 The original Whirlow Hall is thought to date from the second half of the 16th century.It was built by the Brights, a wealthy local family who had initially made their fortune in the wool trade but by the 15th century had branched out into metalworking and lead production.It is thought that the Brights had lived in the Whirlow area from the early 14th century as a deed of 1303 mentions that Robert de Ecclesall, Lord of the Manor gave lands in Whirlow, the hall and several messuages to John Bright.