Rushpool Hall has very strong links to the ironstone industry, especially as it is built from main seam ironstone from the Skelton Shaft mine, for John Bell of the Bell Brothers company between 1862 and 1865. After Bells death in 1888Â another ironmaster Sir Arthur Dorman of Dorman Long lived in the house.
The hall was nearly destroyed by fire on 20th February 1904 after which it was renovated and lived in by Sir Joseph Walton, colliery owner and MP.
In later years it became a boarding school in the 1940s and switched to its current role as a hotel in 1986 (thanks to Callum for the update in the comments)
Rushpool Hall only became a Hotel in 1986 when it was purchased by Associated Leisure from the then owner, Margaret Malone.
Just enjoying your excellent site and thought I would let you know about my Mam Hilda Barwick who was the cook at rushpool when it was a school. I remember going with her when I was about 5 and helping!!! This would be about 1946.