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Barton Seagrave Hall is owned by The
Wicksteed Trust and has a long and colourful history.
Originally built in 1550 by the Humphrey family. It was purchased in 1665
by John Bridges (1642 - 1712) of Warwickshire, son of the parliamentarian
Major Bridges of Alcester. John was Sheriff of Northampton in 1675. His
son John Bridges (1666 - 1742) inherited the house. He was an antiquarian
and a Fellow of the Royal Society. The house passed to his brother,
William (1668 - 1741) who carried out more renovations started by his
father. However, he fell into debt and was forced to mortgage the house in
1733. Later this century the house was owned by the Wilcox family then
Richard Tibbits whose son was responsible for modernising the house
further. Lady Mary Isabella Hood - Tibbits lived at the house for many
years until her death in 1904 when the house came up for sale.
It was bought by Charles Wicksteed, who built and laid out Wicksteed Park
within its boundaries. On his death, the house and the park passed to the
Wicksteed Village Trust. It was a hotel for a while but most people in the
area knew it to be a nursing home for the elderly. It now houses part of
the NHS on the ground floor. The first floor and stables accommodate the
artists and designers.
The Orangery in the grounds of the hall is thought to have been built
around 1820, but little is known of its origins. It has been used for
wedding receptions and dances at the hotel in the past.
Situated just up the road from the popular Wicksteed Park with its
fairground attractions and beautiful surroundings, it makes a great place
to visit for both individuals and families.
For a guide to the buildings, grounds and
occupancy, click here. |
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Orangery Update
Work
on our Grade 1 listed Orangery has now reached the stage where it is
unwrapped and looks something like its former glory. The domes have lost a
significant part of their lower part when viewed because the surrounding
sides were increased in height. Interior electrical and plumbing
work is unfinished.
The restoration of the
building was funded by English Heritage
and Kettering Borough Council in partnership with the Wicksteed Trust. The
work was carried out by TFT Cultural Heritage and contractors, Bennie
Historic Conservation.
Our hope that it would once again be available this year for weddings, exhibitions and other
functions has not been realised as the Council have not yet approved our
plans.. |
