), 22 May 1854;

(5) Lydia Bill (1794-1859), baptised at St Ann, Manchester, 25 April 1794; married, 28 November 1817 at Alton, Dr. Thomas Mayo MD FRS (1790-1871), physician to Marylebone Infirmary (FRCP, 1819; President of Royal College of Physicians, 1857-62); buried at Kensal Green Cemetery, London, 1 February 1859;

(6) John Bill (1795-1853) (q.v.).

He inherited the Farley Hall estate from his uncle in 1809.

He died 6 April, and was buried at Alton (Staffs), 14 April 1847, where he is commemorated on the family monument; his will was proved in the PCC, 25 June 1847. His wife died 7 December 1833 and was buried at Alton (Staffs), where she is also commemorated on the family monument.

Bill, John (1795-1853). Fourth, but only surviving, son of Dr. John Bill (1757-1847) and his wife Esther, daughter of Samuel Grundy of Lyme Field, Bury (Lancs),  baptised at St Ann, Manchester, 24 July 1795. Educated at Manchester Grammar School (admitted 1806) and Grays Inn (admitted 1821). Barrister-at-law (but did not practise); JP for Staffordshire. In 1827 he visited America, and in 1849 Paris (France), and he wrote an account of his travels published as The English Party's Excursion To Paris In Easter-Week 1849, To Which Is Added A Trip To America (1850). He married, 8 September 1831 at Manchester Collegiate Church (now Cathedral), Sarah (1798-1878), daughter of Abel Humphrys of Philadelphia (USA), and had issue:

(1) Mary Louisa Bill (1836-1902), born 7 September and was baptised at Alton (Staffs), 25 October 1837; married, 12 June 1862 at Alton, Rowland Hugh Cotton (1833-87), of Etwall Hall (Derbys), and had issue one son and five daughters; died 5 March 1902 and was buried at Etwall, where she is commemorated by a monument in the churchyard; her will was proved 19 August 1902 (estate £3,239);

(2) John Bill (1839-56), born 22 August 1839; educated at Harrow (admitted 1853), where he died young, 2 February 1856;

(3) Charles Bill (1843-1915) (q.v.).

He inherited Farley Hall from his father in 1848.

He died 15 February and was buried at Alton (Staffs), 23 February 1853, where he is commemorated by a monument; his will was proved in the PCC, 13 May 1853. His widow died 2 July 1878; her will was proved 7 August 1878 (effects under £14,000).

Charles Bill MP (1843-1915) 

Bill, Charles (1843-1915). Second, but only surviving, son of John Bill (1795-1853) and his wife Sarah, daughter of Abel Humphrys of Philadelphia (USA), born 8 January and baptised at Alton (Staffs), 9 May 1843. Educated at Eton, University College, Oxford (matriculated 1861; BA 1866; MA 1869) and Lincoln's Inn (admitted 1864; called 1868). Barrister-at-law; JP for Staffordshire; Unionist MP for Leek, 1892-1906; Alderman of Staffordshire County Council. An officer in 4th Battn, North Staffordshire Militia (Lt-Col. commanding and later Hon. Col.), who served in Burma, 1886. He was a director of the North Staffordshire Railway Co., and was largely responsible for the construction of the Manifold Valley Light Railway, opened in 1904. He married, 3 May 1870 at Somersal Herbert (Derbys), Ellen Margaret Hepburn (1845-1926), second daughter of Lt-Col. Richard Henry Fitzherbert of Somersal Herbert, and had issue:

(1) Ida Helen de la Martelliere Bill (1871-1956), born 4 April and baptised at Alton, 28 May 1871; a Sister of Mercy and later Mother Superior of the Holy Cross Convent, Haywards Heath (Sussex); died Jan-Mar 1956;

(2) Charles Fitzherbert Bill (1872-1955) (q.v.);

(3) John Hugo Hepburn Bill (1877-1919) (q.v.).

He inherited Farley Hall from his father in 1853, and came of age in 1864.

He died 9 December 1915 and was buried at Alton; his will was proved 7 February 1916 (estate £49,592). His widow died 14 April 1926; her will was proved 27 July 1926 and 2 March 1927 (estate £5,064).

Bill, Charles Fitzherbert (1872-1955). Elder son of Charles Bill (1843-1915) and his wife Ellen Margaret Hepburn, daughter of Lt-Col. Richard Henry Fitzherbert of Somersal Herbert (Derbys), born 13 July and baptised at Alton (Staffs), 29 July 1872. Educated at Eton and New College, Oxford (matriculated 1891; BA 1894). An officer in 4th Battn, North Staffordshire Regiment (2nd Lt., 1892; Lt.; Capt. by 1905; returned to colours, 1914; Maj.), who served in Boer War and First World War. An engineer, he was briefly in partnership with Frederick Hugh Smith at Datchet (Bucks) in the manufacture of carburettors and other parts for motor cars (partnership dissolved 1905); and from 1919-27 he was a director of National Welsh Slate Quarries Ltd and it successor Hendre-ddu Slate Quarries Ltd., which operated the Hendre-ddu slate mine in Merionethshire. He married, 29 September 1909 at Hawarden (Flints.), Alice Violet (1881-1917), only daughter of Charles Bolton Toller of Aston Bank (Flints.), and had issue:

(1) Cynthia Margaret Bill (1910-85), born 18 July and baptised at Hawarden, 28 August 1910; married 1st, 3 March 1934 at Hawarden (div. c.1939), Percy Newton Butler Lusk RAF (1905-70) of Auckland (New Zealand), son of Robert Butler Lusk, barrister and solicitor; married 2nd, 1940 at Wingham, New South Wales (Australia), Lyell Edward John Cooper (1900-96), grazier, son of Edward Charles Cooper, and had issue; died 2 May 1985;

(2) Phyllis Elizabeth Bill (b. 1912), born 2 March 1912; emigrated to Malaya with her husband, 1946, but subsequently moved to Victoria, British Columbia (Canada), where he worked as a realtor (estate agent) and she was a secretary; married, 20 December 1945 at Kensington (Middx), Stuart Arthur Simpson (1906-97) of Ipswich (Suffk), but had no issue; death not traced;

(3) Violet Mary Bill (1917-2007), born 16 March 1917; actress under the name Ria Sohier, who had parts in television series in the 1950s and 1960s; died unmarried aged 89 at Kingsbridge (Devon), 23 November 2007.

He inherited Farley Hall from his father in 1915, but let it after 1920 and lived latterly at Cheltenham (Glos). At his death the house and lands passed to his niece, Pamela Clifford.

He died in Cheltenham, 1 March 1955; his will was proved 18 May 1955 (estate £2,483). His wife died of scarlet fever following childbirth, 22 March 1917; administration of her goods was granted 6 June 1917 (estate £636).

Bill, John Hugo Hepburn (1877-1919). Second son of Charles Bill (1843-1915) and his wife Ellen Margaret Hepburn, daughter of Lt-Col. Richard Henry Fitzherbert of Somersal Herbert (Derbys), born 24 November 1877 and baptised at Alton, 27 January 1878. Educated at Wellington College and New College, Oxford (BA 1899). An officer in the Indian Civil Service, who served on the North-West Frontier and in Nigeria, Persia and Mesopotamia. He married, 3 May 1911 at St Peter, Cranley Gardens, Kensington (Middx), Cicely Annie (1885-1973), daughter of Robert William Bill (1856-1941) of Ashtead (Surrey), and had issue:

(1) Pamela Bill (1912-62) (q.v.);

(2) Muriel Joan Bill (1915-17?), born 25 March and baptised at Ashtead, 14 June 1915; probably died in infancy in India, and perhaps the 'Joan Bill' buried at Kohat (Pakistan), 7 March 1917.

He was murdered by Kurdish tribesmen at Birzah Kaprah in Mesopotamia (now Iraq), 2 November 1919. His widow married 2nd, 1920, Maj-Gen. William Archibald Kenneth Fraser CB CBE DSO MVO (1886-1969), and died 23 November 1973; her will was proved 22 March 1974 (estate £15,525).

Bill, Pamela (1912-62). Only surviving child of John Hugo Hepburn Bill (1877-1919) and his wife Cicely Annie, daughter of Robert William Bill of Ashtead, born 26 March 1912 at Bushire (Iran). She married, 5 September 1938 at Alton (Staffs), (John Bertram) Christopher Clifford (1910-86), master potter; director of Palissy Pottery and later of Worcester Royal Porcelain Co., and had issue:

(1) Michael Hugo Clifford (b. 1939), born 17 October 1939;

(2) twin, Timothy Christopher Clifford (b. 1941), born 29 May 1941; company director; lives in Feock (Cornw.);

(3) twin, Anthony Charles Clifford (1941-2019), born 29 May 1941; died 10 December 2019;

(4) Robert J. Clifford (b. 1950), born Apr-Jun 1950.

She inherited Farley Hall from her uncle in 1955. It was let from 1959, with the explicit intention that the family might return at a later date, when her sons were old enough to decide to live there, but it was sold c.1970. Her widower lived for a time at Thornbury Castle (Glos) in the 1960s, before selling it for conversion into an hotel.

She died 28 October 1962; her will was proved 3 May 1963 (estate £9,157). Her husband married 2nd, 1964, Jane (1937-2022), daughter of Jack Gawthorpe Adamson Ellis (1904-57); he died at Whitwell (IoW), 1 May 1986.

Bill family of Storthes Hall

Bill, Robert (1754-1806). Elder son of Rev. John Bill (1726-1806) and his wife Mary, daughter and co-heiress of Thomas Harrison (1688-1749) of Dilhorne Hall (Staffs), baptised at Draycott-le-Moors (Staffs), 4 May 1754. A merchant and civil servant in the East India Company's service, who lived for many years on the island of Sumatra (Indonesia), returning to England about 1790. DL for Staffordshire (from 1796). He married, 14 March 1791 at Kirkburton, Dorothy (d. 1792), daughter and co-heiress of William Horsfall of Storthes Hall, Kirkburton, and had issue:

(1) Charles Horsfall Bill (1792-1863) (q.v.).

He had previously had illegitimate children:

(X1) Robert Bill, born on the island of Sumatra; an adult in 1792;

(X2) Elizabeth Bill, born on the island of Sumatra; probably an adult in 1792, when she was living at Ealing (Middx).

His wife was co-heiress with her sisters to Storthes Hall. A family arrangement in 1791 allowed the unmarried sisters to live at the hall. and provided for the children of the married sisters to be co-heirs, but she was the only one of the sisters to leave issue.

He died 17 January and was buried at Alton (Staffs), 27 January 1806, where he is commemorated on a family monument; his will was proved in the PCC, 25 February 1806. His wife's date of death is unknown.

Bill, Charles Horsfall (1792-1863). Only recorded legitimate child of Robert Bill (1754-1806) and his wife Dorothy, daughter and co-heiress of William Horsfall of Storthes Hall, Kirkburton, born 15 January 1792 and baptised at Kirkburton the same day. Educated at Christ Church, Oxford (matriculated 1810). JP for West Riding of Yorkshire (from 1828). He married, 13 July 1812 at Kildwick (Yorks), Emma (1791-1872), daughter of Richard Wainman of Carr Head Hall, Kildwick (Yorks WR), and had issue:

(1) Emma Bill (1814-90), born 13 November and baptised at St Martin, Coney St., York, 14 November 1814; married, 27 August 1844 at Great Malvern (Worcs), Rev. Edward Otto Trevelyan (1810-80), curate of Stogumber (Som.), 1841-80, who rented Ashwicke Hall, Marshfield (Glos) from about 1878, and had issue one son and four daughters; died 11 November 1890; will proved 22 December 1890 (effects £51,642);

(2) Charles Horsfall Bill (1818-1908) (q.v.);

(3) Robert William Bill (1820-44), born 28 March and baptised at Kirkburton, 30 March 1820 and again 25 June 1822; educated at Eton and Trinity College, Oxford (matriculated 1840); died unmarried and was buried at Great Malvern, 28 October 1844;

(4) Augustus Horsfall Bill (1823-74), born 2 August and baptised at Kirkburton, 7 October 1823; educated at Eton, Christ Church, Oxford (matriculated 1842; BA 1847) and Lincolns Inn (admitted 1852); lived latterly at Kilmalieu (Argylls.); married, 9 December 1871 at St Margaret, Westminster (Middx), Helen Sarah, daughter of Henry Vernon; died without issue and was buried at Brompton Cemetery, 22 January 1874.

He was the only descendant of his mother and her four sisters, and as such was the heir presumptive to the Storthes Hall estate from his birth. Although his last surviving aunt did not die until 1843, he came into possession of the estate in 1818, when his aunts vacated the property. He let the house from about 1846 and lived latterly at 68 Queens Gardens, Paddington (Middx).

He died in London, 27 September, and was buried at Highgate Cemetery, 2 October 1863; administration of his goods was granted 16 November 1863 (effects under £70,000). His widow died at Bath (Som.), 17 March and was buried at St Mary, Bathwick, 23 March 1872; her will was proved 16 April 1872 (effects under £1,500).

Charles Horsfall Bill (1818-1908) 

Bill, Charles Horsfall (1818-1908). Eldest son of Charles Horsfall Bill (1792-1863) and his wife Emma, daughter of Richard Wainman of Carr Head Hall, Cowling (Yorks WR), born 14 May and baptised at Kirkburton, 18 May 1818. An officer in the 15th Hussars (Cornet, 1839; Lt., 1843; retired as Capt., 1849). JP for Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. He married, 30 March 1841 at All Souls, Langham Place, Marylebone (Middx), Anna Maria (1820-75), daughter of General Charles Middleton (1789-1854), and had issue:

(1) Elizabeth Horsfall Bill (1847-1912), born at sea and baptised at Holy Trinity, Maidstone (Kent), 20 June 1847; married, 16 September 1873 at St James, Piccadilly, Westminster (Middx), Maj. Ralph William Caldwell (c.1836-1911) of Olivers, Stanway (Essex), son of Henry Berney Caldwell, and had issue one child, who died young; died 15 April and was buried at Shrub End (Essex), 19 April 1912; will proved 8 June 1912 (estate £18,037);

(2) Caroline Bill (b. 1849), baptised at Fritwell (Oxon), 28 July 1849; married, 3 August 1881 at St Mark, North Audley St., Westminster (Middx), as his second wife, Gen. John Alfred Street CB (1822-89), son of Capt. John Street RA, and had issue one son (the author Cecil John Charles Street (1884-1964)); death not traced;

(3) Charles Horsfall Bill (1853-1906), born 5 February and baptised at Maidstone, 31 March 1853; an officer in the West Yorkshire Rifle Militia (Lt., 1871; resigned 1877); married, Apr-Jun 1895, Lillian Alice Holmes (b. c.1869), but had no issue; lived latterly at Aberdovery (Merioneths.); drowned in Cardigan Bay, 22 May 1906 and was buried at Llanfihangel; administration of goods granted to his widow, 25 August 1906 (estate £155);

(4) Robert William Bill (1856-1941), born at Nigg (Ross & Cromarty), 8 January 1856; farmer; JP and DL for Parts of Lindsey in Lincolnshire; an officer in 3rd Battn, Lincolnshire Regiment (Capt.); married, 16 November 1883 at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Westminster (Middx), Annie Cecilia (1859-1936), daughter of Rev. Richard William Bulmer, rector of Belleau (Lincs), and had issue two sons and two daughters (one of whom married her kinsman, John Hugo Heyburn Bill (1877-1919), for whom see above); died 7 November 1941; will proved 26 January 1942 (estate £485);

(5) Arthur Ingram Horsfall Bill (1859-1929), born at Elgin (Morays), 6 November 1859; emigrated to New Zealand, where he farmed; married, 2 July 1888 at Marton, Wanganui (NZ), Mary Ross (1862-1939), but had no issue; died at Marton, 21 September 1929; administration of goods granted 8 September 1932 (estate in England, £165);

(6) Emma Maria Bill (1862-1943), born at Elgin, 15 March 1862; accompanied her husband to incumbencies in Canada, 1892-1913; married, 7 June 1883 at St John, Croydon (Surrey), Rev. Charles Herbert Rich (1860-1933), son of Stiles Rich, accountant, and had issue two sons; died 14 August 1943; will proved 18 November 1943 (estate £9,157);

(7) Anne Horsfall Bill (1864-1942), born 10 October and baptised at Dauntsey (Wilts), 7 December 1864; married, 3 February 1891 at St John, Woking (Surrey), Rev. Henry George Constable Curtis (1865-1957), rector of Babworth (Notts), youngest son of Capt. Constable Curtis of The Hall, Great Berkhamstead (Herts), and had issue one daughter; died 17 March 1942; will proved 21 May 1942 (estate £968).

He inherited Storthes Hall from his father in 1863, but continued to let it. He occupied many properties around England and Scotland, but eventually settled at The Priory, Tetbury (Glos), which was sold after his death. He sold Storthes Hall in 1898 for £49,500.

He died aged 90 at Sidmouth (Devon), 6 November, and was buried at Sidmouth, 10 November 1908; his will was proved 28 January 1909 (estate £75,596). His wife died 4 January 1875.

Principal sources

Burke's Landed Gentry, 1952, p. 178; R. Harman & Sir N. Pevsner, The buildings of England: Yorkshire West Riding - Sheffield and the south, 2017, p. 368; C. Wakeling & Sir N. Pevsner, The buildings of England: Staffordshire, 2nd edn., 2024, p. 269.

Location of archives

Bill family of Farley Hall: deeds, estate and family papers, 1438-20th cent. [Staffordshire Record Office, D554]

Coat of arms

Bill of Farley Hall: Ermine, two bill-hooks in saltire proper, on a chief azure a pallet or, charged with a rose gules between two pelicans' heads erased argent.

Can you help?

• If anyone can provide additional information about the Clifford family and their decision to sell Farley Hall in c.1970, I would be most grateful.
• Can anyone provide photographs or portraits of the people whose names appear in bold above, for whom no image is currently shown?
• If anyone can offer further information or corrections to any part of this article I should be most grateful. I am always particularly pleased to hear from current owners or the descendants of families associated with a property who can supply information from their own research or personal knowledge for inclusion.

Revision and acknowledgements

This post was first published 22 February 2026.

(626) Bigland of Bigland Hall

Bigland of Bigland

As one of the eponymous families of England, it is no great surprise to find that the Biglands are generally supposed to have held their estate in the Furness district of Lancashire (now part of Cumbria) from very ancient times, but it is only possible to construct a coherent genealogy from the early 16th century onwards, and the family were, in fact, leaseholders under Cartmel Priory until the dissolution of the monasteries. The family produced several cadet branches in the 16th and 17th centuries, including a family based in Cheshire and another in Leicestershire (neither of whom owned country houses or indeed stayed in one place for very long); while Sir Ralph Bigland, Garter King of Arms in the late 18th century, was a 4xgreat-grandson of Henry Bigland (d. 1523), with whom the genealogy below begins. There were also numerous other Bigland families established on farms in the south Lakeland area in the 16th and 17th centuries, who can be difficult to distinguish from the senior line of Bigland Hall in the parish registers of Cartmel (Lancs), at least until the parish clerks hit on the idea of distinguishing them by their respective abodes in the early 17th century. The Bigland Hall estate descended from Henry (d. 1523) to his son Edward (d. 1563), who seems to have acquired the freehold, and then to the latter's son, Henry (d. 1616). Only with the latter's son, George Bigland (1581-1644) does it become possible to know more than a bare genealogical outline. Rather surprisingly, since he was a Protestant in religion, he seems never to have been a justice of the peace, and his children's marriage connections imply that his social circle was still entirely local. He was succeeded by his eldest son, James Bigland (c.1609-46), who died unmarried less than eighteen months later, so the estate passed to the next son, John Bigland (1610-80). John had a large family, but only one of his sons seems to have pursued a career outside the Furness district, becoming a London-based Hamburg merchant; it was perhaps his presence in the capital which drew two of his unmarried sisters to live there too.

John's eldest son, George Bigland (1647-85) inherited on his death, but was relatively short-lived and was unmarried; he is notable chiefly for establishing a school on the estate and for endowing it. At his death, Bigland passed to his younger brother, Thomas Bigland (1649-1702). In the next generation the eldest son, John Bigland (1692-1747), was again without issue; this was becoming a bit of a pattern by this time. When he died he was succeeded by his younger brother, George Bigland (1701-52), who had married the daughter of a Whitehaven merchant and may have founded the Low Wood furnace on the estate. George's eldest son was another George Bigland (1750-1831), who certainly operated the furnace in the late 18th century. Perhaps helped by the profits of this enterprise, George embarked on a substantial rebuilding of Bigland Hall in 1781, the year of his first marriage. When his first wife died two years later, he quickly married again, this time to the sister of Wilson Braddyll of Conishead Priory; this was a socially advantageous match, and subsequent generations played a slightly more prominent role in local affairs, although it is noticeable that none of them was ever high sheriff. A further remodelling of Bigland Hall followed in 1809, and was perhaps a strain on the family finances. By the middle of the 1810s the estate was mired in debt, and in 1817 creditors of the furnace operation made George Bigland bankrupt. Happily for the family, the estate was entailed, so it was only George's life tenancy that could be sold for the creditors' benefit, and not the freehold. George moved to a suburban house in York for the remainder of his life, and it is not clear if he was ever released from bankruptcy; dividends were still being paid to the creditors in the early 1820s and I have not found a record of his being discharged. It would seem that his eldest son (the only child of his first marriage), George Bigland (1782-1840), became the creditors' tenant at Bigland Hall until his father's death saw him inherit the property. 

George junior does not seem to have been socially disadvantaged by his father's bankruptcy, for he became an officer in the Lancashire militia, and eventually a Deputy Lieutenant for the county. In the way of elder sons in this family, however, he was unmarried and without issue, and at his death the Bigland estate passed to his half-brother, Vice-Admiral Wilson Braddyll Bigland (1788-1858). Wilson was the second son of his father's second marriage, and it is not clear why he was preferred to his elder brother. By the time of his inheritance in 1840 he had long since retired from active naval service and was settled at Leamington (Warks), and he did not move north to live at Bigland. The Admiral outlived all his three children, and at his death in 1858 the Bigland estate therefore passed to his brother John Bigland (1786-1862), the man who had been overlooked in 1840. John had made his home at Bramham (Yorks WR), but does seem to have moved to Bigland in 1858, although it was probably his eldest son, John Bigland (1829-93), who took on the management of the estate. The younger John, who as a young man had devoted himself to fox-hunting, now developed an interest in forestry, and planted extensively on the Bigland estate. True to family form, he was unmarried, and when he died in 1893 the estate passed to his younger brother, George Bigland (1830-1902), who had emigrated to Canada and later the USA thirty years earlier. He returned to England to take over the family estate, and at his death a decade later was succeeded by his only child, George Braddyll Bigland (1891-1915), then a child of eleven. G.B. Bigland was precisely of the age and class to furnish the British army with the subalterns it needed to fight the First World War, and he joined the Lancashire regiment at the start of the conflict. He married in January 1915 and was killed the following June, two months before his wife gave birth to a daughter, Audrey Braddyll Bigland (1915-34). At the end of 1917, his widow married for a second time, to Horace Davy Pain (1890-1961), and had a second family. During the 1920s and early 1930s, the Pains lived at Bigland Hall, but the property was actually in Audrey's name, and when she died aged just eighteen in 1934, the operation of the entail transferred ownership to her second cousin, John Bigland Tulk-Hart (1909-44), the son of a Brighton physician, who was the grandson of Thomas Bigland (1832-1904), the younger brother of John (d. 1893) and George (d. 1902). John took the additional surname of Bigland by deed poll in 1934, and moved north with his family to take up residence at Bigland Hall. During the Second World War, he served as a navigator with the Royal Air Force, and in 1944 his plane was shot down by German flak over France, and although he baled out, he did not survive. He left a widow, Miza Pauline (1908-86) - variously described as being of Czech or Austrian ancestry - who had no farming knowledge and three young children to raise, but who gamely set about acquiring a working knowledge of farming and eventually built up a herd of pedigree cattle. In about 1968, she handed over the estate to her elder son, Richard John Braddyll Bigland (1938-94), who ran it until 1991 and developed a number of diversified businesses on the estate. In 1991, however, he decided to sell up, bring to an end at least five hundred years of family ownership, and possibly much longer. He moved to the Isle of Man, and in a tragic coda to the family story, was killed in a helicopter accident three years later.

Bigland Hall, Haverthwaite, Lancashire (now Cumbria)

The house stands in a splendid position in a bowl of parkland, overlooking a tarn, and with a distant prospect of the Eskdale fells. It is an ancient site which formed part of the estates of Cartmel Priory in the medieval period, though the Biglands were recorded as the priory's tenants from 1508. The rear wing of the house incorporates a good deal of the 16th and 17th century house of the Biglands, but the plan is complex and evidently reflects work of several different periods, which there seems never to have been any systematic archaeological investigation to clarify. One room in this part of the house has a fireplace bressumer carved with the initials BMB NG (with the N reversed); the second set of initials was formerly misinterpreted as a date 1161.

Bigland Hall: the house in its landscape setting in 1991.

Bigland Hall: the long rear wing which incorporates work of the 16th and 17th centuries. Image: Karl and Ali. Some rights reserved.

In 1781 the Kendal carpenter and joiner, John Hird, who worked across the Westmorland and Furness district as an architect, built a plain new five bay range containing three rooms onto the east side of the old house. His designs and estimate were formerly in the house, but have been lost, but the interiors themselves largely survive, as does the round-headed staircase window in the south side elevation. 

Bigland Hall: engraving of the house across the tarn, 1822.

Bigland Hall: entrance front of 1809 attributed to Francis Webster. Image: Angus Taylor/Historic England

In 1809 (datestone) another architect - almost certainly Francis Webster - built on a further range in front of Hird's work, which is higher than the older work behind and is reached internally by three steps up, flanked by Roman Doric columns and pilasters.  Webster's work provided a nicely proportioned new entrance front of five widely-spaced bays, with the central one stepped slightly forward and fronted by a limestone porch with four Tuscan columns. The window over the porch is emphasised with a deep lintel supported on brackets which bears a red lion passant regardant (the crest of the Biglands) in low relief. The sense of connection between the interior and exterior space which the early 19th century appreciated is encouraged by the ground-floor windows to either side of the porch having low sills, although they are not floor-length. Inside, the entrance hall of 1809 has two busts set in niches in the walls.

Descent: Henry Bigland (d. 1523); to son, Edward Bigland (d. 1563); to son, Henry Bigland; to son, George Bigland; to son, John Bigland (b. 1610); to son, George Bigland (1647-85); to brother, Thomas Bigland (b. 1649); to son, John Bigland (1690-1747); to brother, George Bigland (1701-52); to son, George Bigland (1750-1831); to son, George Bigland (b. 1782); to half-brother, Vice-Adm. Wilson Braddyll Bigland (c.1788-1858); to brother, John Bigland (d. 1862); to son, John Bigland (1829-93); to brother, George Bigland (1830-1902); to son, George Bradyll Bigland (1891-1915); to widow, Audrey, later wife of Horace Davy Pain for life... to John Bigland Tulk-Hart (later Bigland) (d. 1945?); to widow, Mrs Miza Pauline Bigland (d. c.1968); to son, Richard John Bigland (c.1938-94), who sold 1991 to Geoffrey Holmes; sold 2000. 

Bigland family of Bigland

Bigland, Henry (d. 1523). Elder son of Edward Bigland of Bigland and his wife. He married Jenett (fl. 1560), daughter of George Preston, and had issue:

(1) Edward Bigland (d. 1563) (q.v.);

(2) George Bigland; married and had issue at least one son;

(3) James Bigland of Bigland.

He inherited a lease of Bigland Hall from his father.

He died in 1523. His wife's date of death is unknown.

Bigland, Edward (d. 1563). Eldest son of Henry Bigland (d. 1523) and his wife Jenett, daughter of George Preston. He married [forename unknown], daughter of [forename unknown] Sandys (fl. 1564) of Furness Fell, and had issue:

(1) Henry Bigland (d. 1616) (q.v.);

(2) George Bigland, of Cartmel; married Agnes, daughter of George Denton, and had issue one son (from whom descended Sir Ralph Bigland, Garter King of Arms);

(3) James Bigland (fl. 1563);

(4) Janet Bigland (fl. 1563);

(5) Margaret Bigland (fl. 1563); married, 20 May 1559, at Cartmel, Richard Barrow.

He inherited a lease of Bigland Hall from his father in 1523 and probably purchased the freehold after the dissolution of Cartmel Priory.

He was buried at Cartmel Priory, 14 February 1563; his will was proved 7 July 1564. His widow was living in 1564 but her date of death is unknown.

Bigland, Henry (d. 1616). Eldest son of Edward Bigland (d. 1563) and his wife [forename unknown], daughter of [forename unknown] Sandys of Furness Fell. He married Isobel Bellingham (d. 1622) of Westmorland, and had issue including:

(1) George Bigland (1581-1644) (q.v.);

(2) Henry Bigland, of Cartmel.

(3) James Bigland (d. 1623), of Grange in Cartmel (Lancs); married, 2 June 1599, Jennett, daughter of [forename unknown] Harrison of Cartmel, and had issue one son and five daughters; buried 27 November 1623.

He inherited Bigland Hall from his father in 1563.

He was buried at Cartmel, 17 April 1616. His wife was buried 19 January 1622.

Bigland, George (1581-1644). Eldest son of Henry Bigland (d. 1616) and his wife Isobel Bellingham, baptised at Cartmel, 28 December 1581. He married, 15 October 1608 at Cartmel Priory, Isabel (d. 1645), daughter of John Myers of Cartmel (Lancs), and had issue:

(1) James Bigland (c.1609-46), eldest son, born about 1609; inherited the Bigland Hall estate from his father in 1644 but died unmarried, 21 March 1645/6;

(2) John Bigland (1610-80) (q.v.);

(3) Edward Bigland, third son; died unmarried; not named in the will of his father and therefore probably predeceased him, but possibly to be identified with the man of this name buried at Cartmel Priory, 24 January 1647/8;

(4) Anne Bigland (1614-95), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 10 March 1613/4; married, 14 April 1635 at Cartmel Priory, Edward Robinson (c.1600-70) of Newby Bridge (Lancs), and had issue three sons; buried at Cartmel Priory, 24 July 1695;

(5) Sarah Bigland (b. 1616), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 26 February 1615/6; married [forename unknown] Atkinson of Westmorland;

(6) Isabel Bigland (1619-1700), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 15 February 1618/9; married, c.1645, Edward Lightbourne of Biggins, Kirkby Lonsdale (Westmld.) (d. 1689), and had issue; buried at Kirkby Lonsdale, 9 June 1700;

(7) Henry Bigland (1621-46), baptised at Cartmel, 29 October 1621; died unmarried and was buried at Cartmel Priory, 9 August 1646; will proved 22 August 1646;

(8) Thomas Bigland (d. 1646); died unmarried and was buried at Cartmel Priory, 20 September 1646;

(9) Bridget Bigland (b. 1627), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 5 August 1627; married William Kilner, and had issue;

(10) George Bigland (1630-85), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 2 September 1630; died unmarried, 1 August 1685.

He inherited Bigland Hall from his father.

He wsa buried at Cartmel Priory, 29 October 1644. His widow was buried 20 April 1645; her will was proved 17 May 1645.

Bigland, John (1610-80). Second son of George Bigland (b. c.1580) and his wife Isabel, daughter of John Myers of Cartmel (Lancs), baptised at Cartmel, 17 June 1610. He married, c.1645, Jane (1626-1713), daughter of Thomas Fletcher of St Andrew Moor, Windermere, and had issue:

(1) George Bigland (1647-85) (q.v.);

(2) Thomas Bigland (1649-1702) (q.v.);

(3) Henry Bigland (1650-89); Hamburg merchant in city of London; died unmarried and without issue; will proved in the PCC, 25 February 1689/90;

(4) Mary Bigland (d. 1661); buried at Cartmel Priory, 19 August 1661;

(5) John Bigland (1657-81), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 27 February 1656/7; died unmarried and was buried at Cartmel Priory, 1 August 1681;

(6) Isabel Bigland (c.1658-92), born about 1658; called eldest surviving daughter in her father's will in 1670; lived latterly in parish of Christchurch, London; died 1692; will proved in the PCC, 19 October 1992;

(7) Anne Bigland (c.1662-92), born between 1659 and 1666; married, 1 January 1683/4 at Cartmel Priory, Edward Kellet (d. 1692) of Mireside, and had issue four children; buried at Cartmel Priory, 25 February 1691/2;

(8) James Bigland (1664-c.1666), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 29 February 1664; died in or before 1666;

(9) James Bigland (1666-1740), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 5 June 1666; married, 1708 (bond 25 July), at Colton (Lancs), Ruth (c.1670-1742), daughter of [forename unknown] Rigg and widow of James Greenwood (d. 1704), and had issue two sons and three daughters; buried at Torver (Lancs), 22 January 1739/40;

(10) Sarah Bigland (c.1667-93), born about 1667; lived latterly in parish of Christchurch, London; died unmarried; will proved 18 August 1693;

(11) Edward Bigland (1669-1727), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 15 December 1669; married, 4 November 1723, Agnes (1692-1732?), daughter of John Gibson of Dalton in Furness (Lancs) and widow of William Muckalt (1689-1722), and had issue two daughters; buried at Cartmel Priory, 7 September 1727; will proved 20 October 1727;

(12) William Bigland (b. & d. 1671), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 28 December 1671; died in infancy and was buried at Cartmel Priory, 29 December 1671.

He inherited Bigland Hall from his elder brother in 1646.

He was buried at Cartmel Priory, 1 June 1680; his will was proved 4 September 1680. His widow was buried at Cartmel Priory, 26 January 1712/3.

Bigland, George (1647-85). Eldest son of John Bigland (1610-80) and his wife Jane, daughter of Thomas Fletcher of Windermere, baptised at Cartmel (Lancs), 3 October 1647. He erected and endowed the Free School at Browedge near Bigland. He was unmarried and without issue.

He inherited Bigland Hall from his father in 1680.

He was buried at Cartmel Priory, 1 August 1685.

Bigland, Thomas (1649-1702). Second son of John Bigland (1610-80) and his wife Jane, daughter of Thomas Fletcher of Windermere, baptised at Cartmel (Lancs), 22 April 1649. He married, June 1687, Elizabeth (b. 1666), daughter and heir of Rev. William Wilson, rector of Windermere, and had issue including:

(1) Jane Bigland (1688-1712), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 12 December 1688; died unmarried and was buried 27 October 1712 at Kendal (Westmld), where she was commemorated by a monument;

(2) Ann Bigland (1691-1712?), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 5 July 1691; possibly died unmarried and was the woman of this name buried at Cartmel Priory, 17 April 1712;

(3) John Bigland (1692-1747) (q.v.);

(4) Henry Bigland (b. 1693), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 19 April 1693;

(5) Sarah Bigland (1694-1757), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 1 November 1694; died unmarried and was buried at Cartmel Priory, 16 November 1757; will proved 23 November 1757;

(6) Elizabeth Bigland (b. 1696), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 5 May 1696; married, 1714 (licence 4 November, William Stedman of Kendal (Westmld) or Richmond-on-Swale (Yorks NR), pharmacist; death not traced;

(7) Isabel Bigland (b. & d. 1697), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 12 August 1697; died in infancy and was buried at Cartmel Priory, 8 November 1697;

(8) Thomas Bigland (b. 1698), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 6 July 1698;

(9) Dorothy Bigland (1700-68), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 4 November 1700; married, 5 October 1747 at Kirkby Lonsdale (Westmld.), Robert Thornton (1689-1764) of Lancaster, merchant; died without issue and was buried at Kirkby Lonsdale, 25 January 1768, where she was commemorated by a monument;

(10) George Bigland (1701-52) (q.v.).

He inherited Bigland Hall from his elder brother in 1685.

He was buried at Cartmel Priory, 27 April 1702. His wife's death has not been traced, but perhaps occurred before 1711, as she is not named in the will of her husband's aunt.

Bigland, John (1692-1747). Eldest son of Thomas Bigland (1649-1702) and his wife Elizabeth, daughter and heir of Rev. William Wilson, rector of Windermere, said to have been baptised at Cartmel Priory, 10 March 1691/2. He married, 1714 (bond 13 September), Dorothy (1686-1730), daughter and heir of Rev. William Wells, but had no issue.

He inherited Bigland Hall from his father.

He was buried at Cartmel Priory, 25 June 1747. His wife was buried at Cartmel Priory, 12 December 1730.

Bigland, George (1701-52). Fourth and youngest son of Thomas Bigland (1649-1702) and his wife Elizabeth, daughter and heir of Rev. William Wilson, rector of Windermere, baptised at Cartmel Priory, 30 November 1701. He married, 7 April 1749 at Distington (Cumbld.), Mary* (1726-1811), daughter of John Fox of Whitehaven (Cumbld.), and had issue:

(1) George Bigland (1750-1831) (q.v.);

(2) Thomas Bigland (1751-1829), baptised at Cartmel Priory, 28 October 1751; farmer on Bigland estate; died at Cartmel, 26 November 1829.

He inherited Bigland Hall from his father in 1747.

He died suddenly at Whitehaven 1751/2; his will was proved  in the Archdeaconry of Richmond Probate Court, 7 May 1753. His widow married 2nd, 30 June 1753 at Beetham (Westmld), as his second wife, Thomas Sunderland (c.1723-72) of Low Wood (Lancs), and had further issue three sons and two daughters; she was buried at Cartmel Priory, 1 May 1811.

* Her portrait was painted by Christopher Steele in 1756. 

Bigland, George (1750-1831). Elder son of George Bigland (1701-52) and his wife Mary, daughter of John Fox of Whitehaven (Cumbld.), born 5 May and baptised at Cartmel Priory, 7 May 1750. Ironmaster at Low Wood Furnace (bankrupt, 1817). He married 1st, 9 June 1781 at Whitehaven, Anne (d. 1783), second daughter and co-heir of Robert Watters of Whitehaven; and 2nd, 23 November 1784 at Ulverston (Lancs), Sarah (c.1759-1830), daughter of John Gale of Whitehaven and sister of Wilson Braddyll of Conishead Priory, and had issue:

(1.1) George Bigland (1782-1840) (q.v.);

(2.1) John Bigland (1786-1862) (q.v.);

(2.2) Sarah Bigland (1787-1816), born 19 June and baptised at Cartmel Priory, 22 June 1787; married, 19 September 1808 at Cartmel Priory, Pudsey Dawson jun. (1778-1859) of Liverpool, and had issue at least one son; died 26 December and was buried at St James, Toxteth, Liverpool, 28 December 1816;

(2.3) Vice-Adm. Wilson Braddyll Bigland (1788-1858) (q.v.);

(2.4) Georgiana Bigland (1789-1820), born 12 August and baptised at Cartmel Priory, 15 August 1789; died unmarried and was buried at St Michael-le-Belfry, York, 17 March 1820;

(2.5) Mary Bigland (1790-1812), born 19 June and baptised at Cartmel Priory, 22 June 1790; died unmarried, 26 February and was buried at Cartmel Priory, 29 February 1812;

(2.6) Dorothy Bigland (1794-1813), born 7 June and baptised at Cartmel Priory, 9 June 1794; died unmarried, 13 February, and was buried at Cartmel Priory, 17 February 1813.

He inherited Bigland Hall from his father in 1752 and came of age in 1771. He was presumably obliged to hand over his life interest in the estate to his creditors on becoming bankrupt in 1817 and moved to a house at Bootham (sometimes described as Clifton), York, the contents of which were sold after his death.

He died at York, 21 January 1831; his will was proved in the PCY, February 1831 (effects £450). His first wife died 31 January 1783. His second wife died at their house in York, 7 April 1830.

Bigland, George (1782-1840). Only child of George Bigland (1750-1831) and his first wife, Anne, second daughter and co-heir of Robert Watters of Whitehaven (Cumbld.), baptised at Whitehaven, 6 April 1782. An officer in the 2nd Royal Lancashire Militia (Capt. by 1809; Maj., 1812); Mayor of Ulverston (Lancs), 1810; a DL for Lancashire.  He was unmarried and without issue.

He inherited Bigland Hall from his father in 1831, but seems to have been resident there in the 1820s, presumably as the tenant of his father's creditors.

He died 'after a long and severe indisposition', 3 December, and was buried at Cartmel Priory, 9 December 1840; his will was proved in the Archdeaconry of Richmond probate court, 20 May 1841.

Bigland, Vice-Adm. Wilson Braddyll (1788-1858). Second son of George Bigland (1750-1831) and his second wife, Sarah, daughter of John Gale of Whitehaven and sister of Wilson Braddyll of Conishead Priory, born 20 July and baptised at Cartmel Priory, 22 July 1788. He joined the Royal Navy in 1801 (Midshipman, 1803; Lt., 1808; Cdr., 1814; Capt., 1821; retired 1831; Rear-Adm., 1852; Vice-Adm., 1857); appointed KH, 1836. He was a DL for Lancashire. He married, 8 January 1822 at Havant (Hants), Emily (d. 1873), second daughter of Samuel Leeke of Havant and sister of Capt. Sir Henry Leeke RN, and had issue:

(1) George Selsey Bigland (1822-42), baptised at Havant, 21 October 1822; an officer in the 46th Foot (Ensign, 1839); died unmarried when he was accidentally killed by falling down a hatchway on a troop ship carrying him to Barbados, 23 January 1842;

(2) Wilson Henry John Bigland (1824-55), born 7 January and baptised at Havant, 26 March 1824; died unmarried at his father's house in Leamington, 27 September 1855;

(3) Sophia Georgina Bigland (1826-46), born at Bigland Hall, 20 February 1826 but baptism not traced; married, 10 May 1845 at Cartmel Priory (Lancs), Frank Cartwright Dickson (1815-1907) of Chapel House, Staveley (Westmorld) and Abbots Reading (Lancs), but had no issue; her portrait was painted by Cornelius Bevis Durham; died 26 March and was buried at Fareham, 2 April 1846.

He inherited Bigland Hall from his half-brother in 1840, but lived in retirement at Leamington Spa (Warks). Having outlived all his children, his property passed on his death to his brother, John Bigland (1786-1862). His widow continued to live at Leamington Spa.

He died 18 November and was buried at Leamington Spa, 25 November 1858; his will was proved 4 February 1859 (effects under £3,000). His widow died 23 February and was buried at Leamington Spa, 1 March 1873; her will was proved 24 April 1873 (effects under £3,000).

Bigland, John (1786-1862). Eldest son of George Bigland (1750-1831) and his second wife, Sarah, daughter of John Gale of Whitehaven and sister of Wilson Braddyll of Conishead Priory, said to have been born 3 July 1786. An officer in the 3rd Lancashire militia (Capt.). He married, 25 May 1828 at Aberford (Yorks WR), Mary (1796-1874), daughter of John Marshall of Towton (Yorks), and had issue:

(1) Mary Bigland (c.1828-1906?), born about 1828 in York but baptism not traced; living unmarried with her parents and siblings at Bramham in 1841 and 1851; married, 24 August 1854 at Clifford (Yorks), Christopher Dobson of Hagg Farm, Stearsby (Yorks NR), farmer, and had issue at least five daughters; buried at Barnby-on-the-Moor (Yorks), 14 September 1906;

(2) John Bigland (1829-93) (q.v.);

(3) George Bigland (1830-1902) (q.v.);

(4) Thomas Bigland (1832-1904) (q.v.);

(5) William Henry Gale Bigland (1835-1915), born 27 October and baptised at Bramham, 25 November 1835; probably the father of an illegitimate son by Catherine Crispin who was baptised at Lytham (Lancs), 18 May 1865; lived with Mary Wilson, widow, at Poulton-le-Sands (Lancs) for more than thirty years; died unmarried, Jan-Mar 1915;

(6) Georgiana Bigland (1837-1922), born 7 September and baptised at Bramham, 6 October 1837; acted as housekeeper to her brothers at Bigland Hall and later lived at Barrowbanks, Newby Bridge; died unmarried, 1 March 1922; will proved 7 July 1922 (estate £2,477).

He lived at a house called 'New York' in Bramham (Yorks WR) until he inherited Bigland Hall from his brother in 1858. As the elder brother, it is not clear why he did not inherit the estate from their half-brother in 1840.

He died 7 December and was buried at Cartmel Priory, 12 December 1862; his will was proved 12 June 1863 (effects under £4,000). His widow died 6 October 1874; administration of her goods was granted 20 October 1874 (effects under £200).

Bigland, John (1829-93). Eldest son of John Bigland (1786-1862) and his wife Mary, daughter of John Marshall of Towton (Yorks), born 10 April and baptised at Bramham (Yorks WR), 10 May 1829. As a young man he was devoted to fox-hunting; after taking possession of the Bigland estate in 1858 he developed an interest in forestry and planted many trees and shrubs in his park and wider estate. He was a Conservative in politics. He was unmarried and without issue. 

He inherited Bigland Hall from his father in 1862.

He died 22/23 October, and was buried at Cartmel Priory, 26 October 1893; his will was proved 1 January 1894 (effects £356).

Bigland, George (1830-1902). Second son of John Bigland (1786-1862) and his wife Mary, daughter of John Marshall of Towton (Yorks), born 18 December 1830 and baptised at Bramham (Yorks WR), 19 February 1831. He emigrated to Canada, where he at first became a fish merchant; he then moved to St Louis, Missouri (USA), where his occupation is rather enigmatically recorded as 'drummer'; but he returned to England on the death of his brother in 1893. He married 1st, 1 February 1860 at Hamilton, Wentworth, Ontario (Canada), Alice Maud Mary Proud (c.1836-83), youngest daughter of John Dowker of Terrington (Yorks); and 2nd, 28 August 1886, Edith Blanche Hinde (1852-1926), daughter of Peter Fox Andre of London, and had issue:

(2.1) George Bradyll Bigland (1891-1915) (q.v.).

He inherited Bigland Hall from his elder brother in 1893.

He died 7 February and was buried at Cartmel Priory, 11 February 1902; his will was proved 18 April 1902 (estate £2,802). His first wife died 19 January 1883 and was buried at Cambridge Cemetery, Waterloo, Ontario. His widow died 8 July 1926; her will was proved 26 November 1926 (estate £1,314).

George Braddyll Bigland (1891-1915)  

Bigland, George Braddyll (1891-1915). Only child of George Bigland (1830-1902) and his second wife, Edith Blanche Hinde, daughter of Peter Fox Andre of London, born at St Louis, Missouri (USA), 4 November 1891. Educated at Charney Hall School, Grange (Lancs). An officer in the Kings Own Royal Lancashire Regiment (2nd Lt., 1914). He married, 2 January 1915 at Aspley Guise (Beds), Audrey (1893-1980), third and youngest daughter of Sir Robert Alfred Hampson, kt. of Brown Howe, Ulverston (Lancs), and had issue:

(1) Audrey Braddyll Bigland (1915-34), born posthumously, 16 August 1915; died 28 January, and was buried at Haverthwaite, 30 January 1934; administration of goods granted to her mother, 29 March 1934 (estate £1,502).

He inherited Bigland Hall from his father in 1902 and came of age in 1912. On his death it passed to his daughter, and on her death to her second cousin, John Bigland Tulk-Hart (later Bigland) (1909-44). His widow lived at Bigland Hall with her second husband until the death of her daughter, and later at Thwaite Bridge Cottage, Rusland (Lancs).

He was killed in action, 16 June 1915; his will was proved 29 March 1916 (estate £25,054). His widow married 2nd, 27 December 1917 at St Michael, Toxteth Park, Liverpool (Lancs), Horace Davy Pain (1890-1961), and had further issue two sons and one daughter; she died 20 April 1980 and was buried at Rusland; her will was proved 27 May 1980 (estate £47,553).

Bigland, Thomas (1832-1904). Third son of John Bigland (1786-1862) and his wife Mary, daughter of John Marshall of Towton (Yorks), born 18 February and baptised at Bramham (Yorks WR), 15 September 1832. Trained as a surgeon under William D. Husband of York (MRCS 1857; Lic. Soc. Apothecaries, 1858). Medical superintendent of Kensington House Asylum (Middx) by 1861 and later of The Priory, Roehampton (Surrey), but retired and lived with his brother at Bigland Hall before 1891. He married, 5 September 1867 at St Philip, Kensington (Middx), Helen (1839-1919), daughter of Augustus Leycester Barwell of Stansted Park (Sussex), and had issue:

(1) Wilson John Braddyll Bigland (1868-1920), born 31 March 1868; educated at Heversham Grammar School; may have gone abroad as he does not feature in 1901 or 1911 census; died unmarried, Jan-Mar 1920;

(2) George Selsey Bigland (1869-1923), born 17 May and baptised at St Philip, Kensington, 30 July 1869; educated at Heversham Grammar School; occupation given in 1911 as 'plaster agent'; lived in Bromley (Kent); died unmarried, 9 December 1923; will proved 19 March 1924 (estate £3,347);

(3) Charles Augustus Leycester Bigland (1870-1904), born 3 July and baptised at St Philip, Kensington, 29 July 1870; educated at Heversham Grammar School (Westmld) and St John's College, Cambridge (matriculated 1889); prevented by a gun accident in 1890, in which he lost part of his foot, from pursuing a military career, he emigrated to New Zealand where he became a freemason in 1896; volunteered to serve in the Matabeleland Mounted Police, 1901-02; he later returned to England and pursued a business career until his health broke down; died unmarried and was buried at Cartmel Priory, 26 February 1904;

(4) Blanche Madeline Bigland (1873-1961) (q.v.).

He lived on site at the asylums to which he was attached until he retired to Bigland Hall c.1890.

He died 8 May, and was buried at Cartmel Priory, 13 May 1904. His widow died at Bromley, Jan-Mar 1919.

Bigland, Blanche Madeline (1873-1961). Only daughter of Thomas Bigland (1832-1904) and his wife Helen, daughter of Augustus Leycester Barwell of Stansted Park, born 4 September and baptised at St Philip, Kensington (Middx), 17 October 1873. A registered nurse (registered 1898). She married, 29 April 1901 at Staveley (Westmld), Dr. Thomas John Augustus Tulk-Hart (1872-1930), physician, son of Dr Eugene John Hart MRCS (1846-1920), and had issue:

(1) Joan Madeline Tulk-Hart (1904-94), born 23 April and baptised at Chapel Royal, Brighton, 3 June 1904; married 1st, 27 December 1924 at St Peter, Brighton (div.), as the first of his three wives, Cdr. William Richard Campbell Steele (1895-1987), and 2nd, Jan-Mar 1947 at Totnes (Devon), as his second wife, Charles Henry Philip Jackson (c.1897-1978), mining engineer, son of Cyril Frank Jackson; died 3 March 1994; will proved 6 July 1994 (estate £167,349);

(2) Una Eugenie Tulk-Hart (1906-66), born 9 February and baptised at Chapel Royal, Brighton, 2 March 1906; married, Oct-Dec 1932 (sep. by 1939; div. by 1942), Wing Cdr. Hugh de Lainé Standley (1899-1967); died 10 December 1966; will proved 2 March 1967 (estate £12,683);

(3) John Bigland Tulk-Hart (later Bigland) (1909-44) (q.v.);

(4) Richard Braddyll Tulk-Hart (1913-96), born 19 October and baptised at Chapel Royal, Brighton, 7 December 1913; physician and surgeon (MRCS, 1940; LRCP, 1940); served in Second World War as a medical officer with the Royal Air Force (Flying Offr, 1943); married, 11 March 1944 at St Mark, North Audley St., Westminster (Middx), Pamela May Johnsen (1918-2010), a ferry pilot with Air Transport Auxiliary Service, and had issue one son and two daughters; died 7 April 1996; will proved 21 June 1996.

She lived in Brighton (Sussex).

She died 16 December 1961; her will was proved 2 April 1962 (estate £16,281). Her husband died 17 March 1930; his will was proved 8 July 1930 (estate £26,540).

Tulk-Hart (later Bigland), John Bigland (1909-44). Elder son of Thomas John Augustus Tulk-Hart and his wife Blanche Madeline, only daughter of Thomas Bigland, born 20 August 1909 and baptised at the Chapel Royal, Brighton (Sussex), 10 November 1909. Solicitor. He took the surname of Bigland by deed poll on inheriting Bigland Hall, 13 April 1934. He served in the Second World War as a navigator in the Royal Air Force (Flying Officer). He married, 27 July 1935 at Fletching (Sussex), Miza Pauline (1908-86), daughter of Richard Jaschke of Fletching, gent., and had issue:

(1) Sarah Anne Guinevere Bigland (1936-2021), born 15 May and baptised at Haverthwaite, 28 June 1936; married, April 1960, William Victor Gubbins (1937-2022) of Eden Lacy, Great Salkeld, High Sheriff of Cumbria, 1987-88, son of Maj. Bill Gubbins, and had issue three sons; died 11 September 2021; will proved 21 June 2022;

(2) Richard John Braddyll Bigland (1938-94) (q.v.);

(3) Anthony John Bigland (1942-2000), born 31 October 1942; married, 14 August 1965, Kathryn Anne (b. 1943), daughter of Charles Joseph Basil Radcliffe (1900-83), and had issue one son and two daughters; died 20 December and was buried at Haverthwaite, 28 December 2000; administration of goods granted 20 December 2000.

He inherited Bigland Hall from his second cousin in 1934. After his death it passed to his widow, who handed it over to her eldest son in about 1968.

He was shot down by flak over Condé, Normandy (France) during a night reconnaissance, and baled out but died, 8 August 1944; he was buried at Breel (France). His widow died 7 October 1986; her will was proved 31 December 1986 (estate £75,785).

Bigland, Richard John Braddyll (1938-94). Elder son of John Bigland Tulk-Hart (later Bigland) (1909-44) and his wife Miza Pauline, daughter of Richard Jaschke of Fletching (Sussex), born 18 December 1938 and baptised at Haverthwaite, 1 July 1939. He married 1st, 30 November 1968 (div.) at Melling (Lancs), Carol Morley, daughter of Tim Saunders of Wennington Hall (Lancs) and Melbourne (Australia), and 2nd, Apr-Jun 1982, Catherine (k/a Kate) M. (b. 1946), artist, daughter of [forename unknown] Waller and formerly wife of Peter Rosson, and had issue:

(2.1) Daniel James Braddyll Tulk-Hart Bigland (b. 1982), born September 1982; guitarist, bandleader, and founder of the Musicians Community;

(2.2) Matthew Sebastian Braddyll Bigland (b. 1985), born July 1985; musician and songwriter.

He took over Bigland Hall on the retirement of his mother in 1968, but sold it in 1991. He lived subsequently on the Isle of Man.

He was killed in a plane crash at Walsall (Staffs) while returning to the Isle of Man, 20 January 1994; buried at Braddan (IoM), 4 February 1994 but reburied at Haverthwaite, 3 October 1997. His first wife married 2nd, 1977, Frederick L. Barnes. His widow is now living.

Principal sources

Burke's Landed Gentry, 1925, pp. 136-37; J. Foster, Pedigrees of the county families of England: vol 1, Lancashire, 1873, unpaginated pedigree of Bigland family; J. Stockdale, Annals of Cartmel, 1874, pp. 498-504; J.M. Robinson, A guide to the country houses of the north-west, 1991, p. 159; A. Taylor, The Websters of Kendal, 2004, p. 134; Sir H.M. Colvin, A biographical dictionary of British architects, 4th edn., 2008, pp. 523-24; M. Hyde & Sir N. Pevsner, The buildings of England: Cumbria, 2010, pp. 395-96.

Location of archives

Bigland of Bigland: deeds, estate and family papers, 1554-1964 [Cumbria Archive Service, Kendal WD BGLD]

Coat of arms

Azure, two ears of big wheat in pale couped and bladed or.

Can you help?

• Can anyone provide photographs or portraits of the people whose names appear in bold above, for whom no image is currently shown?
• If anyone can offer further information or corrections to any part of this article I should be most grateful. I am always particularly pleased to hear from current owners or the descendants of families associated with a property who can supply information from their own research or personal knowledge for inclusion.

Revision and acknowledgements

This post was first published 8 February 2026 and updated 9 February 2026.