House & Family History: Lawton Hall was built in the 17th and mid-18th centuries by the Lawton family, who lived here until World War I, when it was used as a hospital. The House was a hotel until the early 1940s, after which it was used by the local fire service during World War II. Between 1952 and 1986 Lawton was let as Lawton Hall School. In the 1990s the House was empty, during which time it deteriorated and was vandalized; most of its valuable fittings were torn out or wrecked (the Jacobean fireplaces were stolen). In 1997 the House was seriously damaged by a series of fires. In 1999 John Lawton, having inherited the Hall in 1991 from his father, sold it for £1 to the Rural Buildings Preservation Trust (wound up in 2004). In 2002-04 the front facade was incorporated by Gleeson Homes into nine new flats (under the guidance and approval of English Heritage), with 33 new Georgian-style detached houses and mews residences situated throughout the gated grounds. In November 2004 Gleeson Homes won the What House? Gold Award for Best Development.

House Listed: Grade II

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: John Lawton, 16th century; Lawton family here from the 12th century until 1999.

Current Ownership Type: Flat Owners Company / Condo Association

Primary Current Ownership Use: Flats / Multi Family

Ownership Details: Between 2002 and 2004 divided into nine flats

House Open to Public: No

Historic Houses Member: No