Dunham Massey
Dunham Massey Hall is located near Altrincham, to the south of Manchester city centre. The Hall, as you'd expect is situated in a deer park, with beautiful formal gardens, obligatory coffee shop, gift shop and restaurant. As this isn't Trip Advisor, what has this got to do with the British Civil Wars I hear you ask? The Hall was the home of the Earls' of Warrington, and was closely associated with the Stamfords (and Lord Grey of Groby)
Building work at Dunham Massey began in the early seventeenth century, it was put on hold during the wars, and only finished during the Interregnum. It was extensively remodelled during the 1720s, so little of its Carolean character remains.
As with all National Trust properties, the Hall is presented to represent its appearance throughout it's life - from the Stamford family home to Great War Hospital.
Despite the Hall's more recent history and remodelling there is still much to interest the BCW aficionado.
Building work at Dunham Massey began in the early seventeenth century, it was put on hold during the wars, and only finished during the Interregnum. It was extensively remodelled during the 1720s, so little of its Carolean character remains.
As with all National Trust properties, the Hall is presented to represent its appearance throughout it's life - from the Stamford family home to Great War Hospital.
The stable block, which is most likely part of the original build
(despite the clock bearing the date 1721)
Despite the Hall's more recent history and remodelling there is still much to interest the BCW aficionado.
Dunham Massey would be started by William Booth in the early seventeenth century. It would be finished by his son Sir George Booth.
Henry Grey, First Earl of Stamford was Booth's father-in-law. The Stamfords were closely connected to Dunham Massey eventually inheriting the estate through marriage. A moderate Presbyterian, he raised regiments of foot and horse to fight for Parliament. There are two portraits of him in the house.
His eldest son, Thomas, Lord Grey of Groby was a member of Parliament, also raising regiments of foot and horse - he fought at Edgehill at the age of 19. He was later to be the second signatory of Charles I's death warrant. His portrait, too, can be found in the house.
For such a fervent Parliamentarian household, the some time home of a regicide no less, there are a number of portraits of the royal household. Possibly a nod to Booth's loyalty to the Crown?
A Van Dyck portrait of Charles's children hangs on the stairs.
Van Dyck portraits of Charles and Henrietta also hang on the walls of the south corridor.
There is also a George ribbon on display, which belonged to Charles I whilst he was held prisoner on the Isle of Wight.
Colonel Sir George Booth, Lord Delamere , who commanded the garrison at Nantwich. Booth would later be the figurehead of the Cheshire Rising in 1659. The Rebellion failed and Booth fled the field (of the Battle of Winninton Bridge) in drag, being captured in Newport Pagnell. He would be elevated to a peerage by Charles II.
Colonel Sir George Booth, Lord Delamere
Henry Grey, First Earl of Stamford was Booth's father-in-law. The Stamfords were closely connected to Dunham Massey eventually inheriting the estate through marriage. A moderate Presbyterian, he raised regiments of foot and horse to fight for Parliament. There are two portraits of him in the house.
Henry Grey, First Earl of Stamford
His eldest son, Thomas, Lord Grey of Groby was a member of Parliament, also raising regiments of foot and horse - he fought at Edgehill at the age of 19. He was later to be the second signatory of Charles I's death warrant. His portrait, too, can be found in the house.
Thomas, Lord Grey of Groby. Regicide.
For such a fervent Parliamentarian household, the some time home of a regicide no less, there are a number of portraits of the royal household. Possibly a nod to Booth's loyalty to the Crown?
A Van Dyck portrait of Charles's children hangs on the stairs.
No matter how I tried I couldn't get rid of the light reflecting off the painting.
Van Dyck portraits of Charles and Henrietta also hang on the walls of the south corridor.
There is also a George ribbon on display, which belonged to Charles I whilst he was held prisoner on the Isle of Wight.
Check their website for opening times and prices.
If following a Garmin SatNav they struggle with the new bit of road at the end of the M56, so ignore the SatNav and follow the roadsigns!
Dunham Massey WA14 4SJ
For more Cheshire related Civil War sites see also:
Plus it would be rude not to visit the Dunham Massey Brewing Co (for some supplies) as you have to drive past to connect with the motorway network.
Dunham Massey Brewery WA14 4PE
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