History of Lilleshall Hall
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History of Lilleshall Hall |
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The impressive parkland in which Lilleshall Hall stands was originally part of the Lilleshall Abbey estate. Surrendered to the Crown during the dissolution of the monasteries it was purchased by the Leveson family. The original hall was completed in 1750 as a country residence, but was considered too small for the fourth baronet, George Granville Leveson-Gower, after his marriage to Countess Elizabeth Sutherland, after which he became 19th Earl & 1st Duke of Sutherland. |
The current hall, designed by Sir John Wyattville, was completed in 1829 and includes numerous details specified by the 2nd Duke's wife, Lady Harriet - including the gates to the main drive which are exact replicas of those at Buckingham Palace. When on the green one gets a good view of the monument to the 1st Duke which stands on Lilleshall Hill.
The Sutherland family owned other properties in the area, including Trentham Gardens near modern-day Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford Castle, in addition to the family seat at Dunrobin Castle.
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At the outbreak of the Great War the 5th Duke sold the Trentham estate and much of the Lilleshall estate, and in 1917 finally sold the Hall and the remaining 50 acres of gardens to Sir John Lee. Just 10 years later Sir John sold the Hall to Herbert Ford, who also purchased the manorial rights from the 5th Duke, who had retained them to that time. Herbert Ford had wealth resulting from the industry in the Ironbridge gorge and was related to the Perrins family (of Lea & Perrins Worcester Sauce fame). In 1949 the Central Council of Physical Recreation purchased the Hall and 10 acres of ground from Mr Ford. This purchase was made possible by a donation from the people of South Africa to the Atlee Government in recognition of the war effort. This donation is recognised in the main entrance by the plaque unveiled in 1951 by the then Princess Elizabeth. |
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Lilleshall has since become a centre of sporting excellence and was the final training centre for the victorious England football world-cup squad in 1966. The centre boasts magnificent sporting and sports medicine facilities and is currently home to the British Gymnastic squad and the Grand National Archery Society. The Football Association have offices on the upper floors of the main Hall. The Centre is managed by Leisure Connection on behalf of Sport England. Further details can be found on their web-site A leaflet describing the history of the Hall in much more detail is available from the Hall reception. |
