Whirlow Hall Farm

In 2011 excavations revealed remains of a substantial 1st or 2nd century AD Roman rural estate center, or ‘villa’ on what is believed to be a pre-existing Brigantian farmstead.

[2] Further evidence of Roman occupation of the area can be found in an interim report by University of Sheffield staff on excavations of a linear feature at nearby Sheephill Farm, close to the Limb Brook.

It was built by the Brights, a wealthy local family who had initially made their fortune in the wool trade but by the 15th century had branched out into metalworking and lead production.

[4] By the end of the 18th century the hall was in a state of poor repair, the east wing was pulled down in 1795 and the rest was demolished later, although local legend says it was struck by lightning and burnt down.

[5] The Furness family were the first tenants in the new house, finally giving up the lease in 1937 and bringing to an end over 200 years of occupancy of Whirlow Hall along with their ancestors the Dungworths.