Originally known as Colton Hall, this is one of the oldest buildings in the area, dating back at least to the 16th century. It was originally owned by William Sandys the father of Edwin Sandys who would later become the Archbishop of York. The Sandys family resided here for several generations, subsequently being involved in the supply of charcoal to the early iron-makers
The 1851 census clearly shows how important Old Hall was in the community, Mr Thomas Burns was the proprietor and supported five families, on the farm he had a house keeper a house servant and a domestic and also supported five farm labourers and their wives who between them had eleven children aged from five months to eleven years of age, he also supported an 89 year old pauper and his wife.