Earlier Houses: An earlier house, begun in 1469 by Piers Warburton, was replaced in the 19th century by the current house. It was at this earlier house that Elizabeth Raffald was the housekeeper and confectioner in the 18th century. In 1769 Mrs. Raffald published "The Experienced English Housekeeper," a popular early English cookbook that contained many innovative recipes that have since become standard British fare, including Eccles cakes and macaroni and cheese; however, the creation she is most remembered for today is the modern wedding cake. Made of fruitcake with marzipan and royal icing, Mrs. Raffald's wedding cake replaced the traditional English bride's pies: large mince pies made with brandy, dried fruit, and Champagne. Mrs. Raffald's story was fully told for modern audience in Neil Buttery's 2023 book, "Before Mrs. Beeton: Elizabeth Raffald, England's Most Influential Housekeeper."

Built / Designed For: Rowland Egerton Warburton

House & Family History: With richly colored stained glass windows flooding the large wooden bookcase, Arley's library is a noted example of the Victorian Gothic style. Napoleon III lived in the house briefly after his abdication; his bedroom, complete with watercolors by Piers Egerton-Warburton decorating the walls, is still perfectly preserved. (We are grateful to BritainExpress.com for this history of Arley Hall.)

Garden & Outbuildings: The gardens at Arley Hall were the site of one of the first herbaceous borders planted in England (by Rowland Egerton-Warburton). The current gardens extend to 12 acres ringed by hedges and brick walls. The Tea House Garden boasts a fine collection of shrub roses, while the two walled gardens provide space for open lawns, herbaceous borders, fruit trees, and kitchen produce. An avenue of pleached limes leads to the house, while nearby ilex trees are clipped into tall cylinder shapes. Woodland walks and a rock garden add further interest to this award-winning horticultural experience. Each year in late June the two-day Arley Garden Festival attracts keen gardeners from across Britain to view displays by plant nurseries, attend question and answer sessions with top garden designers, and buy plants and garden accessories. Arley also hosts regular gardening workshops and study days from February to November. The garden has over 200 different varieties of rhododendrons and received the HHA/Christie's Garden of the Year Award in 1987. Piers Warburton was probably responsible for building the 15th century style cruck-framed barn and outbuildings. The barn now houses a restaurant for visitors. (We are grateful to BritainExpress.com for this history of the Arley Hall Gardens).

Chapel & Church: Anthony Salvin designed the Gothic style chapel, which is attached to the house.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Grade II*

Current Seat / Home of: Michael Llowarch Warburton Flower, 11th Viscount Ashbrook; Warburton family here since the 15th century.

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSE: Piers Warburton, 15th century. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Rowland Egerton Warburton, 19th century; Piers Egerton-Warburton, early 20th century. Desmond Llowarch Edward Flower, 10th Viscount Ashbrook, until 1995.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 01565-777-353

Fax: 01565-777-465

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.arleyhallandgardens.com/

Awards: Christie's/HHA Garden of the Year Award 1987.

Historic Houses Member: Yes