House & Family History: Newbiggin Hall was originally built as a pele tower in the early 14th century by the Priors of St. Mary’s, Carlisle, supposedly as a place of refuge from Scottish raiders. It later became a country retreat and grange of the priors; the house was converted into a country house in the late 17th century for the Church of England. Newbiggin Hall, as it stands today, incorporates Medieval elements (the basement vault is completely Medieval), with a late 17th century façade and early 19th century rebuild, leaving a seven-bay red sandstone house with ashlar walls and white freestone dressings (the late 17th century stonework is probably by Edward Addison). The Church of England sold the house in the 1920s, after which it became the private home of the Carrs, the famous Quaker family who founded the Carlisle biscuit manufacturers of the same name (biscuit makers to Queen Victoria). Circa 1930 the Carrs installed paneling (including pieces from Easton Hall, Cheshire) and plaster ceilings purchased from Harrods. In 2024 the house was listed for sale for £1.1 million.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: Carr family, early 20th century. Wilson family, late 20th century.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

House Open to Public: No

Historic Houses Member: No