History
A House of History
Weston has a fascinating story to tell, that appeals to all.
Weston is a remarkable House set in 1,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown parkland. A House where, at every corner, echoes of different eras call out with a rich history dating back to the Domesday Book.
From the building of the present house in the 17th century and the landscaping of the gardens by ‘Capability’ Brown right through to hosting the G8 Summit of 1998, the story of Weston is beguiling and enthralling.
Medieval
Dating Back to the Domesday Book
The land on which Weston stands was first mentioned in the Domesday Book. The principal survivor of those times is the park which now forms part of the Medieval deer forest.
The land was at first held by the de Westons of Weston and later by the Mytton family who were to have a fundamental impact on the history of Weston.
16th and 17th Centuries
Origins of the House
The story of the present house begins on 29th June 1651 when the twenty-year-old Elizabeth Mytton married Thomas Wilbraham. The house at Weston Park was her vision. In fact, ably assisted by local craftsmen and Palladio’s First Book of Architecture, she appeared to be her own architect. Her heavily-annotated copy of Palladio’s book is a treasured item in the library at Weston.
The Collections Begin
Elizabeth’s daughter Mary married Richard Newport, the 2nd Earl of Bradford. Together with his brother, Lord Torrington, he was a voracious collector and it is he who laid the foundations for the impressive collections that can now be seen throughout the house.
18th Century
The Bridgeman Era
When the Newport male line ended, Weston passed to Lady Wilbraham’s granddaughter Anne. She had married into the Bridgeman family who themselves were substantial landowners in Shropshire and elsewhere.
By commissioning ‘Capability’ Brown to landscape the park, Sir Henry Bridgeman was next to really stamp his mark upon Weston’s history. James Paine was also employed to add his Roman Bridge and Temple of Diana – later described by the renowned architect as “my greenhouse at Weston.”
The combined effect led Disraeli – usually known for his dislike of country houses – to comment upon “Weston’s fair scenes.”
19th Century
Growing Popularity
The arrival of the railways brought more visitors to sample Weston’s beauty. The desire to accommodate more guests inspired generations of the family to add to the original 17th Century house. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Earls all made substantial changes and rearrangements. The East Wing, Orangery and the Loggia were added. Modifications were made to the Library, Drawing Room and Tapestry Room whilst the remarkable Dining Room and the Salons were also created.
Tragedy at the house.
This era saw one of the saddest events in Weston history. Lady Lucy Bridgeman, a talented and pioneering photographer, and her sister Charlotte were tragically burnt to death. Both were standing in front of the Library fire when their crinoline dresses caught light. Around this time, the Victorian love of gardening inspired development to the grounds at Weston. Terraces and the Broderie were added as was an enormous 5-acre kitchen garden.
Weston and Prime Minister Disraeli.
During the 19th century, political influence and Royalty featured strongly in the house’s fortunes. The 3rd Earl was Master of the Horse to Queen Victoria and his wife, Selina, was friends with the aging Prime Minister Disraeli. One of his gifts to Selina is on display in the House - a yellow parrot that was believed to be male. The true gender was discovered when it laid 24 eggs in 23 days and then promptly died.
20th Century
National Leaders and Leading Writers
At the turn of the century, the 5th Earl served in the Boer War. He was later to serve as private secretary to two Prime Ministers – Lord Salisbury and Mr Balfour. In the 20’s, the humorist writer PG Wodehouse, the creator of Jeeves, used his boyhood memories of Weston, which he renamed Blandings Castle, in several of his books
The Modern Look of Weston
Gerald, the 6th Earl, used his expertise on forestry to plant around the park and pools. Much of his work has now matured and adds to the allure of the grounds. The redecoration work of his wife Mary, can also be seen today in the present Dining Room, Drawing Room, Salons and Breakfast Room.
Today
A Gift to the Nation
In the second half of the century, Gerald and his son Richard, the 7th and present Earl of Bradford, encouraged ever-increasing public use of Weston.
Gifted to the nation by Richard, and with the support of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, it is now in the care of the Trustees of The Weston Park Foundation.
Historical Talks Throughout the Year
Throughout the year, the Education Department offers talks and study days covering specific points of interest and history.
Foundation
Set up in 1986, the primary purpose of the Foundation is to conserve and display Weston and its contents for the public benefit and to develop its role as an educational charity. There is a continuous programme of improvements in both fields. Much of what is done is built on the work of previous generations of the family and the Trustees are conscious of the responsibilities they have inherited.
To this end the House is not only open to the public on a regular basis but is also used residentially by a wide variety of organisation, not least the government. The Foundation is particularly proud of its work in the educational field with large numbers of visiting school parties and significant links with universities and colleges including research work on the collections.
Outside, in the gardens and park, almost all the buildings and follies have been restored and many thousands of people regularly come to enjoy events like the Last Night of the Proms, Bonfire Night, Midland Game Fair, Horse Trials and the massive Music Festivals of recent years. A by-product of these activities is that the Foundation has continued the country house tradition of providing a considerable amount of local employment.
The Creation of the Gardens and Park.
Today, Weston stands astride the Shropshire/Staffordshire border in almost 1000 acres of parkland. Yet it has taken over 300 years of development to achieve such remarkable grounds and gardens.
A survey back in 1658, twenty years after Elizabeth Mytton inherited Weston, shows an upper and a lower park existed but little else is known of early park history other than red and common deer roamed free.
It was not until Sir Henry Bridgeman commissioned Lancelot “Capability” Brown in 1765 that we see a serious attempt to control the deer. He sunk a fence (or ha-ha) round the south side of the house, and in 1766 continued his work to the side of what is now Temple Wood. There is also evidence of much planting and the development of the “pleasure ground” at this time.
Major Works in the Gardens
Sir Henry’s also commissioned architect James Paine in 1770 to design the Temple, which he described as “the Greenhouse at Weston.” Paine also built a Roman Bridge over a “limpid small stream” which he dammed to create Temple Pool.
The nineteenth century saw much expenditure on the gardens and the planting of a great many trees, some 38,000 in 1802 alone. Between 1828 and the end of the century, much work was undertaken. The Park Pool, the Shrewsbury Walk, new terraces, an Orangery and the Tower on Tong Knoll were among many features that were added.
Modern Developments
In more recent times, the Italian garden (or broderie) was recreated by Elizabeth Banks in 1989 with a more labour-saving scheme of planting. The Weston Park Foundation also commissioned Nada and Fred Jennet in 1991 to redesign the terrace planting. With so many more landmarks throughout these much-loved and admired gardens, it’ll take many enjoyable visits to discover the endless delights of Weston’s grounds.
The latest development at Weston is the renovation of the Granary, the last unused building on the estate.
The Granary building was built for Sir Henry Bridgeman in 1767 and is a masterpiece of the 18th century agricultural revolution. Through Heritage Lottery funding and support from Advantage West Midlands it has been restored and is now a food shop and exhibition gallery, opened Friday 10th April 2009.
Weston is working with local producers and tenant farmers to offer a range of quality food and drink from across the region, promoting seasonal produce.
Family Tree
Owners of Weston from 1565 to date.
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