Heath Hall, Heath, West Yorkshire

The original hall, called Eshald House, was built for, and probably designed by, Theophilus Shelton. In 1709 the estate was bought by John Smyth, who had made a considerable fortune as a wool trader. In 1754 his nephew, also John, commissioned John Carr to undertake a major expansion of the house. Work continued under Smyth's grandson, another John, until completion in 1780. The resulting mansion is described by Historic England as "a magnificent composition, one of [Carr's] finest houses". The Smyths established their place in society during construction, the grandson serving as member of parliament for Pontefract for 25 years, becoming a Lord of the Admiralty, a Lord of the Treasury, Master of the Mint, and eloping with, and marrying the daughter of the Duke of Grafton. ==Architecture and description==

Carr incorporated the original early 18th century house into his rebuilding, using it as the central block of his two-storeyed, 11-bay reconstruction. The hall is built of ashlar with slate roofs. The interior includes rococo plasterwork of a quality which Historic England considers surpasses anything Carr undertook elsewhere. The hall's flanking walls and gate piers are also listed Grade I, as are the former stables. These were renovated and converted into a private house by Muir and Mary Oddie. The barn is Grade II*. The grounds of the house, and those of others on the heath are also registered. ==See also==