In 1937, Kirklinton was commandeer during world war 2 and first used as an officers mess and then converted into flats to house refugees from Rossall School in Lancaster.
In the 1960s it became ‘The Borders Club’, a notorious casino frequented by London gangsters like the Kray twins along with local farmers.
Stories of a glass floored ballroom, with exotic dancers and an upstairs gaming room all mixed with a high class brothel are still told in the North of Cumbria; usually with a knowing smile from those that still don’t own up to having visited in the 60’s.
Following a change in the licensing laws, the casino was suddenly abandoned.
In the 1980s the listed building was roofless and falling down and occupied by a recluse who lived among the ruins in a caravan and kept geese.
In 2012 the current owner Christopher Boyle bid for the hall and gardens at auction, and obtained permission to turn it back into a family house. Renovations started and is an ongoing task.
Currently the hall and grounds are used for many thing; from Weddings, Concerts, fairy days and visitors can come during the summer months to see the gardens and enjoy a spot of tea whilst going for a walk to see the pigs.
It was to Kirklinton Hall that I went with Gemma and Ben, a place where Ben had spent much time over the years, for a pre wedding photoshoot.
Most wedding packages from Keltic Rose Photography come with a pre wedding photoshoot, this is a great opportunity for brides and grooms to have a bit of fun whilst having a photoshoot. This photoshoot allows them to see how Allan from Keltic Rose photography works and also for Allan to learn a bit more about the couple and also find out what sort of images they like.
Below are a few from Gemma and Ben’s fun afternoon.
0 Comments