Built / Designed For: William Bawdwen

House & Family History: In the early 19th century the house was owned by Skipton mill owner John Sidgwick, who, in 1839, hired Charlotte Brontë to be the governess for two of his children. Brontë's time at Stone Gappe was not a happy experience; she left after less than a month in the position and returned to Haworth. But the famous author was clearly influenced by her time at Stone Gappe Hall. In her most famous novel, 1847's "Jane Eyre" (considered one of the greatest novels in the English language), Charlotte very likely used John Sidgwick as the model for Mr. Rochester. Stone Gappe Hall itself was likely the inspiration for Gateshead Hall, the childhood home of Jane Eyre. In the 1930s the house was let to a youth hostel.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: William Bawdwen, 18th century. John Benson Sidgwick, until 1847. Sir John Cousin Horsfall, 1st Bt., until 1920.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

House Open to Public: No

Historic Houses Member: No