Wortley Hall facts for kids
Wortley Hall is a beautiful old country house in the small village of Wortley, which is south of Barnsley. For over 60 years, this special place has been connected to the British Labour movement, which helps workers and their rights. Today, many trade unions and other groups use Wortley Hall for training courses, important meetings, and fun social events.
The building is made from strong sandstone and has roofs covered with slate tiles. It has a unique shape, mostly with two floors, and a grand front with seven sections facing south.
Wortley Hall is also a popular place for weddings and civil partnership ceremonies. Visitors can come during the day to explore its lovely formal gardens and the large grounds around the house.
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History of Wortley Hall
The story of Wortley Hall goes back a long way! A manor house, which is a large country house, was first rebuilt here in 1586 by Sir Richard Wortley.
Wortley Hall During the English Civil War
During the English Civil War (a big fight in England between 1642 and 1651), Sir Richard's son, Sir Francis Wortley, was a supporter of King Charles I. He allowed Wortley Hall to be used as a base for 150 soldiers called dragoons. However, in 1644, Sir Francis was captured and put in the Tower of London. When he was released in 1649, he had to pay a large fine to get his property back.
Later, Wortley Hall was passed down to an illegitimate daughter of the family. Around 1670, she married Sidney Montagu, who was the second son of a famous Earl.
Changes and New Owners
The Hall got a major makeover between 1742 and 1746 by a designer named Giacomo Leoni. An East Wing was added between 1757 and 1761 for Sir Edward Wortley Montagu. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) and an Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, which is now Turkey.
When Sir Edward died in 1761, he left the Hall to his daughter, Mary. Mary had married John Stuart, who became the Prime Minister of Britain. In 1794, the Hall went to their son, Colonel James Archibald Stuart. He later added the name Wortley to his own. His son, also named James Archibald, became a Member of Parliament for Yorkshire and was later given the title Baron Wharncliffe.
The Earls of Wharncliffe
In 1876, Edward Montagu-Stuart-Wortley-Mackenzie, who was the 3rd Baron Wharncliffe, was given the title Earl of Wharncliffe. Wortley Hall was the main home for the Earls of Wharncliffe until the Second World War. During the war, the British Army used the Hall, and after the war, the building started to fall into disrepair.
A New Purpose for the Hall
In 1950, a group of local people who were involved in trade unions saw a great opportunity. They thought Wortley Hall would be perfect as a place for education and holidays. They formed a co-operative group, which means they worked together to buy the Hall for this purpose. Wortley Hall officially opened its doors on May 5, 1951, beginning its new life as a centre for the Labour movement.
Wortley Hall in Media
Wortley Hall has even been featured on TV!
- In 1980, the Hall was used as the setting for a country estate in the TV film The Gamekeeper, directed by Ken Loach.
- On January 20, 2015, the Hall was shown in an episode of Great British Railway Journeys on BBC Two. The presenter, Michael Portillo, visited Wortley Hall, talked about its role with trade unions, met the general manager, and even stayed the night!
Images for kids
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Wortley Hall
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Aerial view of Wortley Hall and its surroundings.
