Arbury Hall

Arbury Hall has been in the continuous ownership of the Newdegate family since 1586 when it was purchased from Sir Edmund Anderson who demolished the old priory and built an Elizabethan House on the site. This was extensively remodelled in the C18th into a Gothic mansion based on some designs by Sanderson Miller. The grounds have undergone a series of changes beginning in the late C17th when streams were canalised to connect the Estate to family owned coal mines at Collycroft. At the same time, the formal gardens around the house were remodelled. John Evelyn visited in 1678 and records survive of plants, fruit trees and shrubs ordered from Brompton Park Nurseries. The troglodytic Cold Bath might be part of this campaign, although the dating is uncertain. Further changes followed in the C18th with a rotunda and orangery (since lost), tea house and cascade. Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned to draw up plans for the entrance to the Stable Block. Plants were ordered from the Oxford Physic Garden and the Royal Gardens in London. George Eliot was born on the estate and described it in her ‘Scenes of Clerical Life’, a collection of three short stories published in 1857.

Today there are some 20 acres of gardens set in rolling parkland with lakes, specimen trees, including some forty rose beds surrounded by an ancient yew hedge. The borders, many of which are sheltered by walls, are often planted in greens and whites at the request of the family.  James Newdegate, the current 4th Viscount Daventry, and his family have plans to further improve the 100 acres of gardens, parklands and water courses whilst retaining its historic nature and gothic roots.

We have arranged a private group visit to Arbury Hall and Gardens for the afternoon of Thursday June 6th.

Arbury Hall, Arbury, Nuneaton CV10 7NF

From the M6 take Junction 3 northbound on A444 towards Nuneaton. At 4th roundabout turn left. Take 2nd left on to B4112 Heath End Road, turn left at mini roundabout on to Arbury Road. Follow brown tourist signs for Arbury Hall. Turn left through stone archway (Round Towers), proceed through white gate (please close after entry/exit) then along the drive.  Arbury Hall is on left hand side through stone gateway.

Sat Nav: CV10 7NF. What 3 Words: punch.punt.place

Time: Meet at the Hall for 1.45pm

Cost: Members £22.00 Non Members £27.00 to include entry, guided tour and afternoon tea.

Category: WGT

Organizer: Rosemary Jewel-Clark Email: jewel-clarkr@hotmail.co.uk