The early history of the area  is very unclear. "Grim's Dyke", which is an earthbank and ditch on the eastern edge of the estate, was possibly constructed as a defence or boundary line and has been dated to around 1000BC. The Dyke extends north and southwards from the estate a distance of about ten miles. Aerial photographs of an area nearby between Bullerthorpe Lane and the M1 have shown crop marks depicting a Romano-British square enclosure, believed to be a farm. This is in an area which has been known as Castle Hill for over 150 years.

The first positive mention of the area comes in the Domesday Book with "Neuhusum" which is believed to refer to the present Newsam Green. Colton as "Coletun" also is mentioned as having farmland, but of little value, held by Gospatric. After this time, the information becomes more definite.

In 1155 the "Knights Templars" were granted land by William de Villiers in the Aire Valley to the south of the present estate to found a chapel and a farm (Preceptory) . From here they were to have control of the area of Halton, Skelton, Colton and Newsam.

Early in the 1300's the Knights Templars were considered to be too powerful and a threat to the realm and their lands, etc., were confiscated by the Crown. The manor of Temple Newsam was granted to John D'Arcie. Constable of the Tower of London, in 1337, who was allowed to empark the lands. He was granted "free warren" (hunting rights) in 1345 and in 1488, forty more acres of the estate were enclosed and eight households were evicted with the changing of the farming from arable to pasture. This may be the reason for the demise of "Coletun" which today is only evident as a Deserted Medieval Village with house platforms and also for the ancient " ridge and furrow" system of cropping which is still visible in the fields around the present day village of Colton.

The last of the Darcy line to occupy Temple Newsam was Thomas, Lord Darcy, who built the first house in about 1520. He later took part in the Pilgrimage of Grace for which he was found guilty of Treason and executed in 1537. His lands were confiscated by the Crown.

The Estate was then given to the Earl of Lennox whose son,(the infamous Lord Darnley),married Mary Queen of Scots, in 1565. In 1603 Temple Newsam was inherited by the second Duke of Lennox, who enlarged the park by enclosing a further 285 acres for use as a Deer Park and pasture. His extravagant lifestyle forced him to sell the Estate in 1622.

It was then purchased by a prosperous London merchant Sir Arthur Ingram. The Estate then stayed with his decendants until it was sold to Leeds Corporation by Lord Halifax in 1922.

Sir Arthur Ingram demolished the old four-sided house (except for the west wing) and built a new house with courtyard open on the east side (as it is today).

Over the years the landscape of the Estate was developed and changed, first by York architect William Etty and later by "Capability Brown". Streams were diverted, small lakes created, avenues and trees planted to form the rolling landscape which had become fashionable at the time.

In later years coal was found on the Estate and bellpits were dug to win the coal from the earth. In more recent times a pithead was built to access the deep mined coal and copses of trees were planted to hide the winding gear from the windows of the house. More recently still, in 1943/48 much of the Estate was devastated by opencast mining for  coal.

Now though, fifty years on,Temple Newsam has once again become a place of rural charm. The Friends of Temple Newsam are committed to maintaining its glorious beauty and with your support will continue to inform and preserve. Join us now and become a Friend of Temple Newsam today and hopefully Temple Newsam will remain for the next 1000 years.

AGE