ELTON HALL, NR. PETERBOROUGH, PE8 6SH and DEENE PARK, CORBY, NORTHANTS. NN17 3EW 

Wednesday 22 June 2016 10.30am - 4.30pm approx.

Elton Hall is an extraordinary, romantic, part Gothic house that has been in the Proby family since 1660. The house is a fascinating blend of styles, reflecting the taste and interests of succeeding generations and contains many magnificent paintings and furniture which Lord and Lady Proby have offered us the opportunity to enjoy. During our private visit we will see highlights including are a pair of secretaires designed for William Beckford and a pietra dura cabinet that was also in his collection and subsequently belonged to the Duke of Hamilton.  French furniture is well represented and of particular note are a pair of encoignures by Charles Cressent.

Deene has been occupied by the Brudenell family since 1514 and was the seat of the Earls of Cardigan, most notably the famous 7^th Earl who led the Charge of the Light Brigade in the Crimean War of 1854. Visitors can see rooms where his uniforms and battle paintings are displayed.

Deene Park was first acquired by Robert Brudenell; as a young barrister he was favoured by King Henry VII and his mother Margaret Beaufort but it was during the reign of Henry VIII that his career really took off. Recognised and respected for his legal mind he was first appointed to the Privy Council at the royal court and subsequently appointed Chief Justice of the Common Pleas by the King. Since Sir Robert many Brudenells have inherited Deene and the House has grown organically over the centuries.  Succeeding generations have made their own mark expanding the footprint of the original House reflecting their wealth and status in society at the time and providing the visitor with an interesting yet complementary mixture of styles which include the contrast between the Tudor core and the important late Georgian additions.

During the 1950’s Mr and Mrs Edmund Brudenell started a lengthy programme to restore Deene to a comfortable and beautifully decorated Home and garden befitting the styles of the different periods of the House. The House we see today is a testament to their dedication and devotion.  Deene Park is very much a home, the personal touches, mementoes and family collections make this one of the most comfortable and charming country houses to visit.  

We will enjoy a private visit thanks to the generosity of the current owner, Mrs Charlotte Brudenell.  

This visit was advertised in the February 2016 newsletter and is now fully subscribed. Please contact the Events Secretary if you would like to go on the waiting list.