Description:Oulton Old Hall was originally built in 1613 as the seat of the Gamul family. In 1670 it was bought by the Short family, who in turn sold it to the Beech family in 1699. At some time between 1774 and 1782 a third, brick, storey was added to the original sandstone hall. In 1782 it belonged to the Shelley family who started a school here which remained until at least 1861, when the headmistress was Miss Caroline Radcliffe. Since then it has been a private residence for a number of families, including that of Francis Elliot Kitchener, headmaster of Newcastle High School, who was living here in 1896.