Field House, Sowerby

The sketch and description were originally published in The Halifax Courier in 1912-1913. Field House, the old home of the Stansfeld family, occupies a commanding site overlooking Triangle and is one of the most imposing mansions around Halifax. The old hall, at the left of the picture, dates to about 1670. It is in a fair state of preservation but there is nothing very striking about its architecture and one looks in vain for a date or initials. The original gate posts are massive blocks of stone and extremely well carved. The present Field House is of the Grecian style of architecture and was built by Mr George Stansfeld in 1749. It has remained in the family ever since and the present owner is Capt John Stansfeld of Montrose, the occupier being the widow of Col Stansfeld and her son, Mr Geo R Stansfeld. Field House has a massive appearance. Upon the stone over the man entrance, approached by a flight of steps, is carved the coat-of-arms of the Stansfeld family and underneath the inscription, ‘Know Thyself’. Behind the house and carefully preserved stands a portion of the original Sowerby Church. When the latter was dismantled the owner of Field House secured a portion and had it removed to and erected in his grounds in the original style. The east window of Gothic design is divided into 27 lights and is remarkable for its finely shaped mullions. The bell cot, containing two bells dated 1770 and 1796 is also preserved. PH/28.