Broughton Hall,

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Date:1975

Description:Broughton Hall was built for Sir Thomas Broughton in the mid-sixteenth century, possibly on the site of an earlier building. During the eighteenth century the ornate timber work was covered in plaster, to 'improve' the facade.

In 1914 Broughton Hall was bought by a Staffordshire industrialist, John Hall, from Sir Delves Broughton. Between 1926 and 1939 the new owner renovated the building, doubling its size by adding the northern wing and a stone extension to the rear. The plaster facade was also removed and the timber work restored.

During World War 2 the Hall was used as a school.

In 1952 Mrs Hall donated Broughton Hall to the Franciscan Missionaries of St. Joseph, who were looking for a suitable Mother House. The nuns remained at the hall until rising repair costs forced them to relocate in the mid-1990s.

The following information is from Mrs L J Harris, only granddaughter of John & Jean Isabel Hall.

John Hall died in 1930. His widow, Mrs Jean Isabel Hall continued with the restoration of Broughton Hall for her son, John Hall, known as Jack. Sadly he was killed in an accident in 1934. The window in the Great Hall was dedicated in his memory by the Dean of Christ Church.

Two sons were killed on active service in 1942 and her two remaining sons and her daughter did not wish to live at Broughton Hall. From 1940 for eleven years, the house was used by The Grange Preparatory School, Stevenage.

The nuns used the croquet lawn as their cemetery.

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Creators: C. Guttridge (photographer) - Creator

Donor ref:SAMS Acc. No., P81.53.11, img: 1678 (10/2127)

Source: Staffordshire Arts & Museum Service

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