On July 4th 28 members travelled to Shropshire to visit Walcott Hall, once the home of Clive of India (also, for a short period, home to the two sons of well known Stourbridge benefactors, Ernie & Mary Stevens).
Arthur, the eldest son of the present owners, Robert and Linda Parish, is seen here welcoming the group to Walcott. In the background is the large lake which we were told was excavated by French P.O.W.s.
This portrait hanging in the main hall is of Clive o India, who commissioned Sir William Chambers to create a stately Georgian Mansion between 1763 & 1767.
Today the Hall is used mainly for wedding ceremonies, the Bride making her entrance down the grand staircase into the hall
The present owner, Robert Parish, is a self confessed collector and inveterate hoarder, as is obvious in this photograph of his study
More of Robert’s collection can be seen in the hallway leading to his study. The portrait seen at the far end of the hallway shows Robert’s grandfather
The son of Clive of India, Edward, made further additions to Walcott, including this courtyard and separate ballroom.
Today this ballroom is in constant use for wedding receptions.
Edward also created an arboretum at the rear of the house which today is an upmarket glamping venue with accommodation available in a shepherd’s hut, a fire engine, a showman’s wagon and a chapel (shown here) to name but a few.
This corrugated iron chapel was built for elderley worshippers in Muxton, Shropshire in 1894, and fell out of use after 103 years and was bought by Robert Parish and transported to Walcott
The side of the ballroom(shown here) leads on to the extensive gardens and arboretum, which members were free to enjoy after a most welcome cup of tea and cake served in the ballroom.
The Society would like to thank Robert and Lucinda for allowing us to visit their home
Thanks to Gill, our outings secretary, for all her work in finding such an interesting house to visit, and congratulations on organising such good weather.
Photographs were provided by our in house photographer Graham Beckley