House & Family History: Josiah Spode IV, great-grandson of Josiah Spode, purchased the Hawkesyard Estate circa 1840, greatly enlarged the house and renamed it Spode House. The Spode family left the house to the Catholic Church (the Dominicans), who eventually allowed Hawkesyard to fall into disrepair. The house served for a while as a school before being closed, boarded up, and abandoned. In 1999 Spode House was purchased by Relaine Estates Ltd., who restored the house to its original name and who operate it today as a conference venue.

John Bernard (J.B.) Burke, published under the title of A Visitation of the Seats and Arms of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland, among other titles: Vol. I, p. 211, 1852.

John Preston (J.P.) Neale, published under the title of Views of the Seats of Noblemen and Gentlemen in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, among other titles: Vol. IV, 1821.

House Listed: Grade II

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: Thomas Lister, 18th century. Josiah Spode IV, 19th century. Helen Gulson, 1893-20th century.

Current Ownership Type: Corporation

Primary Current Ownership Use: Conference Center

Ownership Details: The house is owned by Relaine Estates Ltd., who make it available for civil weddings, celebrations, conferences, and meetings.

House Open to Public: By Appointment

Phone: 01543-648-065

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.hawkesyardhall.com

Historic Houses Member: No