Ormesby Hall—from family home to National Trust property

Perched proudly on the outskirts of a bustling housing estate, Ormesby Hall, a Palladian mansion, appears somewhat incongruous. Despite its seemingly out-of-place location, it maintains an air of refinement and is surrounded by parkland, a sharp contrast with its urban surroundings. In contrast to more opulent residences like Marton and Gunnergate Halls, erected with newfound industrial riches and subsequently razed to the ground, Ormesby Hall, a creation of “old money,” endures.

The story began in 1600, when James Pennyman established himself in Ormesby. Presumably, it was he who erected the initial manor house, later replaced by the magnificent Ormesby Hall between 1740 and 1754. Though it was the grandson of James, also named James, who conceived this project, its execution fell to his widow, Dorothy, following his death in 1743. The identity of the architect remains elusive, quite possibly a distant relation, Colonel James Moyser, who played a role in designing Nostell Priory¹Pearson, Lynn F. “Building the North Riding”. 1994. Smith Settle Ltd..

This three-story, pedimented mansion commands a mesmerising northward view, with the urban expanse of Teesside mostly concealed by the woodland border surrounding the park. Within its walls, intricate plasterwork, likely crafted by John Carr, embellishes the interiors. The whole estate incorporating the stables (also attributed to Carr), park, and garden, provides a serene retreat from the industrial buzz of Teesside²Pevsner, Nikolaus. “The Buildings of England – Yorkshire – The North Riding”. Penguin Books. Reprinted 1985. ISBN 0 14 071009 9.

The Pennymans, however, were not detached aristocrats. In the 1860s, they actively influenced Middlesbrough’s expansion by establishing a model village in North Ormesby. Despite their affluence, they adhered to principles of social responsibility and community development.

In 1962, Colonel James Beaumont Worsley Pennyman generously bequeathed the estate to the National Trust, ensuring its enduring preservation³https://heritagerecords.nationaltrust.org.uk/HBSMR/MonRecord.aspx?uid=MNA144428. Although the family continued to live there until 1983, their legacy of community spirit and architectural heritage thrives to this day.

• 1
  Pearson, Lynn F. “Building the North Riding”. 1994. Smith Settle Ltd.
• 2
  Pevsner, Nikolaus. “The Buildings of England – Yorkshire – The North Riding”. Penguin Books. Reprinted 1985. ISBN 0 14 071009 9
• 3
  https://heritagerecords.nationaltrust.org.uk/HBSMR/MonRecord.aspx?uid=MNA144428