Day 27 of our 30 Days in May Challenge: Stepping back into the 12th Century
I’m having a visit this lovely Bank holiday Monday to the iconic Elton Hall & Gardens. I wanted to see what the house was like as way back in the early 1900’s my Great GrandMother Martha Ellis used to work there for the Lady Proby at that time. So, today, I’m walking back in some of her footsteps.
The house is nestled in the lovely countryside just over the A1 in the lovely village of Elton. It stands proud in unspoilt landscaped parkland where it has stood since the 12th century.
A bit of History: Elton Hall has been the home of the Proby family since 1660, although previous generations held land at Elton from the time of Elizabeth I. There is something romantic and magical about the building with its gothic south elevation set at a right angle to the classical, French-inspired entrance wing. Successive generations have embellished both the house and collection, which contains many Old Masters and fine examples of English portraiture. A visit, which also includes the recently restored gardens, provides the visitor with a fascinating insight into British history and taste.
The house and gardens do keep up to their promise. We walked through rooms with marvellous paintings like the Octagon room with Turner & Gainsborough. A large dining room with silverware on the sideboards, antique furniture, sculptures, jewellery, artefacts, memorabilia of family members gone by and masses and masses of volumes. In fact, every member of the Proby family has collected books (you’ll see) and the Hall now has three libaries containing a collection of over 10,000 books. Queen Mary visited during her reign and we were told by a room guide that she was a bit of a ‘collector’ which meant that she could take a liking to items in your house… much so that she’d tell you and of course, you would feel obliged to offer the Queen the item to take home with her… therefore people used to hide their treasured items before a visit to not have to deal with this predicament. The rooms are not the only beautiful thing to look at though…
You exit out down some stairs and open out onto a wonderful garden. Prints displayed in the house show how Sir Thomas Proby first laid out his garden in the 1670s and how it developed during the 18th century. On entering under the archway you really won’t know where to start: the sunken garden and pond area are covered in different flowers just beginning to show, the Wisteria Walk is gorgeous with all the hanging white flowers overhead, the flower garden with Coriolis fountain is very unusual but stunning. As you slowly meander around you’ll take in lovely perfumes and lovely colours everywhere. Don’t forget to find your way to the Millennium Orangery which is simply a beautiful peaceful area where you could sit and dream away a sunny afternoon. It’s had a Gothic revival with the arbour being completed to mark the Jubilee celebrations. Round the corner and you’ll see the topiary trees of peacocks. It’s a glorious end to the house which is somewhat as enticing as the Hall itself. Walking our way back to the exit we spied a lovely carriage hidden away, which looked spectacular. (let’s hope it might go on show)
After you exit there is no need to go home straight away… make your way to their tea rooms, Mulberry Cafe, where you’ll find some lovely teas/coffees, afternoon teas and cakes to enjoy to end your day as well as the gift shop on the side. Also take a walk around their plant centre, Bosworth’s Garden Centre, where you can enhance your own garden back home.
Entry to the house is £10 per adult for the Hall & Gardens although you can do just the gardens at £7.50 and visiting is only on specific days.. 2-5pm
June/July – Wednesday and Thursday.
August – Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays including August Bank Holiday Monday.
#WeLovePeterborough #WeLoveArtchiture #WeLoveHistory #WeLoveFlowers #WeLoveDaysOut
Find out more from their website: www.eltonhall.com
