The Aldcliffe estate was acquired by the strongly Catholic Dalton family in 1557 during the reign of Queen Mary after it had been confiscated from Syon Priory by the Crown.

Because of their adherence to the Catholic faith, two thirds of their land was sequestered by Parliament during the English Civil War.

The last two surviving sisters left the property to the clergy who had been running a teaching mission at the house.

Edward Bousfield extended the house by adding a castellated wing, installed electricity and also allowed the Glasson Dock Branch railway line to cross the estate.

In 1953, Eric Dawson-Hall sold the property (the hall and gardens, Home Farm, West Lodge and Ivy Cottage, some 40 acres in all) to Mrs. Muriel Townley, wife of Barton Townley, of Bailrigg.