It was erected by Sir Thomas Hoghton, in the beginning of
Elizabeth's reign. It remained for several generations the principal
seat of the Hoghton family; and after part of it had been blown up by
accident, when garrisoned for Charles the First, the injury was
repaired. The family have now removed to Walton Hall; and Hoghton Tower
is left to decay, two poor families inhabiting the south wing only. A
ponderous gateway, immediately under the centre tower, leads to the
quadrangular courtyard, capable of holding six hundred men. The noble
embattled tower, forming the west front, with its two minor square
towers, serve as appendages to the north and south wing, and are united
by low walls. Within the courtyard, a noble flight of steps leads to the
middle quadripartite, similar in aspect to Stonyhurst College, the
ancient residence of the Sherbornes. This middle pile contains large
staircases, branching out to long galleries, into which the several
chambers open. One chamber, still called James the First's room, is
considered 'most worthy of notice;' it has two square windows in both
north and south, is beautifully wainscoted, and contains some old
furniture.
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