The History of Newstead Abbey

Contrary to its current name, Newstead was never actually an abbey: it was a priory.

It was built during the 12th Century and even today, some of the original medieval characteristics of the building remain.

It is truly an amazing place to visit with 800 years of history to behold.

In the late 13th century, the priory was rebuilt and extended. It was extended again in the 15th-century, when the Dorter, Great Hall and Prior’s Lodgings were added.

The priory was designed to be home to at least 13 monks, although there appears to have been only 12 (including the Prior) at the time of the dissolution.

During the 19th Century, Newstead Abbey was the home to the famous poet Lord Byron. In 1818, he sold the house and grounds and during the Victorian era, other families resided here.

There is so much history associated with Newstead Abbey and we would love you to join us to discover more about the people who once lived here…

The History of Holme Pierrepont Hall

So if you like history and ancestry, then this location is perfect for you.

Descending from a Norman family the Pierreponts originally came over with William I in 1066 and settled in Nottinghamshire in 1280.

The Pierrepont family later acquired wealth which allowed them to build the Tudor manor house you see today which dates back to 1500.  The buildings have undergone additions and alterations over the years but the house still remains one of the most historically significant country houses in the East Midlands.  It has some of the earliest brickwork in the county.

Through the centuries, the Pierrepont name died out as the females of the families married and this is now the family home of the Brackenbury family, who are direct descendants of the Pierrepont family.

Holme Pierrepont Hall has had several notable ancestors, including Georgina Brackenbury who was a renowned artist and militant suffragette.

The Hall was requisitioned for military purposes in both World Wars and used for a training camp for young soldiers. The Hall was left unoccupied between wars but today remains a family home.

A house demolished and rebuilt 4 times

Originally built as a deer park in the 13th century the house would have initially been built around an enclosed courtyard.
The house has been demolished and rebuilt a total of 4 times however the courtyard area has remained unchanged.

The Herrick family owned this property as a family residence for 350 years but in 1939 the building was taken over by the Ministry of Defence and worked as a sub listening station to Bletchley Park.