Nestled between the village of Nettleham and picturesque Riseholme stand the evocative ruins of what was once a magnificent house: Nettleham Hall. While today it offers a hauntingly beautiful silhouette against the Lincolnshire sky, its story is far richer than just a grand house lost to fire. It's a tale of generations, pioneering minds, and a legacy that reached far beyond its stone walls.
The Rise of the Hood Dynasty
The history of Nettleham Hall truly begins with the Hood family. Their arrival in the village dates back to the mid-17th century when John Hood famously accompanied General Monck, the 1st Duke of Albemarle on his march to restore King Charles II. From that point on, Nettleham Hall became the heart of the Hood family's influence and home for centuries.
John Hood (1788-1870) owned the house from 1828. The exact construction date of the house is uncertain, with some sources indicating it was built in its present form in the 18th century.
Described as a charming stone-built Georgian house, it boasted enviable views of Lincoln Cathedral and was once surrounded by 1,500 acres of prime shooting land. Local lore even speaks of an intricate network of underground tunnels for the servants—a testament to the scale and grandeur of the estate.
Perhaps the most striking remaining feature of the Hall's former glory are its magnificent Grade I listed wrought iron gates and stone piers. These aren't just any gates; they were originally designed around 1720 for the Church of St. Peter at Arches in Lincoln before being meticulously relocated to Nettleham Hall in 1856. They stand today as a proud sentinel to a bygone era.
A Family of Influence: From Local Squires to Global Scientists
Grace Mary "Molly" Crowfoot (née Hood) (1878–1957)
Molly Crowfoot is arguably the most famous family member for her direct contributions to archaeology.
Pioneering Archaeologist: She was a respected British archaeologist and a pioneer in the study of archaeological textiles.
Key Work: Her research spanned North Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Britain. She co-authored an article on the "Tunic of Tutankhamun" and was involved in early reporting on the textiles from the famous Sutton Hoo Anglo-Saxon ship burial in Suffolk.
Family Connection: She married John Winter Crowfoot and was the mother of another extremely distinguished figure (see below).
Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin (1910–1994)
Although her father was John Winter Crowfoot, she was the daughter of Grace Mary Hood, meaning she grew up with strong ties to the Nettleham family.
Nobel Prize Winner: She is a globally renowned figure who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964 for her determinations by X-ray techniques of the structures of important biochemical substances.
Groundbreaking Work: She mapped the molecular structures of penicillin, Vitamin B12, and later, insulin.
Wartime Service
Several of Grace Mary's brothers served during the First World War:
Reverend Charles Ivo Sinclair Hood (Died 1918): He was a Reverend who died in 1918 at the age of 31 and is buried at Lijssenthoek.
Martin Arthur Frankland Hood (Died 1919): He was a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy.
Alban John Frankland Hood (1881–1927): He served in the King's Own Scottish Borderers and later with the Ministry of Munitions. He died after the war.
The Hood family's history is a clear example of how a prominent country family could contribute significantly to both local life and broader academic and military history.
The Tragic End and A New Beginning
Sadly, the grandeur of Nettleham Hall was abruptly curtailed. In early March 1937, the Hall was consumed by a devastating fire under mysterious circumstances. Wing-Commander Cock, the tenant, lowered his wife and and young son from a window using a bed sheet and two servants escaped using the back stairs. A Chippendale suite and paintings by old masters were saved but much valuable furniture was destroyed.
Since then, its beautiful stone shell has stood roofless and windowless, slowly being reclaimed by nature, a poignant reminder of its past.
However, the story of Nettleham Hall isn't entirely over. Recent plans have been approved to sensitively reimagine the fire-damaged ruins, creating a new country home while painstakingly preserving and restoring the historic gates. It's a testament to the enduring appeal and historical significance of this remarkable site.
Nettleham Hall, though largely a ruin, continues to whisper tales of its illustrious past – of Georgian elegance, pioneering scientific discovery, and a family whose legacy resonated far beyond their Lincolnshire home.