Transitioning from Summer to Autumn though the exquisite summer wedding season of 2024 may have come to a close, there remains an abundance of opportunities to appreciate Hawkstone as we usher in to the chillier season. Anticipate a schedule brimming with meticulously planned events designed to enthrall and captivate, This season promises to incite delight, from intimate assemblies to grand festivities. Hawkstone Hall guarantees memorable and wholesome experiences with comfortable atmospheres which include the addition of roaring fires, gold gilded ceilings and a cosy environment for you to unwind and open up the Hawkstone Herald, whether this be in our Snug, Morning Room, the Library or whilst you're enjoying a festive afternoon tea with us.
The Herald Newspaper is here to provide you with guidance through the current timeline and to offer a glimpse into our historical timeline. We sincerely hope you derive pleasure from perusing our newspaper, comfortably situated within our welcoming environment. Should you have a story to share with us, we earnestly encourage you to make it known. We are consistently open to receiving your familial stories and photographs you may have of Hawkstone Hall & Gardens. We hope that the new intimate season will embody a symphony of celebration, grandeur, and timeless elegance.
The house lay empty until 1906 when the 4th Viscount sold the Hall. With the departure of the Hills, Mr George Whiteley a liberal M.P. became the new owner of the hall and estate who later
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ABOVE: HAWKSTONE HALL & GARDENS BY PETER LOWBRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHY
Hawkstone Hall's
TRANSITIONING FROM SUMMER TO AUTUMN
A MESSAGE FROM ANGELA BILLINGS
Our
General Manager
Hello & a Warm Welcome to
Hawkstone Hall & Gardens...
Embrace Autumn and join us in a cosy, warm, and inviting atmosphere with our pumpkin spiced cocktails and open fires. Celebrate a birthday or anniversary with us and enjoy one of our dedicated dining spaces. As this season comes to an end and winter sets in we look towards the Christmas Festivities. Soft background music with classic Christmas carols playing throughout the rooms helps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. A tall, majestic tree is a must for a Hawkstone Hall, and of course, just one would not be our style, so no less than four magnificent trees will adorn our beautiful building along with a handful, ten to be precise, of smaller elegantly decorated trees in our ground floor areas. Join us for a Christmas staycation and each room will also have a beautiful tree decorated with the colour palette of each room. Our fireplaces will be adorned with garlands featuring greenery, berries, and pinecones from our own gardens.
Join us for our Festive Afternoon Tea in the Chapel on Sundays throughout December accompanied by Shiffnal & District Male Voice Choir. A festive afternoon tea is a delightful way to celebrate the Christmas season, combining the elegance of a traditional tea with the warmth and cheer of holiday flavours.
A New Year celebration is the perfect time to bring people together, reflect on the past year, and welcome the new one with joy and excitement. We look forward to meeting friends old & new and helping you all to create lasting memories.
SUMMER SUCCESSION PLANTING: with appreciation for the Autumn Attention
Steve Stott, the gardener for the kitchen garden at Hawkstone Hall, provides some insights into what’s been going on as we move through summer into autumn.
We've had quite the bustling summer in our little kitchen garden! Time really does fly, doesn't it? We had a bit of a rocky start with all the changing weather, but our plan from the start of the year seems to have done the trick. Sure, some of the plants took a bit longer to get started, but boy, have they caught up now!
Our secret weapon? Succession planting. It's been an absolute lifesaver in keeping our kitchen stocked up, especially with lettuce. Our chef's favorite is the lola rosa, but we've been growing all sorts of varieties and plan to keep doing so until winter.
You might be curious about what we've been supplying to the kitchen so far. Well, I usually harvest twice a week, depending on what's ready.
Let me tell you, we've had some incredible crops this year.
To name just a few:
Our ever-growing rhubarb, picked fresh each week, and our lovely mix of fresh herbs, spinach, and currants (red, white and black currants) were made into an amazing jam by our talented chefs.
We also enjoyed a bounty of gooseberries, raspberries, and loads of strawberries. I even shared some with our cute resident squirrels.
We've had plenty of peas, both mange tout and pod. Our garden has also given us a variety of onions (spring onion, red and white onions) and delicious garlic.
Let's not forget the kohlrabi, carrots, and beetroot we've been enjoying, our courgettes have also been a treat.
We've had a good harvest of french beans and runner beans
And from our cosy greenhouse, we've been picking fresh cucumbers and tomatoes
Oh, and did I mention the crisp, fresh lettuce we've been having?
Soil Nourishment: Boost soil fertility by incorporating wellrotted manure or compost. Winter is an excellent time for the soil to absorb these nutrients in preparation for the growing season ahead.
Hydration Check: Although plants need less water in winter, it's crucial to ensure they remain adequately hydrated. Watering deeply during dry spells helps plants withstand the winter chill.
Remember when I mentioned starting an asparagus bed? It's doing really well this year! Even though I'll have to resist the urge to pick it next year, I'm quite hopeful that by 2026, we'll have a good harvest to share with the kitchen.
Also, I'm thrilled to have a hearty collection of brassicas, all of which are growing nicely and will be ready to pick throughout autumn and winter. And yes, the winter planting plan is going smoothly, so we should have a steady supply for the kitchen well into next year, until it's time to start all over again.
Now, vegetable gardening can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, especially when things don't go as planned. Often, the weather conditions can slow down the growth period, and then there's the issue with pests. Slugs and butterflies have given me a bit of trouble, but it's all part of the process. This year, I covered all my Brassica with a fine mesh, and it worked wonders against caterpillars. The slugs, though, they had a field day.
I've been so delighted to see many visitors from the hotel this year! Please do drop by the kitchen garden during your stay, and take a look around. If you see me there, don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have - I'd be happy to show you around.
Keeping the garden in good shape at this time of year is crucial, so the mowing, weeding, and watering will go on. I'm crossing my fingers for a fruitful autumn and can't wait to see you at the Kitchen Garden.
Happy gardening, Your friendly gardener, Steve.
WHAT'S ON in Autumn and Winter
GIN TASTING EVENING
1ST NOVEMBER
Delve into the realm of Nelson's Gin through a meticulously chosen assortment of their superior products. Participate in a professional tasting session, led by a knowledgeable expert, who will elucidate the narratives and complexities associated with each sip.
£69.95
CHRISTMAS
PARTY NIGHT
FESTIVE CAROLS & AFTERNOON TEA
8TH, 15TH & 22ND DECEMBER 6TH DECEMBER
Our Christmas party night is designed to fill your heart with holiday cheer, featuring tasty festive food, lively music from our DJ, and a whole lot of seasonal fun. Join us at 7:00pm for a predinner glass of bubbly, and then enjoy a delicious dinner served at 8:00pm.
£55.00
Get ready to relish a delightful afternoon packed with festive flavors and lose yourself in the harmonious melodies of the District Shifnal Male Choir. Their performances are sure to add a beautiful touch to your day.
£52.95
13TH DECEMBER
From 7pm, Step into a world of magic and wonder, we invite you to join us in our grand ballroom for a memorable evening. Dive into the mystery while you enjoy a decadent 3-course meal. We guarantee you a night filled with excitement, sophistication, and extraordinary dining experiences.
Let's enjoy an unforgettable Christmas Eve together, wrapped in pure luxury and joy. Start the evening with a warm welcome of premium champagne, setting the mood for a memorable time together.
Indulge in a delicious feast prepared by our talented team of chefs, showcasing a stunning menu that will delight your taste buds.
25TH DECEMBER
Create a special Christmas memory together in a truly lavish environment. Welcome in with a bubbly glass of champagne, then treat yourself to a delicious meal crafted with love by our talented team of chefs. Let's make this Christmas one for the books!
26TH DECEMBER
Come and savor your welcome glass of prosecco, before treating yourself with a festive meal lovingly crafted by our skilled team of chefs this Boxing Day. Prolong your Christmas celebrations in the utmost comfort, surrounded by your dear ones in this awe-inspiring setting.
The perfect gift idea
stay vouchers
Empress Suite
£450.00 per night
Includes cooked breakfast.
One Night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
From £295.00 starting at per night
Includes fizz on arrival, dinner for two, a Full English or continental breakfast in the morning, take part in our Historical Audio Tour during your stay and private film screen in our Cave (Available by pre-book only).
Classic Bedroom
£175.00 per night
Includes cooked breakfast. Cosy Suite
£295.00 per night
Includes cooked breakfast.
Luxury Suite
£350.00 per night
Includes cooked breakfast.
monetary vouchers
Monetary
From £20.00
Not sure which gift experience to choose? Our monetary vouchers are available in denominations of £20.00 upwards and allow the recipient the flexibility to choose.
Three Course Sunday Lunch
From £34.95 per person
A delightful three-course traditional Sunday Lunch at Hawkstone Hall.
afternoon tea
Festive / Traditional Afternoon tea
From £32.95 per person
Includes a selection of freshly cut sandwiches, fruit & plain scones with clotted cream & preserves, a selection of cakes, pastries & tarts & our selection of loose-leaf teas or freshly brewed coffee.
Gentlemen's Afternoon tea
From £32.95 per person
Includes pork pie, beef & mustard cobs, scotch egg, pork scratchings, sausage roll, cheese scones & pickled onions, accompanied by a selection of loose-leaf teas or freshly brewed coffee.
Historical Audio Tour & Tea Package
From £11.95 per person
Be enlightened on the Hall’s history, dating back to 1701. The 45-minute guided audio tour will take in every element of our magnificent 88-acre Shropshire estate with a total of 20 stops. Followed by tea or coffee and afternoon tea cakes.
for more information and to buy one of our vouchers scan the qr code or visit our website: hawkstonehall.co.uk
Coming
For our valued guests seeking to recharge, our spacious and well-illuminated fitness centre is extensively outfitted with exclusive Peloton, Nohrd and Casall equipment. It is a distinct privilege for hotel patrons to have access to the luxurious fitness facilities at Hawkstone Hall & Gardens.
In the forthcoming year, there will be three luxuriously appointed and equipped spa treatment and relaxation rooms introduced at Hawkstone.
Guests of the hotel will have the opportunity to schedule advance appointments for body treatments, massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. These services will be performed using premium and environmentally friendly products by our skilled and experienced therapists. Furthermore, clients will have the option to personalize their spa experience by selecting their preferred music and lighting, thereby engaging all senses in a genuinely holistic manner.
Look out for Hawkstone's updates, we will inform all our esteemed guests as soon as the new changes have been implemented and reservations have been opened. Please be advised that our treatment rooms are currently under refurbishment, necessitating substantial enhancements to transform them into an optimal space designed for your convenience and comfort. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to our new tranquil and serene environment.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY CONTACT: 01630 685 242 | enquiries @ hawkstonehall . co . uk
STAFF Spotlight
LUCY DERRICUTT, EVENTS MANAGER
"Being a part of the events team at Hawkstone Hall has allowed me to take on an incredibly rewarding adventure. From weddings to birthday celebrations, the energy and excitement of every individual event creates a unique atmosphere. Each wedding is different, which allows for creativity and personalisation, and seeing the happiness when every detail comes together seamlessly is what makes it so special."
"I am most excited for the festive season as Christmas at Hawkstone is a real sense of magic. The roaring fires and decorations create a joyful ambience that makes gatherings feel extra special. I am especially looking forward to our ‘Gala Night at the Hall’ taking place on Christmas Eve. With champagne, a five-course dining experience, and a casino in the saloon it will truly be an evening of pure extravagance."
Be on the lookout for Hawkstone's Grade l enchanting Christmas wonderland in the upcoming festive season. Commencing from 18th November, our exquisite Shropshire countryside location will undergo a transformation into a splendid winter spectacle, replete with shimmering baubles and traditional pine wood accents. It would be regrettable to miss this splendidly adorned landscape.
Our Christmas Brochure provides comprehensive information regarding all the impending events, inclusive of our robust menus offered during our festive period.
HAWKSTONE HALL & GARDENS FESTIVITIES
SCAN ME
CHRISTMAS BROCHURE
spa treatment and relaxation rooms
PAST & PRESENT in the gardens...
THE HAWKSTONE HALL GAME LARDER
JOHN RUSCOE, LOCAL HISTORIAN
As you leave the Hall you may be a little inspired by the unusual hexagonal brick building on your right near to the 1960s-bedroom wing.
This was the Game Larder, a separate building for storing games during the maturation period. Built around
THE STEW POND
Stew ponds date back to the earlier times of the monks and monasteries and were an early form of fish farming where various fish were stored in the pond prior to eating. This practice was continued at large country estate houses. The ponds were usually several yards long with a width of around 8 to 12yrds, the depth of water varied between 2ft and 4ft deep.
the early 19th century, close to the domestic quarters for easy access. The rooftop had special louvered vents to allow a free flow of cool air into the building. The outer walls had windows on every side, with the main door opposite the kitchen. The roof projected slightly over the windows to protect them from the sun and rain. The interior walls were usually matchbox lined, from the centre of the ceiling hung an octagonal rack with hooks for the smaller birds all arranged in order and around the outer walls were hooks for hanging various poultry, game, hares and rabbits etc. Most country houses had a gamekeeper on the estate and
"A Shoot“ was held regularly during the shooting season, where selected family members, friends and local aristocracy were invited to come along to take part. The local estate workers were selected to come along to take the roll of beaters. This practice is still not uncommon on country estates to this day, although not as popular these days. Thankfully, the game larder here at Hawkstone Hall survived the fatal demolition when the domestic wing was demolished in the 1960’s to make way for the new bedroom wing. The building today now serves its purpose as a restroom and office for the Halls gardeners.
1915 sale catalogue photograph below.
Very often the stew pond was split into different sections by a brick wall to allow maintenance work to be carried out. The stew pond at Hawkstone was still in good order as we can see in the 1915 sale catalogue photograph, although by this time there would have been a more plentiful supply of fish available from other sources. The stew pond became redundant and most likely just became an ornamental pool in the gardens. Over several decades, the stew pond here at Hawkstone became really overrun with wild bushes, trees and other unwanted vegetation. The water often failed to stay in the pond, particularly in the summer months, and it
Photograph captured depicting the monks engaging in entertainment upon the stew pond that had frozen over, as they sweep away the snow and glide across the surface.
became very silted up. When the gardens were restored during the 1980’s, it was decided to drain the pond and leave it without water permanently.
All the unwanted vegetation was cleared away, and the pond base was grassed over so it could be mowed, for easier maintenance. When the new owners purchased the Hall in 2017 the Stew Pond had yet again become very neglected and overgrown. The spring of this year was particularly dry and
the water level in the big LillyPool was struggling to be kept topped up with water and saving the fish became a great concern. A borehole was sunk
nearby to allow better water pressure, enabling the ponds to keep topped up in dry periods. Machinery was bought to clear out the neglected stew pond, various unwanted trees and vegetation were cleared away, and eventually the pond was filled with water once again, being topped up with water all year round. Many young fish were introduced into the water of the pool.
Over the last few years, nature has played its part. The pool looks very attractive, making it a great feature in the gardens as it would have been in the earlier years.
While you are present and considering the topic, we encourage you to fully utilize your visit and venture down the forest path to the stew pond, or perhaps around the stunning lily pond. There is an abundance to uncover within our premises. Within your accommodations, or alternatively from the reception, you will locate four of our suggested pathways for walking, running, and cycling. We invite you to obtain a copy of our suggested walking, running, and cycling routes for your personal use.
Available for complimentary hire throughout your stay with us, our Hunters Wellies and Bikes are the perfect way to explore our grounds.
Photograph was captured from the bridge, viewing the pond that was devoid of water and well-maintaned with grass-coverage.
Photograph taken by John Ruscoe in 2016, just before the new owners purchased.
HAWKSTONE HALL'S
On November 2nd, 1556, Sir Rowland Hill purchased the Manor of Hawkstone Hall for just £700. Hawkstone was then in the possession of the famous Shropshire Hill Family for around 340 years.
1556
The house lay empty until 1906 when the 4th Viscount sold the Hall. With the departure of the Hills Mr George Whiteley a liberal M.P. became the new owner of the hall and estate who later raised to the peerage as Baron Marchamley of Hawkstone.
1906
1895
During the late 1800's the Hill family were in financial difficulty and in September 1895 a public auction was held and everything in the house was sold to meet the demands of the family's creditors.
Builders and Craftsman photographed outside front of hall when Lord Marchamley reconstructed the wings by reducing the outer bays and replacing them with apses.
Photograph shows the taxidermy collection which was displayed in the winter garden and sold at the big sale.
The house was embellished by Sir Richard Hill between 1719 and 1725, later remodelled by his nephew who added the wings.
Historical Ownership Timeline
The Hall was purchased in 1926 by the Redemptorists, a Roman Catholic missionary Congregation. By 2012 due to spiraling running costs and a huge decline in students it was decided to put the Hall up for sale. It had been in the ownership of the Church for around 90 years.
1926
1915 2017
Lord Marchamley's wife died in 1913, in 1915 the hall was put up for sale, this was known by locals as The Great Sale. The next owner was Sir Creswell Gray a ship builder from Hartlepool. He purchased Hawkstone for his son who then offered it to the Government of the Day as a convalescent house for wounded officers from the 1914-1918 war. Sir Creswell Gray died in 1924 and in 1925 Hawkstone was put for sale yet again.
During the summer of 2017 the present owners purchased Hawkstone Hall to convert it into a luxurious wedding venue. Most of the work was completed by Christmas 2018 in time for the first wedding. The first year of opening in 2019 was a great success and busy year. The following year in 2020, sadly the hall along with all other hospitality businesses had to close due the Covid Pandemic. Thankfully we are open again and its business as usual.
Painting of Sir Creswell Gray
Photograph from the Grand Opening on 5th April 2019.
Photograph of the Chapel, used by the Roman Catholic missionary Congregation.
A MIDWEEK NIGHT IN LUXURY
Ha wkstone Hall & Gardens invites you for a luxury stay, nestled in the Shropshire countryside.
Boasting luxurious suites with roll-top bathtubs, 88 acres of grounds, stunning culinary delights and the perfect guest experience like no other. Snuggle up in front of the hotel’s cosy fireplaces or wind down at one of the welcoming bars for a few cocktails.
One night bed and breakfast breaks are available to book from £150.00 per couple.
*Photograph of our Classic Bedroom.
Located in the Orangery wing, our twentyfour classic double and twin bedrooms offer an elegant and fresh setting to retire to, with an abundance of natural light streaming through heritage sash windows in every bedroom.
Bed & Breakfast breaks: Sunday - Thursday Midweek Offer
Classic Bedrooms: £150.00 for one night, based on two people sharing.
Cosy Suite: £250.00 for one night, based on two people sharing.
Luxury Suite: £300.00 for one night, based on two people sharing.
Upgrades Available ...
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast breaks: Sunday - Thursday Midweek Offer
Classic Bedrooms: £260.00 for one night, based on two people sharing.
Cosy Suite: £360.00 for one night, based on two people sharing.
Luxury Suite: £410.00 for one night, based on two people sharing.
What's Included:
• Fizz on arrival
• One night’s accommodation for two
• A dinner for two
• Full English or Continental breakfast in the morning
• Take part in our Historical Audio Tour during your stay
• Private Film Screen in our Cave. Available by pre-book only.
