Our History

Dacre Hall dates from the mid 12th century and was originally the west range of cloisters of Lanercost Priory. It was altered in 1559 for Sir Thomas Dacre, with further alterations in the early 19th century. At the Dissolution, the Prior's tower, Dacre Hall and Outer Court were purchased by Sir Thomas Dacre; his alterations to form his house, are dated by the remains of a stained glass window from the hall, now in the nearby parish church. The Hall remained in the Dacre family until the early 18th century. John Hetherington was of Dacre Hall, when he died in 1745. It was purchased by the Earl of Carlisle in the C19th, converted to church hall in the C20th. Dacre Hall now serves as Lanercost Village Hall and is reputedly the oldest village hall building in England. The building is Grade I Listed on the National Heritage List for England.