Warton Old Rectory

The Old Rectory in Warton stands as a medieval ruin near Lancaster in Lancashire. Built in the early 14th century, it once served as the home of the rector for St Oswald’s parish. The building was likely constructed by two younger sons of Marmaduke, Lord Thweng, and also hosted manorial courts. Its walls are made of limestone rubble with sandstone details, and a cross passage once divided the great hall from service rooms. The eastern doorway was the main entrance, while the western one led to a garden, both originally with porches. The rectory was abandoned after a new one replaced it, though the exact date is unknown. By 1721, it had become a ruin, though later a cottage was built into its northern end and occupied until the 20th century. These later additions have since been removed, leaving the ruin well preserved. The gables still stand nearly to their full height, and the site remains open to visitors. Inside the ruin, the great hall’s southern gable once featured an ogee quatrefoiled window to let in light. A doorway in the northern gable led to a courtyard with an external kitchen and a well. Another doorway in the south-west corner connected to a surviving part of the modern vicarage. The site offers a quiet glimpse into medieval domestic life and manorial history.