Geograph - photograph every grid square

Said to have been mostly built by Archbishop Warham in the 16th century, Dinton Hall now has few traces of work from that period. This large mansion has been so often altered and added to that it exhibits many different periods of architecture. The solidly built walls of the west end (left in photo) are evidence of an ancient date, while the north front on the other side of the building (not in view) with its gable ends, mullioned windows, and noble chimney shafts must date from about King James I. The stone corbelling in the cellar may even be 600 years old. At the right end of the photo is Dinton’s 800 year old Norman church SP7611 : St. Peter & St. Paul, Dinton.

During the Civil War the Hall was the home of the regicide, Simon Mayne, the MP for Aylesbury and friend of Cromwell. He sat as a judge when the King was tried, and was among those who signed his death warrant. When the monarchy was restored in 1660, Simon hid in a secret room under the eaves of Dinton Hall to avoid arrest, but was eventually tried and sent to the Tower where he became ill and died. Among the Hall’s relics from the Civil War period is Cromwell’s sword given by him to Simon Mayne after the battle of Edgehill, and a heavy leather shoe worn by Simon's clerk, John Bigg SP7611 : Relics of the Civil War at Dinton Hall. See also SP7709 : “The Dinton Hermit” – Inn sign at Ford near Dinton.
Simon's portrait and article at: Link , and Gallery at: Link