Monkton Hall, Monkton Lane

This building was listed grade II in 1949 with the following description:
'House, now psychiatric hospital. Third quarter of C18, rainwater head is dated 1763. Rendered; Welsh slate roof. 2 storeys, 5 windows with raised surrounds; raised quoins; parapet bands. Main elevation: C20 porch encloses central rusticated doorway; at first floor there is a round sundial dated 1773; sash windows. Roof steeply pitched having stone-coped parapets to the gables, 2 end corniced brick chimneys. Interior: dentilled cornices to upper and lower halls and one principal room, open well staircase with cut string, 2 turned balusters to each step, curved section handrail, dado rail. Some original architraves, ogee-headed staircase window, with painted glass in ogee, behind wide arch on columns.' {1}
Monkton Hall is a late 18th century mansion which once stood in substantial grounds. It was constructed c.1760 by William Bruce. It was bought in the late 1770s by the Major family who retained it until the mid 19th century. It then passed to William Snowball. During this period the hall was extended to the north and east. After passing through the hands of numerous tenants, the hall was bought in 1903 by Francis Scott, a market gardener. He cultivated the grounds around the building but opened out the Hall as a home for mentally handicapped boys. The venture was adopted by a trust and then taken over by the NHS in 1948. It was further extended during the 20th century with most additions being well-designed and subservient. The hall retains many internal and external features including cornices, window cases, panelling and quoins. The house was recorded in 2011 by NAA. The western extent of the grounds has been truncated by Campbell Park Road. Associated with the Hall's hospital use, the grounds were developed in the 1970s with a large complex of brick and concrete residential and administration buildings in a sparse institutional style. One building is enlivened by applied mosaic depicting images of Jarrow and Bede. The rubble stone boundary wall, gate piers, circular carriage drive, expanses of grass and the trees create a simple quiet and attractive enclave. A watching brief and programme of recording was undertaken by NAA during restoration/demolition and construction works in 2012. LISTED GRADE 2