 When Euphemia Boswall inherited it in 1830 she was considered to be one of the richest heiresses in Britain.During World War I the mansion was requisitioned by the government as accommodation for troops, who vandalised the building, using parts of the grand staircase bannisters for firewood.The post-war government refused to pay for the restitution of the house to its former state and with the agricultural depression it was closed up.