Washington Hall (Dame Margaret Hall)

Washington Village

Tyne & Wear

England

Historic County: County Durham

Start Date: 1854

Completion Date: 1857 w/1860s addition

Status: Fully Extant

House Open to Public: No

Country House: Yes

Built / Designed For: Isaac Lowthian Bell

House & Family History: Washington Hall is famous today as the birthplace of Gertrude Bell, explorer and Middle East expert; the House was built for her father, Isaac Lowthian Bell, a noted 19th century chemical manufacturer. For much of the 20th century Washington Hall served as residential school; it has now been divided into flats (it was renamed Dame Margaret Hall during occupation by the school). The famous Turkish bath installed by Philip Webb in 1860s was destroyed.
Architect: Philip Webb

Date of Birth: 1831
Date of Death: 1915
Nationality: British
Notes: Philip Webb is known as the father of Arts & Crafts architecture.

Date: 1865-67
Designed: Addition to House

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Architect: A. B. Higham

Date of Birth: ?
Date of Death: ?
Nationality: British
Notes: 19th century Newcastle architect.

Date: 1854-57
Designed: House for Isaac Lowthian Bell

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House Listed: Grade II

Park Listed: Not Listed
Past Seat / Home of: Isaac Lowthian Bell, 19th century.

Current Ownership Type: Flat Owners Company / Condo Association

Primary Current Ownership Use: Flats / Multi Family
House Open to Public: No
Historic Houses Member: No

House, Family & Collections History