Halstead Hall

Halstead Hall is a Grade I listed manor house near the village of Stixwould in Lincolnshire, in the East Lindsey district of eastern England. The red-brick house dates from the late 15th or early 16th century and stands within a moated site that is protected as a scheduled monument. It suits visitors who enjoy medieval buildings and quiet Lincolnshire countryside.

What kind of building is it?

Historic England describes it as a small country house. It is built of red brick laid in English bond, with stone dressings and plain tiled roofs. Today it consists of a main range with a lower wing to the right, though it was probably L-shaped around a courtyard to begin with, which suggests the surviving house is only part of a larger one. The listing records restorations in 1852, 1922 and 1966.

What is its history?

The earliest known reference is a deed of 1281 witnessed by Lord Theobald of Halstead. A will of 1465 points to a member of the Welby family as the builder. In 1778 the Turnors of Stoke Rochford bought the Stixwould estate, including the hall. Tenant farmers lived here for much of the 19th century, and the building still works as a farmhouse.

What about the moat?

The hall sits inside a moated enclosure. Excavations in 1980-84 produced finds that date the first phase of the moat to around 1290, so the site is considerably older than the brick house you see now. In 2025 Heritage Lincolnshire gave a talk on the hall's eight centuries of history.

Can you go inside?

Halstead Hall is a lived-in farmhouse, not a ticketed museum, so there are no regular opening hours and you should not turn up expecting a tour. Occasional talks or open days are announced through Heritage Lincolnshire. Respect the private land and enjoy the setting from public roads and paths.

How do you get there, and what else is nearby?

The hall lies east of Lincoln, close to Stixwould and a few kilometres from the spa town of Woodhall Spa. A car is the easiest way to reach it, as public transport in this part of Lincolnshire is sparse. Check timetables before you travel. Nearby you can see the parish church of St Peter in Stixwould, and Woodhall Spa offers green spaces and walking routes.

When should you visit?

Late spring to early autumn is best, with long days and drier lanes. In winter the fields can be waterlogged and daylight fades early.

Frequently asked questions

Is Halstead Hall open to the public? Not as a regular attraction. It is a working farmhouse, and any events are occasional, for example through Heritage Lincolnshire.

What listing grade does it have? Grade I, the highest in England. Its National Heritage List entry is number 1146993, and the moat has a separate scheduled monument entry, 1017389.

How old is the house? The present building dates from the late 15th or early 16th century. The moat is older, dated to around 1290.

Is this the same as Halstead in Essex? No. The name is shared with the town of Halstead in Essex, but this hall is in Lincolnshire, in the parish of Stixwould and Woodhall.