Thrumpton Hall

This magnificent Jacobean house has a history that reaches back into the 16th century, when it belonged to the Powdrills, a Roman Catholic family who lost their home and lands through their involvement in the regicidal Babington Plot.

Remains of the ancient Powdrill house can still be seen in the wall timbers, a priest’s hiding hole and a secret staircase, leading up to what was the Powdrill family chapel.

In 1605, the Pigott family took over Thrumpton, they transformed the Powdrill manor house into a spectacular showpiece. They created a magnificent carved staircase and an exquisite double-cube reception room. In 1685, the house was taken over by their lawyer, Mr Emerton.

In the 1820s, the house and lands underwent a significant transformation. Mr John Emerton spent an enormous sum on improvements including creating a beautiful lake.

The pavilion which now stands to the west of the house, looks towards Mr Emerton’s lake; beyond it, lies the celebrated 350 acre park landscaped and planted with rare specimen trees, including several magnificent Lebanon cedars.

In 1838, the house was inherited by Mr Emerton’s 16-year-old niece, whose marriage to Lord Byron brought many fascinating Byron relics to the house.

Thrumpton Hall became a welcoming home to the poet Byron’s daughter, Ada, Countess of Lovelace, on her visits to Nottinghamshire. Lord Byron’s nephew was succeeded by his nephew, George Fitzroy Seymour, father of the present owner. George and the Hon. Rosemary Seymour devoted some fifty years to the restoration and preservation of this beloved family home.