The surname Wilson was first found in Northern England, where the first on record appears to be Robert Willeson, listed in the Court Rolls of the manor of Wakefield, Yorkshire in 1324. Other early records include a Robert Wilson in 1341 in documents from the Cistercian Abbey of Kirkstall, Yorkshire; and John Willison in the Subsidy Rolls of Lancashire of 1366. Johannes Willeson was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. There was a place named Wilson in Devon that has existed since at least the time of the Domesday Book. High Melton is of great significance to the family. “This parish, called in Domesday Book Middeltun, is situated on the northern acclivity of the vale of the Dearne, and comprises 1500 acres, of which 1000 are arable and pasture, and the remainder wood and plantations. The lands are chiefly the property of Richard Fountayne Wilson, Esq., whose seat of Melton Hall has extensive pleasure-grounds, tastefully laid out.  “Langham Hall in Suffolk” is chiefly the property of the family of Wilson.

Manor house. Early C18, probably with older core. Red brick, plaintiles. 2 storeys and attics; Laintiles. 2 storeys and attics; L shaped form. Moulded band, brick cornice and parapet. The main front has 2 5 sided canted bays with 3 small paned sash windows in flush frames to each floor; flat arches. 2 dormers. Entrance portico with ¾e with triangular pediment; door with 6 raised fielded panels, semi-circular fanlight, and flanking side lights. This portico has been pushed forward, forming a flat roofed entrance lobby topped by a balustrade of ornate Edwardian ironwork. A central sash window above the entrance. Garden front (on south) with 5 window range, small-paned sashes in flush frames with flat arches and external slatted shutters; on the ground floor, 3 pairs of French windows and 2 sashes, all small-paned. At the extreme left, a slightly lower added section in matching style. Very fine interior with early and mid Georgian fittings: 3 rooms on the ground floor and one above have elaborate plaster ceilings with ornate modillion cornices, one also with Chinese motifs and figures; internal shutters with raised fielded panels; marble fireplaces with raised steel grates; doors with eared architraves. Through a double archway at the rear a dog-leg stair with panelled dado, bracketed open string, And narrow turned balusters. A later service range is fitted into the angle of the L-shaped main house.