A Day Trip to Hanbury Hall


It was a lazy morning, we didn’t need to be anywhere, and it was raining, so we had a slow start to the day. After a late breakfast we decided to visit a National Trust property not too far from Droitwich.


Hanbury Hall was built in 1701 as a country get away for the Vernon family and apart from remarkable wall and ceiling paintings by sir James Thormhill, depicting the story of Achilles, the property is noted for its historically significant gardens designed by George London which have been faithfully restored to their former glory in recent years.



The home remained in the same family until it was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1953, in need of substantial repairs. It is now open to the public and has many enthusiastic volunteers who are happy to tell you stories and details of the history of the house and gardens.

It’s always a pleasure to talk to the folk volunteering in National Trust properties, they have so much knowledge and are always happy to share it with you. This painting is actually two little boys.  Boys wore dresses until age five, velvet shows the family was wealthy,  and the big dog and boy's toys also show they were boys. Even the ringlet hair-dos are a representation of the wigs worn by men. How things change!


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