Hilton Hall
Hilton Hall is an 18th-century mansion house now in use as an Office and Business Centre at Hilton, near Wolverhampton, in Staffordshire. It is a Grade I listed building.
History
The original manor house was commissioned by Sir Henry Swinnerton early in the 14th century.[1] In 1547 the marriage of Margaret Swynnerton to Henry Vernon of Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire took place: both were members of an important recusant families.[1] The house and estate were inherited by Margaret in 1562, on the death of her father Humphrey Swynnerton, the deed being dated 8 May 1564,[2] and incorporated into the Vernon estates on her death.[1]
The house was rebuilt, in early Georgian style, in about 1720 by Henry Vernon, High Sheriff of Staffordshire.[3] The main block is of three storeys and carries giant corner pilasters capped by urns.[3]
The Vernon family erected an unusual hexagonal tower in the grounds, which they dedicated to the memory of Admiral Edward Vernon and his capture of Portobelo, Panama from the Spanish in 1739.[1] The monument is Grade I listed.[3]
The family sold the estate to the nuns of the Order of St Joseph of Bordeaux for use as a convent in 1955.[4] Between 1986 and 1999 it was occupied by Tarmac plc as a corporate headquarters.[5] It is now a commercial office and business centre.[6]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d "Hilton Hall: History". Retrieved 6 May 2012.
- ^ "The History of Parliament: Members 1509-1558 - Swynnerton, Humphrey (Author: A.D.K. Hawkyard)". Retrieved 7 May 2012.
- ^ a b c "Hilton Hall". British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
- ^ "Vernon Genealogy". Retrieved 6 May 2012.
- ^ "Tarmac unveils demerger plans". This is money. 15 June 1999. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
- ^ "Hilton Hall: About us". Retrieved 6 May 2012.