One of
Leicester’s treasures is the warm and inviting Belgrave Hall. It takes you away
from the hustle and bustle of busy city life as you can simply sit and relax in
the tranquil surroundings and enjoy the peace and serenity.
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| Belgrave Hall |
It was built between
1709 and 1714 by Edmund Cradock, when Belgrave was still very much a
small village. Edmund was a rich hosiery merchant who sadly died soon after the
hall’s construction, but for more than 300 years the people of Leicester have enjoyed
his brainchild. It’s funny to think that Belgrave Hall was not originally part
of the city, but it was purposely built three miles from the old market town,
in the corner of a quiet village to avoid hectic town life.
Up until 1936 the hall was a family residence, tucked away in the
corner of the village, close to a beautiful medieval church. Edmund built a
fine house and walled garden and on the rainwater heads you can still see the dates
1709 and 1713. But after his death Belgrave Hall was held in trust until 1721
when John and Helen Simons took ownership. The Simons family didn't just buy
the house – they also bought land opposite the hall and created another
park-like garden around it. The hall remained with the Simons for 46 years
before its new owner was the High Sheriff of Leicestershire, William Vann. He,
like Edmund Cradock, was in the hosiery trade and he ran a successful business
from the hall, transforming the outbuildings into a framework knitting factory,
employing many of the local craftspeople.
On William
Vann’s death in 1772 the hall passed to his son Richard. His other son, William
junior, built Belgrave House on the landscaped gardens built by the
Simons family. Belgrave Hall stayed with the Vanns until 1844 when John Ellis
MP took ownership. He has eleven children and like the hall's previous
occupants, Ellis was a wealthy and successful businessman, involved in the building
of Leicester’s first railway line – the Leicester and Swannington Railway. He
eventually went on to become the first chairman of Midland Railway.
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| Belgrave hall from the rear |
Ellis and his family kept the hall in
fine condition adding a large bay window to the rear and improving the
extensive gardens due to his great interest in horticulture. The garden was the
main feature of the hall – exotic and rare floras were planted, finely-crafted statues
were erected and he even built a ‘Dutch Garden’ within his private ‘park.’
Ellis died in 1862 and his son sold the hall to his seven sisters who continued
to reside there. The sisters were involved in charitable and educational work
in Belgrave, which by the time they took ownership of the hall, was no longer a
small village, but a thriving Leicester suburb. Mrs Bernard Ellis, a lady who
married into the Ellis family, gives a description of life in Belgrave Hall during
the time of the seven sisters’ ownership. She said:
“They were in touch with all the best
literature and the leading movements of the 19th Century; they exhibited a
dignity, a distinction and a charm that set them, in a busy provincial town, in
a class apart. They did not always see eye to eye… But they radiated affection
to a large and ever-widening family circle, and maintained an unbroken front of
benevolence toward the outer world. A book meeting at Belgrave was a festive
occasion which usually came in the autumn. November was their month and as the
front door opened from the chill outside air into the large hall with its
blazing fire, we saw at the far end a great bank of tawny chrysanthemums. Year
after year we womenfolk would mount the fine old staircase and lay our wraps in
the spare room with another blazing fire to continue the sense of festivity and
welcome.”
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| Belgrave Hall and Belgrave church, 1923 |
The last Ellis sister at Belgrave Hall
was Margaret who died in 1923, although there is a well-known legend that says
that she and her sister Charlotte still haunt the property, which I would take with a pinch of salt! Since Margaret’s death Belgave Hall has been
associated with ghostly goings-on but it didn't stop its sale to Thomas Morley,
yet another rich hosiery manufacturer. He didn't stay there long though
(ghosts?) and he sold it in 1936 for £10,500 to Leicester
City Council, who also bought Belgrave House. The hall was transformed into a
museum and its stunning gardens were opened up to the public.
Belgrave Hall is one of Leicester’s
most treasured possessions and if you've not been, I’d certainly urge you to
pay it a visit. Belgrave Hall is located just off Loughborough Road near
to Leicester's famous Golden Mile on Belgrave Road. On street parking is
available, including a few places directly in front of the museum. Leicester
City Council recommends contacting the museum in advance to reserve a parking
place for Blue Badge holders, in particular on event days where demand for
spaces can be high. For opening times, please visit www.visitleicester.co.uk
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| Enjoy the huge gardens of Belgrave Hall. |
