Walton Hall is in the Civil Parish of Walton, about 5km or so from the City of Wakefield. It is set on a man-made island in Walton Park (now also known as "Waterton Park"). The original building was surrounded by a moat, this was enlarged to form a large lake. The lake is fed by Drain Beck, which also provides the outlet for the lake.

The Hall is just a short distance from the village of Walton. It can be reached on foot or cycle via the route of the former Barnsley Canal (the footpath is part of the Trans Pennine Trail and National Cycle Route 67), or via The Balk and a narrow lane (formerly 'The Avenue') from Walton War Memorial in Shay Lane (B6378). It can also be reached by footpath from the Waterton Countryside Discovery Centre in Anglers Country Park, Wintersett. Vehicle access is via The Balk.

Walton Park includes the Heronry and Stubbs Wood or Piece. The park is enclosed by a wall constructed at the behest of Charles Waterton. Just outside the wall is Haw Park, formerly part of the Waterton's estate and now managed by Wakefield Metropolitan District Council as a public amenity.

The building demolished by Thomas Waterton was a fortified manor house, built before 1333. Only the medieval water gate survives, providing a link with the earler building of which it formed a part. A licence to crenellate was granted 1333-4 to Sir Thomas de Burgh. (2)

The Hall's most famous occupant was Squire Charles Waterton, the 19th century adventurer, taxidermist and pioneering naturalist. One of England's oldest aristocratic families, the Watertons trace their ancestry back to Norman times, they originally had large estates at Waterton in Lincolnshire. Waterton created the world's first nature reserve here in Walton Park.

The Hall is now a hotel, conference and leisure centre; and Waterton's walled park is now a golf course with several wooded areas and public footpaths, still a splendid area to walk in.

The hall is a Grade II* listed building (see side panel), protected by law; although this did not prevent the partial demolition of the park's wall adjacent to the golf club house.

Nearby, between Walton and Crofton, is the Walton Colliery Nature Park; not Waterton's nature reserve, but an area born out of the muck and grime of the disused Walton pit* and its slag heaps. (* also known as "Sharlston West")

More information about attractions in the Wakefield district can be found on the official city site. (See 'Links' on the menu bar.)

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NOTES
1. Picture of the hall from Charles Waterton : His Home, Habits and Handiwork by Richard Hobson, M.D., Cantab., Leeds, MDCCCLXVII, Second, enlarged edition. Published by London: Whittaker & Co., Simpkin, Marshall & Co.. Leeds: H.W. Walker and John Smith. The 1st edition was published in 1866.
2. A History of Walton by Peter Wright, 1985, p. 6. (see Links for publication details).

NB. Overtown Miscellany (jss.org.uk) is not affiliated to Waterton Park Hotel or Waterton Park Golf Course.