In 1724, Stukeley described Dunton Hall as being 'lately rebuilt by Sigismund Trafford'. The present Dunton Hall is a replacement of this earlier hall, of which no trace has been seen. The site of the former hall is thought to have been to the north-east of the current hall, becoming part of the latter's gardens. {1}{2}{3} Sigismund Trafford is thought to have inherited the Dunton estate in 1666, after the death of his father John Trafford. It is not clear exactly when Sigismund started the building of Dunton Hall, but a date in the late 17th century (or possibly early 18th century) is thought most likely. That Sigismund is described as having re-built the Hall would suggest that there was an even earlier Dunton Hall somewhere in this vicinity. Sigismund is recorded as having spent £12,000 on the rebuilding of his hall to a 'magnificent plan'. The hall and estate passed through a number of family members until 1760, when Clement Trafford took possession. Clement Trafford was High Sheriff of Lincolnshire at this time, and was knighted in 1761. He is thought to have suffered significant financial difficulties, apparently squandering the estate, and was forced to pull down the hall and sell off the materials and fittings. The exact date of Clement's demolition is unclear, but must have been before his death in 1786. It is not clear exactly when the current Dunton Hall was built, but a late 18th century date is thought likely (see MLI94521). {4}