House & Family History: Hellens begin life as a monastery. In 1096 the Estate was granted to the De Balun family, members of whom witnessed the signing of the Magna Carta by King John. In the 13th century the Mortimer family, earls of March, rebuilt the House as a stone fortress. In the 14th century Hellens passed into the ownership of the lords Audleys (later created earls of Gloucester); a member of this family was one of the companions of the Black Prince (eldest son of King Edward III), which resulted in visits to Hellens by the famous prince (the great fireplace in the Stone Hall contains the crest of the Black Prince). The earls of Gloucester eventually leased Hellens to Walter de Helyon and it is from the corruption of this family's surname that the House acquired its current name. Hellens was altered significantly in the 16th and 17th centuries and is noted today for the Minstrels' Gallery in the Stone Hall. Mary Tudor (later Queen Mary I) stayed at Hellens with her tutor, Fetherstone; these rooms are today supposedly haunted by the queen's ghost.

Collections: The collection at Hellens includes possessions of Anne Boleyn and relics and heirlooms from the English Civil War.

Garden & Outbuildings: The garden contains the walled Knot Garden, the 17th century octagonal Dovecote, the yew labyrinth, and the Old Cider Mill House, made famous by Charles Radcliffe-Cooke (born at Hellens in the 19th century), a passionate supporter of local farming, especially the cider industry. As the local MP, Radcliffe-Cooke was known as the "Member for Cider."

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Not Listed

Current Seat / Home of: Pennington-Mellor-Munthe family

Past Seat / Home of: De Balun family, 11th century. Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March, 13th century. James Tuchet, 5th Baron Audley, 14th century. Walter de Helyon, 15th century. Radcliffe-Cooke family, 19th century. Ursula and Alex Whaley, early 20th century. Lady Helena Gleichen, 20th century. Hilda Pennington-Mellor, 20th century.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

Ownership Details: Owned by Pennington-Mellor-Munthe Charity Trust and open to the public while, also serving as the family home.

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 01531-660-504

Fax: 01531-660-501

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.hellensmanor.com

Historic Houses Member: No