Architecture and History
Moresby derives its name from the likelihood of a connection with a settler (probably called Morisceby, Mawriceby or Moricebi) as early as 1150. The name may be taken from the ancient name “Morris” and may have come from a Welsh or English line. Indeed, the oldest part of the house (in Rosmerta cottage) has a spiral stone staircase believed to be from an original Pele tower. This would once have provided an unrestricted view of the coast to protect from invaders.
The Moresby family were notorious in medieval times, acquiring large estates through conquest and marriage. *Christopher de Moresby fought at Agincourt and was honoured on the field with other knights by King Henry. Another four generations of Christopher de Moresby’s swelled the family fortunes further, with vast estates and seigniorial rights to twenty-two manors. Anne, Sir Christopher’s* great granddaughter was sole heiress. She married Sir Francis Weston who was famously executed by King Henry VIII, along with Queen Anne Boleyn and another of her alleged paramours. His crime? To reply “Yourself” when Anne Boleyn asked whom he loved better than her kinswomen, Mrs Shelton. Anne Weston lived to an old age and sold Moresby Hall, her family home, to a well-to-do merchant from Cockermouth, called William Fletcher.
The Fletchers were a powerful local family and they owned Moresby for a 250 year period. William Fletcher was the son of Henry Fletcher who entertained Mary, Queen of Scots during her short sojourn in Cockermouth, prior to her imprisonment at Carlisle. He reputedly provided a length of cloth for a gown, as he was shocked at The Queen’s impoverished state.
The Fletcher’s arranged for the remodelling of the front façade of the Hall in around 1615. In keeping with their refined and cultivated tastes, they chose eminent architects, over various building periods.
Primarily this is attributed to the prominent architect, Inigo Jones, from the original design around 1617. Inigo Jones was in the retinue of Anne, Consort of James I when she visited Brougham Castle, near Moresby, in 1617. Further remodelling c 1670 – 1690 are reputedly to designs by either William Thackery or Edward Addison.
The Fletchers of this time also assisted Camden, the respected antiquarian when he investigated the remains of the local Roman camp, which was situated across from Moresby Hall. This is still a site of archaeological interest, as though the site has been excavated over the centuries, some remains are still in existence within the church grounds of St Bridget’s. Some Roman artefacts were discovered by David Saxon in the grounds of Moresby Hall during the “Big Dig” undertaken nationally by Time Team (Channel 4 TV).
During the eighteenth century the house changed hands several times following the death of Thomas Fletcher who died childless. The Hall ceased to be a manorial residence, fell into disrepair and was used as a farmhouse for some years. In about 1910 it was restored and re-emerged as a small manor house until about 1955.
For over forty years, one of the main employers in the district (High Duty Alloys) owned the Hall and used it for corporate hospitality, welcoming celebrities, royalty and guests from all over the world in connection with their business.
The New Millennium
David and I moved here in August 1999 with our family (including three lovable Giant Schnauzers) and immediately felt at home. We have so many plans for the future, small conferences, educational and themed weekends, weddings, and charity events. See News & Events.
Moresby Hall has an abundance of original features including large fireplaces, 18th century tiled floor, 16th century oak staircase, with huge oak beams in the entrance hall and dining room. We have wonderful double doors, high ceilings, leaded windows throughout and comfortable window seats in every room.
Renovations are undertaken sympathetically with the intentions of making the property viable and self-funding for the very high maintenance costs that are commiserate with a Grade I listed building. The benefits of this means this remarkable home is now offered as a unique setting for conferences, small weddings, dining and accommodation etc.
I was the Managing Director of a successful industrial supply business for over twenty years, but felt ready for a new and exciting project. David and I enjoy meeting new people and we especially like to welcome our guests, whether they are visiting the area on business or tourism. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be able to own, live and work in this magnificent building.
— Jane Saxon
