 Charlecote Park
A splendid, expansive house Charlecote Park is both historically and architecturally
significant, and is still inhabited by descendants of the Lucy family.
The present house, was undertaken by Thomas Lucy (later to become Sir
Thomas Lucy), whose family had owned property there since the 12th century.
Building commenced in 1551, and the east front still retains much of
its Elizabethan form, with gables and octagonal corner turrets,
each with their own cupola, ball and weathervane. However, most of
the external décor dates from the 19th century when George Hammond
Lucy inherited Charlecote Park and wished to restore the house to its former glory.
An imposing gatehouse is the only original Elizabethan feature to survive intact,
and the rosy, pink brick provides a 'warm' welcome to its visitors. At
the entrance front of the house, the 16th century Renaissance
porch features the arms of Queen Elizabeth, celebrating her visit to Charlecote Park
in 1572. Although she only stayed for two nights, the family are naturally
proud of this fact, and her portrait and coat-of-arms are displayed throughout
Charlecote Park. The Elizabethan Hall of Sir Thomas Lucy, would have been an
important banqueting room, with a screen and a gallery, and although it
remains impressive, today it houses paintings and sculptures. A notable
feature is the fabulous table covered in coloured marbles and semi-precious
stones, the 16th century marble slab coming from the Borghese Palace.
The extended west front of Charlecote Park provided for a spacious new dining room and library,
both adorned with amazing, elaborate ceilings in the 'Elizabethan Revival'
style. Standing in the dining room is a masterpiece of genius and
skill - the 'Warwickshire Sideboard' - which was considered worthy
of being shown to Queen Victoria on her visit. Contrasting with this
period, the Ebony Bedroom and the Drawing Room both display intricate, shallow-ribbed
'Jacobean' ceilings. It is reputed that Nelson once slept in the ebony
bed. All the State Rooms afforded the comfort and luxury that was traditionally
accepted in past years, but the scullery and kitchen are much more austere,
and totally practical.
A museum, housed in a former banqueting rooom, exhibits the family's passion for sporting activities,
including cricket, tennis, polo, fishing and archery. Henry Spencer
Lucy was the Master of the Warwickshire Hunt in the mid 19th
century, and considered the best 'shot' in the Midlands. As a country
house, Charlecote Park would have been at the centre of many livelihoods
in the rural community. For example, barley from the estate was gathered
by the estate workers, processed in the village, and the malt returned
to the Brew House to make ale. This 18th century outbuilding
is just one of many interesting buildings in the grounds.
Shakespeare has been associated with Charlecote Park, in less than happy circumstances.
Supposedly, as a young man, he was caught poaching in the grounds, and
suffered justice at the hands of Sir Thomas Lucy, whom Shakespeare later
ridiculed in his plays. Surrounded by lovely grounds (largely the work of Capability Brown), with the west
front facing the River Avon, Charlecote Park enjoys an idyllic location close to Stratford. |
