Built / Designed For: Sir Richard Hill

House & Family History: Hawkstone was built for Sir Richard Hill in 1720, and then greatly enlarged by his son, Sir Rowland, in 1750. The 3rd Viscount Hill died in bankrupt in 1895, which forced the sale of the house's contents and the sale of the estate in the early 20th century. The reduced Hawkstone Estate was purchased in 1906 by the Liberal politician George Whitely, later 1st Baron Marchamley. After Lord Marchamley's death in 1925 Hawkstone was listed for sale; it was purchased in 1926 by the Roman Catholic Redemptorist Order, who used the house as a seminary until 1973. In 1974 the seminary was relocated, and, beginning in 1975, Hawkstone served as a pastoral and retreat center. The Redemptorists listed the house for sale in 2014. In June 2017 the Hawkstone Estate was purchased by The Distinctly Hospitable Group, who reopened the house in 2018 as a hotel and upscale wedding and event venue

Garden & Outbuildings: Between 1824 and 1825 Sir Rowland Hill, 4th Bt., built a dower house called The Citadel for his mother-in-law on the outskirts of Hawkstone Park. The Grade II* building, designed in a Gothic style by Thomas Harrison, is run today as a guest house. There are also many 18th century follies, most now ruined, in the park, in addition to hidden pathways, secret tunnels, and a concealed grotto through the 88 acres of gardens.

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. II, p. 74, 1853.

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: 2.S. Vol. III, 1826.

Country Life: CXXIII, 640, 698, 1958.

House Listed: Grade I

Park Listed: Grade I

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSE: Thomas Lodge, 16th century. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Sir Richard Hill, 18th century; Sir Rowland Hill, 18th century; Rowland Clegg-Hill, the 3rd Viscount Hill, 19th century. George Whiteley, 1st Baron Marchamley, 20th century.

Current Ownership Type: Corporation

Primary Current Ownership Use: Hotel

Ownership Details: Owned by The Distinctly Hospitable Group, who operate the house as a hotel and event venue.

House Open to Public: By Appointment

Phone: 01630-685-242

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://hawkstonehall.co.uk

Historic Houses Member: No