"Beautiful for situation" might be justly written of this old country mansion situated, as it is, on an eminence overlooking the River Lowther, on the bank opposite to Lowther Castle, and occupying a splendid position for defence. It was built - or rather re-built - by Thomas Sandford, as the inscription over the gateway states, in 1574:

THOMAS ¤ SANDFORD ¤ ESQIYR
FOR ¤ THYS ¤ PAYD ¤ MEAT ¤ & ¤ HVR
THE ¤ YEAR ¤ OF ¤ OUR ¤ SAVVORE
XV ¤ HVNDRTH ¤ SEVNTY ¤ FOVR

The Sandfords lived and flourished here for near three centureies. Prior to their occupance the manor was held by the Swinburns for many generations, terminating in the 49th Edward III.

The family of Sandford in the twelfth generation ended in daughters and the property was sold in 1680. To one of the Sandfords, of Askham Hall, local antiquaries are greatly indebted for his valuable collection of curious lore, collected in his journeyings through Cumberland, and preserved in the Sandford MSS.

The village of Askham lies to the west of the hall, and the church (St. Peter's) in the valley below, near to the river. The hall is now utilised as Lowther Vicarage. (1999) the Earl of Lonsdale, resides here.