Kingston House, Bradford. 265 
Kingston Wonse, Bradford. 
Every student of Wiltshire Archzology is supposed to be 
acquainted with the “Halle of John Halle,” on the New Canal in 
the city of Salisbury. Such is the name which the late Rev. 
Edward Duke in his book called ‘‘ Prolusiones Historicze,” (published 
in 1837), has conferred upon a fine old room now restored and used 
as a china-shop, but formerly the refectory of a wealthy citizen and 
woolstapler of the reign of Edward IV. It is less generally known 
that North Wilts is also able to boast of another Hall, we believe 
we may add of a second John Hall. For if houses (amongst other 
things) were always called by their right names, this in all pro- 
bability should be the proper title of the beautiful old mansion at 
Bradford, of which a view is given in the plate annexed: although 
for reasons which will appear, it is more commonly known as “The 
Duke’s” or “ Kingston House.” 
Of the time at which it was built, the style of architecture 
employed scarcely leaves a doubt. It partakes of the character of 
Longleat; but still more strikingly resembles a portion of Kirby, 
the seat of Lord Winchilsea, in Northamptonshire. The date of 
Longleat House is well known. It was built between the years 
1567 and 1579, and according to a received tradition, by John of 
Padua, the “ Devizor of public Buildings” patronized by Henry VIII., 
Edward VI., and the Protector Somerset: an architect, who is 
supposed by some to have been John Thorpe, an Englishman, under 
the disguise of an Italian name. Kirby House was built between 
the years 1572 and 1638. There is therefore little difficulty in 
assigning Kingston House to the commencement of the 17th century. 
There was at an earlier period and no doubt upon the same site, a 
house belonging to the Halls of Bradford, which Leland saw when 
he travelled that way in 1540. He says! “Halle alias De la Sale 
1 See above, pages 148 and 192, 
2m 
