A dedicated group of local historians have been celebrated for their work at a reception organised by the new owners of Woodborough Hall.
Following the purchase of the Hall in June 2022, the new owners wanted to find out as much as possible about the former occupants and it’s fascinating history.
While researching the history they found the local Woodborough Heritage site and contacted John Hoyland, one of the founding members.
The Woodborough Heritage Group was formed in 2000 by John Hoyland, David Rose and Margaret Kirk (with considerable research contributions from Peter Saunders and Mike Chapman, chair of Woodborough Local History Society). They set up their website to share all the research and material they gathered about the village’s history over the years.
In 2024 the maintenance of the site passed to Woodborough Parish Council.
Jenny Dickie, Director and General Manager of Woodbrough Hall said “The Woodborough Heritage site was an invaluable resource when we were researching the history of the Hall. It was so useful to go to one place and track the history back to 1086 (Domesday).
“We found fascinating details about the lives of former occupants, together with photographs which really helped to bring their stories to life.
“The Heritage site was a labour of love by a very small group of volunteers who were dedicated to cataloguing historical details and we wanted to say a big thank you and recognise all their fabulous efforts.
The Hall reopened as a hotel and restaurant in November 2022 and has been restored to combine elegant period features with a contemporary update.
You can find the heritage group’s site at www.woodborough-heritage.org.uk
Fascinating facts about Woodborough Hall taken from the heritage site
- There have been 25 different sets of owners from 1066 to present day
- The Hall was owned by the military between 1939 and 1980 and during that time various well known military personnel were based there including Trafford Leigh Mallory.
- The Hall was unused between 1980 and 1984
- The Hall was a nursing home between 1988 and 2004
- Mansfield Parkyns who lived in the Hall from 1852 added a third floor and carved the furniture. He also carved the church choir stalls, the pews, the lectern and the pulpit in Woodborough Church.
- The Hall has an Andersen Shelter in the grounds.
