Dovenby Hall

History

The oldest part of the estate is a 13th-century peel tower. it was remodelled for the Ballentine-Dykes family in the early 19th century.

Joseph Dykes Ballantine Dykes was High Sheriff of Cumberland for 1807-08 and resided in the house. His eldest son Fretcheville Lawson Ballantine-Dykes served as Member of Parliament for Cockermouth from 1832 to 1836. The property passed down to Frecheville Hubert Ballantine-Dykes, an Army officer and High Sheriff for 1923–24.

A family member was Chairman of the Maryport and Carlisle Railway in the 1840s. A private station named was provided for the family's use. It closed and the line was lifted in 1935.

The house was acquired by the local authorities from Colonel Ballantine-Dykes for use as a mental hospital in 1930. Following the closure of the hospital, it was bought by Malcolm Wilson, a former rally driver, in January 1998 and, after a major refurbishment, then became home to his M-Sport's World Rally Championship team, which was in partnership with Ford's official team for many years.

References

Sources

References

1. "Dovenby Hall and Adjoining Rear Wing, Bridekirk". British listed buildings.
2. (1964). "Some portraits at Dovenby Hall". Transactions of the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian & Archaeological Society.
3. "Dykes, Frecheville Lawson Ballantine of Dovenby Hall, Cockermouth". History of Parliament.
4. {{London Gazette. (13 March 1923)
5. Suggitt 2008, p. 96
6. Suggitt 2008, p. 97
7. "Dovenby Hall History". M Sport.