Ralph Gell was a prosperous lawyer and had built up a large estate in the High and Low Peak. His wealth came from lead mining, sheep farming and property investment.
The growing prosperity of the Gell family was reflected in the enlargement of the Parsonage House soon after 1549, when it was extended to the north.
On the ground floor, a large hall or houseplace was added with a great fireplace for cooking and beyond this a buttery and kitchen, possibly with a bake oven.
A small porch gave entrance to the extended house and led into a screens passage (now lost) which ran between the new Hall and the existing Tudor rooms.

Tudor Houseplace in the 1950s. You can see modern stairs leading off to the right for access to the first floor. Prior to this ladders would have been used. The fireplace was covered up and used as a pantry. Note the later window within it which is blocked up.