Listen to this articleTitle: Chicheley Hall: A Living Legacy of Baroque Architecture
Chicheley Hall, located in Chicheley, Buckinghamshire, England, is a magnificent country house that exudes the charm and grandeur of Baroque architecture. Built in the early 18th century, Chicheley Hall is a Grade-I listed building and a testament to the elegance of the era.
The history of Chicheley Hall goes back to the Pagnell family of Newport Pagnell, who donated the manor to the church. Cardinal Wolsey then gave the manor to Christ Church, Oxford, but it was later acquired by a wool merchant who built a manor house in its place. The house eventually descended into the hands of the Chester family, who owned the property during the English Civil War. The house was eventually destroyed and the present Chicheley Hall was erected on the same site between 1719 and 1723.
While this magnificent house was attributed to architect Thomas Archer, further research indicates that Francis Smith was the main architect who designed the building for Sir John Chester, 4th Baronet. The house was built with red brick and features elaborate stone enrichments. The south front boasts fluted Corinthian giant pilasters and sash windows with stone architrave surrounds. The interiors of the house feature Corinthian pilasters flanking fireplaces and a Jacobean overmantel.
After passing through the hands of several owners, Chicheley Hall was bought by David Beatty, 2nd Earl Beatty in 1952. He began the arduous task of restoring the mansion and employed interior decorator Felix Harboard to complete the restoration. The house was later sold to the Royal Society in 2007 for £6.5 million and was converted into the Kavli Royal Society International Centre, a venue for science seminars and conferences. The house also hosted weddings, conferences, and was even featured in the 2001 film Enigma.
It is important to note that Chicheley Hall was operated by De Vere Venues until June 2020, but eventually closed permanently in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it reopened after being sold to Pyrrho Investments in March 2021.
In conclusion, Chicheley Hall is a timeless wonder, a living legacy of Baroque architecture that weaves together history, art, and culture. It is a reminder of British splendor during one of the most formative periods in the country’s history, and it remains a jewel in the crown of Buckinghamshire.
