Following an enjoyable few days in Boscombe, Sarah and I journeyed home. On our way home we took a detour to Hanbury Hall and Gardens in Worcestershire.

The Hall, built in the 18th century, was home to the Vernon family.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, we were only able to see the ground floor of the Hall.

The Vernon’s beginnings were as rectors of Hanbury parish. Gradually they grew in importance, becoming one of the most prominent families in Worcestershire. They were also gradually accumulating land in Hanbury, including the manor in 1630. 

Out of this family came Thomas Vernon. During his life, he amassed a fortune as an eminent Chancery barrister and Whig MP for Worcestershire in 1715. And it was he who arranged for the building of the Hall. 

It was also Thomas Vernon who commissioned Sir James Thornhill to create the wall and ceiling paintings that adorn the central hall and main staircase. 

We were able to view the smoking room …

The sitting room …

The drawing room …

The dining room …

Hanbury Hall is perhaps best known for its gardens. In particular, its Parterre gardens. 

Thomas Vernon was keen to have an up to date and fashionable garden. So he employed the pre-eminent garden designer of the day, George London, to create his gardens. This was to include all the elements associated with the formal style of gardening.

The parterre …

The formal gardens were removed by later Vernon’s. They preferred the landscape styles of ‘Capability’ Brown.

However, the National Trust gardens have restored these original gardens in the 1990’s.

The formal gardens also included a bowling green.

And a fruit garden.

The Orangery was built around 1750.

We then moved on to the walled garden.

Followed by the vegetable garden.

This tree has been here a while.

Finally, we returned to the Hall.

Hanbury Hall and gardens had been an enjoyable place to visit. There are also extensive parklands that we hadn’t had time to take in. Go on, if you ever pass through Worcestershire, take some time to enjoy Hanbury Hall. You won’t be disappointed.