The Origins Of Beningbrough Hall
Beningbrough Hall was built in 1716 to serve as the family home of John Bourchier III, a wealthy landowner who would later serve as the High Sheriff of Yorkshire. It is to this day unclear who designed the hall. Some accounts say it was Bourchier himself, under the guidance of builder William Thornton, but others dispute this.
The hall is a large, red brick structure with Italianate borders. Outside the main building is a walled garden, a Victorian laundry, and extensive grounds.
The History Of Beningbrough Hall
The hall remained in the Bourchier family for the next 100 years before being inherited by Rev William Henry Dawmay, a distant relative, in 1827. Over the following 89 years it fell into disrepair and was in danger of being torn down until, in 1916, it was bought by Enid Scudamore Stanhope, Countess of Chesterfield.
Scudamore Stanhope set about restoring the hall immediately, helping it avoid the wrecking ball.
It was used briefly by the RAF and the Royal Canadian Airforce during WW2.
When Scudamore Stanhope died, in 1957, she left the hall in good repair. It did not however remain in her family for long. Her inheritors sold it to the government in lieu of death duties and, in 1958, it was acquired by the National Trust who own it to this day.
Beningbrough Hall Today
Today the hall houses over 100 historic portraits on loan from the National Gallery, including paintings of members of the Kit Cat Club, a group of committed Whigs who campaigned to limit the powers of the monarchy.
Alongside the portrait gallery, visitors can expect to find a restaurant which cooks using vegetables grown on site, a shop and a garden shop.
Standard adult entry costs £12 between March-October, and £10 between November-February. Child tickets are half price, and Family tickets are available for £30, or £25 depending on the time of year.
*Note- The hall and gallery are currently closed for refurbishment and are due to reopen in summer 2023.
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