Visit to Swanwick Old Hall - 22nd June 2025

We are very grateful to the owners of all three houses, which make up the Old Hall as a whole, who kindly opened their doors for DHBT to come along and visit on the 22nd June. Special thanks to DHBT supporter, Ellin, who led the tour.

Situated in the heart of Swanwick yet tucked away off the main road between Alfreton and Ripley, Swanwick Old Hall (Grade II listed) is one of only a few listed buildings in the town.

Throughout its time, Swanwick Old Hall has lived through Civil War, World Wars, a booming Industrial Revolution and it’s later decline, also being on the doorstep of the 1817 Pentrich Revolution.

Possibly built for the Turner family, who had mineral rights in the area (coal being a major player in the story of Swanwick as a town).

By the early to mid 18th century ownership of the Hall appears to pass to the Wood family, maybe also along with the hold over mineral rights.

The family obviously prospered over the subsequent decades with them leaving the Old Hall for the newly built Swanwick Hall, on the other side of the town.

This proud home has stood fast throughout its changes in wealth and status. The building’s story mirrors fortunes of many other much larger, grander dwellings in the 20th century.

This early 17th century Hall has survived it’s decline in status through the late 18th and 19th centuries, resulting in subdivision, subsequent neglect, at times semi dereliction (in part), use as a rental property, with possible planning applications for demolition and re-development (poss 1967, planning app). Restorations over the latter half of the 20th and early 21st centuries have seen the houses brought up to speed as dwellings more suitable for contemporary living.

This humble yet fascinating building is, once again, getting a small moment in the sun!