Kelmarsh Hall facts for kids
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Kelmarsh Hall is a beautiful old country house in Northamptonshire, England. It's about 8 kilometers south of Market Harborough and 18 kilometers north of Northampton. This amazing house is a Grade I listed building, which means it's super important historically. You can even visit it!
Contents
The Story of Kelmarsh Hall
Building a Grand Home
Kelmarsh Hall was built in 1732. It was designed for a man named William Hanbury, who was interested in old things and history. The famous architect Francis Smith of Warwick helped build it, following ideas from James Gibbs. Even today, the hall is surrounded by its original estate, which includes lovely parkland and gardens. Someone once said it was a "perfect" and "impeccable" design!
Who Lived Here?
Over the years, many different families have owned Kelmarsh Hall.
- The Hanbury Family: William Hanbury built the house using money he gained from a good marriage. His family owned the estate for many years.
- The Naylor Family: In 1864, a banker and cotton trader from Liverpool named Richard Christopher Naylor bought the estate. He was very keen on horse racing and hunting.
- The Lancaster Family: George Granville Lancaster bought Kelmarsh in 1902. His son, Claude, inherited it in 1924. Later, in 1977, Claude's older sister, Cicely, became the owner. Cicely was very dedicated to making sure Kelmarsh Hall would be looked after for the future. She set up the Kelmarsh Trust to protect the estate after she passed away in 1996.
Famous Residents: Ronald Tree and Nancy Lancaster
In 1929, a politician named Ronald Tree and his wife, Nancy, rented Kelmarsh Hall for six years. They worked to repair and improve the house. Ronald Tree later became a Member of Parliament for the Harborough area in 1933. His wife, Nancy, became very well-known for her amazing talent in interior design, making homes look beautiful inside. She later married Colonel Lancaster, who owned the estate at the time.
External links
- Kelmarsh Hall home page
