Blake Hall (EHER 4282)

An 18th century house, remodelled in 1822 by George Basevi and altered in the late 19th century with wings to the north and south, and a third storey to the central block. The building is built from stuccoed brick with hipped grey slate roofs. In 1944 the R.A.F. Station H.Q. moved into Blake Hall from North Weald aerodrome (EHER 10119) and gutted the south wing for use as a flight operations centre for section E until the end of the war. A very fine late 17th century staircase from Schomberg House, Pall Mall was added in the early 20th century.

February 1967. Grade II* listed. An 18th century house, remodelled in 1822 by George Basevi and altered in the late 19th century with wings to the north and south, and a third storey to the central block. In 1944 the R.A.F. Station H.Q. moved into Blake Hall from North Weald aerodrome (EHER 10119) and gutted the south wing for use as a flight operations centre for section E until the end of the war. The building is built from stuccoed brick with hipped grey slate roofs. A very fine late 17th century staircase from Schomberg House, Pall Mall was added in the early 20th century. Two beautiful Neo-Greek bookcases to the rear wall are all that remain of the war-time gutting of the library. It has been home of the Capel-Cure family since 1789 and stands in parkland surrounded by a fine garden. <1> <2> See photos <3>. September 1971. Field survey. Blake Hall, a fine early 18th century Georgian country mansion built in Classical style, with wings added in 1822, according to drawings held at the house. Maintained in excellent condition. Outstanding. See general photograph. <4> Blake Hall (NR). <5> A previous manor house was demolished early in the 18th century and the present Georgian mansion was then built. In 1822 it was remodelled and considerable alterations were carried out in the mid 19th century. <6> A 17th century staircase said to come from Schomberg House. Wings added by Basevi about 1840. <7> In 1820 the house was remodelled by the architect George Basevi. In 1884 the property was put up for sale but was not sold and remained in the Capel Cure family. During the First World War Blake Hall was taken over and used as a military hospital. Later, between 1940 and 1948, it was again requisitioned, this time by the RAF for use as an Operations base which was set up in the gutted south wing. After it was returned to the family, Mr Nigel Capel Cure began to restore the Hall. He was succeeded by the present owner (2000), who has continued the work on the Hall and has developed the gardens. The site remains in single private ownership. <8> See also <9> <10>. See photos <11> <12>. Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import.