John Hall (1570 - 1631)

The Hall was built in 1610 by John Hall, a local wealthy mill owner over an existing Medieval house that already existed on the grounds. The original Hall family would leave their mark on the estate, engraving their stone faces above the chimney in the study of the house, which can still be seen today.

Sir Thomas Hall (1600–1663)

Commissioner in Wiltshire for King Charles I, Sir Thomas Hall, inherited The Hall upon his father's death.

John Hall (1632 - 1711)

Following his father's death, John Hall, a member of Parliament for Wells, Somerset, became head of The Hall. He had no legitimate children and left the estate to his great-niece Rachel Baynton, who was reputedly his illegitimate daughter.

Rachel Baynton (1695 - 1722)

The rumoured illegitimate daughter of John Hall, Rachel Baynton of Little Chalfield inherited The Hall upon his death when she was fifteen years old.

Evelyn Pierrepont (1711 – 1773)

Famed as an early excavator of the famous Roman Baths, the Second Duke of Kingston, Evelyn Pierrepont “the handsomest man in England” would inherit the Hall upon his mother's death.

Elizabeth Chudleigh (1721 - 1788)

The Duchess of Kingston would commit perjury by beginning an improper liaison with Evelyn Pierrepont. After the Second Duke of Kingston died, Elizabeth inherited The Hall and used it as a holiday home.

Charles Meadows (1778 - 1860)

After Elizabeth died in 1788, The Hall passed to Evelyn’s nephew, Charles Meadows, who later was created Viscount Newark in 1796 and Earl Manvers in 1806. In the early 1800s not needing The Hall, Charles sold the estate.

Thomas Divett (1769 - 1828)

In 1805, the estate was bought by Thomas Divett, a London industrialist who used The Hall as a workshop, store, and accommodation for weavers. In the 19th century, the woollen industry in Bradford on Avon was in serious decline, and The Hall became derelict and fell into disrepair.

Stephen Moulton (1794 - 1880)

The estate was bought by Stephen Moulton, a pioneer of rubber engineering who restored The Hall to its former glory.

John Moulton (1839 - 1925)

A notable benefactor of the town, John Moulton, would reside in The Hall upon his father's death.

Upon her husband John’s death, widow Alice Moulton was left to manage The Hall and bring up her three grandchildren alone - successfully steering the estate through the turmoil of the Great Depression.

Alice Moulton (1864 - 1941)

Alex Moulton (1920 - 2012)

Engineer and inventor Alex Moulton would take ownership of The Hall in 1949. Remembered for his pioneering engineering achievements, Dr Moulton called The Hall his home, living and working within the magnificent Grade I-listed Jacobean mansion.

The Alex Moulton Charitable Trust (2012 - Present)

After he died in 2012, Dr Moulton gifted The Hall to the Alex Moulton Charitable Trust. The Trust continues to preserve and maintain The Hall and its historic collections - showcasing engineering and design and promoting the estate as a venue for guided tours, weddings, events and luxurious stays.