Middlethorpe Hall and Sir Christopher Wren
- 2023 marks the tercentenary of Sir Christopher Wren’s death
- Middlethorpe Hall in York is influenced by the architecture of Sir Christopher Wren
Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723) is Britain’s greatest architect. St Paul’s Cathedral in London is his masterpiece of design. Sir Christopher Wren’s most famous buildings continue to be at the centre of national life. They include Royal palaces, the Royal Hospital, Chelsea and 52 churches built after the Great Fire of London in 1666. 2023 marks the tercentenary of Sir Christopher Wren’s death. Devotees of his work can see his influence at Historic House Hotel Middlethorpe Hall in York.
Middlethorpe Hall is influenced indirectly by the architecture of Sir Christopher Wren, especially his Hampton Court of the 1690’s with its horizontal skyline and its pattern of red brick, white sash windows and stone quoins and window surrounds; all features taken up at Middlethorpe. Sir Christopher Wren’s influence can be seen in particular on the scrolled pediment, formerly over the south front garden door, latterly a fireplace on the ground floor of the house.
The handsome north entrance front of seven bays and three full storeys plus a basement, is surmounted by a proud stone bustard, the Barlow family crest. The pedimented porch over the front door is an early 19th century addition, while the attractive curved railings and gates enclosing the forecourt were added by Historic House Hotels in 1983.
Middlethorpe Hall was built for Thomas Barlow, a prosperous master cutler who bought the Middlethorpe estate in 1698 as a bid to establish himself as a country gentleman. It was once the home of the famous diarist, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689-1762). Middlethorpe Hall was also the family home of Fanny Rollo Wilkinson (1855-1951), who was the first woman Professional Landscape Gardener in England.
Guests staying at Middlethorpe Hall can explore the influence Sir Christopher Wren’s had with a member of the team happy to highlight specific areas at the hotel. Middlethorpe Hall is the only country house hotel in the City of York and stands in 20 acres of its own award-winning gardens.
In Yorkshire, guests can visit Newby Hall which was almost certainly built in the 1690s by Sir Christopher Wren. The house is open to visitors by booking a guided tour and is located 40 minutes from Middlethorpe Hall. The river front of Newby Hall bears a striking resemblance to the south front of Middlethorpe Hall.
Throughout this year, several events including lectures and guided tours are taking place to celebrate the life and work of Sir Christopher Wren. Until 30th September, a special guided tour at the Old Royal Naval College will reflect on Sir Christopher Wren’s impact over the past 300 years.
On 22nd September a conference is to be held at Downing College, University of Cambridge, investigating Wren’s professional life: his service as an architect to the Church and Crown.
Middlethorpe Hall offers 29 bedrooms, an award-winning restaurant and boutique spa. Each of the bedrooms is individually designed . The oak panelled dining room provides the perfect setting to enjoy the contemporary take on traditional British food. The restaurant has been awarded two AA Rosettes. The boutique spa at Middlethorpe Hall, with its green-tiled pool is the perfect place to relax and recharge with spa treatments.
In 2008, Historic House Hotels Ltd and all its interests in the three Historic House Hotels (Hartwell House, Bodysgallen Hall and Middlethorpe Hall), became the property of the National Trust, by donation, with all profits henceforward benefiting the houses and the charity.
middlethorpe.com https://wren300.org for events nationwide and more information
