Christopher Terry: The Banker Who Rescued Brougham Hall

Christopher Terry in September 2007 at Brougham Hall

In a quiet corner of Cumbria, near Penrith, stands Brougham Hall—a once-crumbling estate now breathing with artisan life, thanks to the vision of one man: Christopher Terry. His story is not one of fleeting philanthropy or casual interest in heritage. It’s a tale of devotion, grit, and a decades-long labour of love.

From Banking to Brougham

Christopher Terry began his professional life in the world of finance, a London banker with a sharp mind and a steady career. But in 1968, while on honeymoon with his first wife Janet, his life took an unexpected turn. Wandering through the Eden Valley, he stumbled upon the ruins of Brougham Hall—a 14th-century fortified manor with Tudor and Georgian additions, once dubbed the “Windsor of the North” for its royal connections and grandeur.

The Hall had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect and mismanagement. Terry was captivated. Though initial inquiries about purchasing the estate proved fruitless, he kept watch from afar. Then, in 1985, he learned of plans to redevelop the site into housing. That was the moment he stepped in.

A Symbolic Sale and a Vision for Restoration

Terry purchased Brougham Hall and, in a gesture that speaks volumes about his character, transferred ownership to the newly formed Brougham Hall Charitable Trust in 1986—for a nominal sum. He wasn’t interested in profit. He was interested in preservation.

The Trust’s mission was clear: restore Brougham Hall to its former external glory. With surviving architectural drawings, photographs, and paintings as guides, Terry and his team began the painstaking process of rebuilding. There was no fixed timeline. Progress was dictated by weather, funding, and the availability of skilled craftsmen.

Restoration as a Labour of Love

The restoration was never about grandeur—it was about authenticity. Original materials were reused wherever possible. When unavailable, local craftsmen replicated them with care. Terry’s approach was transparent and inclusive: visitors were welcome to explore the site, even as work continued. Dangerous areas were marked, but the Hall remained open—a living museum of restoration in progress.

One of the most notable projects was the Lord Chancellor’s Den, restored in 2012 by Askins & Little, stonemasons from Carlisle Cathedral. The lead mason had started his career at Brougham Hall as a 16-year-old trainee, a testament to the Hall’s role in nurturing local talent.

The ongoing restoration work at Brougham Hall in September 2022

Recognition and Legacy

Christopher Terry’s efforts were largely unsung during his lifetime. But in October 2016, just two months after his death from cancer at age 77, Historic England removed Brougham Hall from its Heritage at Risk register—a final tribute to his life’s work.

His daughter Katy described him as “charismatic, determined, stubborn, charming,” and said, “He gave up the best part of half his life for Brougham Hall.”

Brougham Hall Today

Today, Brougham Hall is a vibrant artisan hub. Its restored brewery, stables, and Tudor block house craft studios and small businesses—from ironmongers to potters. In 2024, the Trust passed the baton to a new community interest company formed by resident artists, ensuring the Hall remains in safe, passionate hands.

Christopher Terry didn’t just restore a building. He revived a piece of England’s soul. His story reminds us that history isn’t just preserved in archives—it’s rebuilt, stone by stone, by people who care deeply enough to act.

A rose and cross at Brougham Hall

'In loving memory of Christopher A P Terry Died 9th August 2016 Aged 77 years'