The Corner Fireplaces at Middleton Hall

2025 is the 350th anniversary of the construction of a specific architectural feature at Middleton Hall: the brick corner fireplaces. We know that these were constructed in the year of 1675 because of the hearth taxes. This recorded that there were 26 hearths at Middleton Hall in 1674 and 30 in 1676. The difference was caused by the addition of the corner fireplaces.

Corner fireplaces were first introduced and fashionable for a very short period in the late 17th century. The main benefit of them was that they enabled an existing room to be divided into two with each room having its own triangular fireplace. They also took up a lot less space than traditional fireplaces and often replaced one large fireplace.

Corner fireplace in the Stone Building at Middleton Hall, c.1892 by J. H. Pickard/Benjamin Stone Collection.

However, they were not universally liked. Lady Cassandra Willoughby (née Ridgeway) was reported to have not been in favour of this new architectural fashion. She was not alone in that view, as the 17th century diarist Samuel Pepys is believed to have written a similar comment. Therefore, it is notable how quickly they must have been constructed after her death in July 1675. It also means that it is possible to conclude that they were added by Emma (née Barnard), the widow of Francis Willughby F.R.S..

Emma added corner fireplaces to various rooms. In the South Wing, four corner fireplaces were added at the western end of the division between the two small rooms at the Wing’s easternmost end, on the ground floor and the floor above. In the 14th century Chapel, a corner fireplace was added in its south-western corner. Finally, two corner fireplaces were added to the first floor of the Stone Building. For this last one to be constructed, a hole was cut through the original barrel-vaulted roof to accommodate the new brick chimney. Furthermore, brick vaulting was added to the ground floor of the Stone Building, directly beneath the fireplace in order to support its weight.

The corner fireplace in the Chapel was lost when the building was demolished in about 1925. The ones at the east end of the South Wing are still present, but it is thought that they may have undergone some reconstruction during the Georgian Renovation. However, they were reconstructed using their original materials, which thus makes them challenging to interpret. Therefore, the only corner fireplaces that have definitely survived in the form they were constructed in 350 years ago, albeit minus the chimney penetrating the roof and a bit of a repair, are the ones visible today in the Stone Building.

Corner fireplace in the Stone Building at Middleton Hall, 2012. Photograph taken by Richard Jordan.

Author - Debbie Jordan, Middleton Hall Volunteer.

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