Sharon’s grandparents lived in one of the cottages created within the section of the building now known as ‘The Parlour Block’, which we now know houses one of the most important Tudor painted schemes in the UK. Sharon’s grandmother, Mrs Hilda Bartle, was one of the last to vacate the building in the early 2000s, and Sharon has fond memories of her grandparents’ time at Calverley Old Hall.
Sharon was born in 1956 at Calverley Old Hall, in one of the cottages which fronted the chapel and was demolished in the 1980s. Sharon later lived just a stone's throw away from her grandmother in nearby Rushton Street, and has strong family connections to Calverley Old Hall, which she describes as a ‘warm, loving, safe house to be’.
Mrs Bartle’s cottage in 1977, with Sharon’s family dog Chummy perched on the lawn behind the fence.
We were able to show Sharon how the building has transformed, and Sharon kindly shared some of her memories and reflections on her family’s time at Calverley Old Hall, which you can listen to below.
Memories of the Cottage
Sharon shares her earliest memories of her grandmother’s cottage, which she describes as a family hub.
Quirky features of the cottages
Sharon remembers the quirky features of her grandparents’ house, including a train set and a bath in the chapel!
Description of Mrs Bartle's cottage
Sharon describes her grandparents’ cottage, including secret passageways and unknowingly sleeping in the painted chamber.
Sharon's earliest memories of the building
Sharon shares her lasting childhood memories, including her Grandma's garden at Calverley Old Hall.
How lucky we were
Sharon reflects on her experience of living in a building like Calverley Old Hall, and her irreplaceable memories.
'It still feels like Grandma's house'
Sharon gives us her reaction to the newly repaired building, and reflects on her lasting connection to Calverley Old Hall.
The Chapel in 1965, with newer 19th century cottages to the front (now demolished), in which Sharon Gott was born.
The chapel screen in 1977, completely plastered and forming part of Mrs Bartle’s cottage.
Read more about the history of Calverley Old Hall
See how the building looks now, and book to stay