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Berrington Hall
Summary
A neo-classical mansion built to a design by Henry Holland, set in superb
gardens by Capability Brown. The
exterior of Berrington is restrained classical design, the interiors
are stunningly ornate, with painted ceilings and an exceptionally fine
entry staircase. Berrington is home to the Wade Costume Collection.
Berrington
Hall photo Gallery >>
The House
Thomas Harley made a fortune supplying the British army with clothing
and pay. When Harley decided he needed a new house to showcase his family's
prestige and wealth, he called on landscape gardener Capability Brown.
It was Brown who chose the location for Berrington Hall, selecting a
site that gave sweeping views to the Black Mountains of Wales. While
Brown busied himself with creating the parkland and semi-natural landscapes
for which he was famous, the task of building the house itself fell
to Brown's son in law, architect Henry Holland.
Holland
began work in 1778 and the house was completed in 1783. He drew upon
the popular neo-classical style to create a house with two very different
characters. Outside, the red sandstone of Berrington Hall presents a
stiff, formal picture, the most notable aspect of which is the massive
front portico. But if the exterior is plain, sparingly adorned, the
interior is a riot of lavish colour and ornate decoration.
Here the decoration is unrestrained, with wonderful painted ceilings,
ornate plasterwork, and a high dome shedding light onto a spectacular
entry staircase. The elegant Georgian theme is augmented by fine furniture
most of it French. Lord Admiral Rodney was a family friend and visited
Berrington Hall frequently. The dining room is hung with huge paintings
by Luny depicting Rodney's famous sea battles.
There is more to Berrington than ornate state rooms, though. Visitors
get a fascinating glimpse of life 'below stairs', with visits to to
Laundry, Butler's Pantry, and superbly finished Dairy being the highlights.
The
Garden
Berrington Hall represents the last major garden designed by 'Capability'
Brown. Brown was responsible for Berrington Pool, a lake created entirely
by hand. The Pool covers 14 acres in area, and lies at the foot of a
sloping hill that extends to the very steps of the house. As with most
Capability Brown designs, the parkland is dotted with carefully arranged
trees and shrubs, planted to create a landscape at once pastoral and
elegantly restrained formality. The walled garden contains rare species
of old fruit trees; apple, plum, cherry, and more. An unusual feature
is the Drying Ground, a special lawned area set aside to air washing
well out of sight of the family in the house. Mundane things like wet
sheets would supposedly spoil the elegant mood created by the house
and its sumptuous furnishings.
Berrington Hall for Families
Children will love visiting the well that runs under the inner courtyard,
and our children, ages 5 and 11, very much enjoyed the play area in
the walled garden. There is also a children's quiz which may make touring
the house more enjoyable for the younger generation.
What's it like to visit?
See our Berrington
Hall photo Gallery >>
Contact
Berrington Hall
Leominster
Herefordshire
England
HR6 0DW
Location: 3 miles north of Leominster off the A49
Website: Berrington Hall
Email: berrington@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone: 01568 615 721
Fax: 01568 613 263
Location
map
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