Lea Hall

Legend
map legend

Base layers

Data layers

Other Images

Venue Type & Location

Private Residence

Site Name: Lea Hall
Location: near Preston
County: Lancashire
Location Type: Town - near town at determined location

Overview

Located in low-lying farmland near the coast of the Fylde region a few miles NW of Preston.

A timber-framed farmhouse reclad in red brick and converted from the only surviving wing of a late medieval manor house.

Performance History

The will of Alexander Hoghton (d 1581) includes mention of his 2 entertainers, Fulk Gyllom and William Shakeshafte, who presumably performed for their patron at his residence though no performance records survive.

Current Status

Old Lea Hall is still owned by the Hoghton family. The property continues to be actively farmed and the Hall is used by the tenant farmer.

History of the Venue

13xx Manor acquired by the Hoghton family through marriage.

late 17th/early 18th c. Likely period of conversion of the 2-storey wing, partitioned into several new rooms for domestic use. Lower ceilings and new windows inserted.
Original 5-bay post and truss frame mostly intact and still visible in the attic.

19th c. Kitchen extension added.

Record Source

REED Lanc 156--8

Bibliographic Sources

  • Bearman, Robert. '"Was William Shakespeare William Shakeshafte?" Revisited.' Shakespeare Quarterly 53.1 (2002): 82–94.
  • George, David, ed. Lancashire. Records of Early English Drama (REED). Toronto, Buffalo, London: U of Toronto P, 1991.
  • The Victoria History of the County of Lancaster. The Victoria History of the Counties of England. 8 vols. London: Archibald Constable, 1906–14.