Kettlethorpe Hall

For the Georgian house in West Yorkshire, see Newmillerdam

The present Kettlethorpe Hall, former seat of the Swynfords

The gateway and hall seen from the church

Kettlethorpe Hall is a Victorian house in Kettlethorpe, Lincolnshire, noted for its connection to Katherine Swynford. It encloses fragments of the former manor house including the medieval gatehouse, within the surviving moat.^[1] This moat and its cleaning was one of the most egregious examples of MPs' expenses claims which aroused public ire during 2009. This contributed to the retirement of its owner, Douglas Hogg, from the House of Commons.^[2]

The house contains walls, some carved heads and a small oak-panelled room dating from the 17th century. In the old tower is an early 18th-century panelled dining room with a late 18th-century marble fireplace. The drawing room's stucco ceiling is 18th-century, and the library and front hall are Victorian.^[3]

Sir Hugh Swynford (died in 1371) married Katherine Roelt, whose sister is believed to have been the wife of Geoffrey Chaucer. Lady Katherine became governess to the children of John of Gaunt, the third surviving son of Edward III. Her four children by Gaunt, the Beauforts, were eventually legitimised when Lady Katherine married John of Gaunt as his third wife, in 1396. She at one time lived at Kettlethorpe Hall.

Notes

Coordinates: 53°16′14″N 0°43′46″W / 53.2706°N 0.7295°W / 53.2706; -0.7295