Listen to this articleTitle: Chicheley Hall: A Majestic Reflection of Baroque Architecture
Chicheley Hall, located in the serene countryside of Chicheley, Buckinghamshire, England, stands tall as a masterpiece from the first quarter of the 18th century. With its grandeur and opulence, this country house has mesmerized visitors for centuries. The architectural style, vividly Baroque, showcases the artistic prowess of its main architect, Francis Smith of Warwick. This Grade I listed building has witnessed a rich tapestry of history, boasting owners such as the notable David Beatty, 2nd Earl Beatty, and the prestigious Royal Society.
The roots of Chicheley Hall trace back to the Pagnell family of Newport Pagnell, who generously donated their manor house site to the church. Over time, the manor exchanged hands and found itself in the possession of Cardinal Wolsey, who gave it to Christ Church, Oxford. However, after Wolsey’s fall, the manor returned to the Crown and was eventually acquired by Anthony Cave, a prominent wool merchant in 1545. Anthony Cave constructed a magnificent manor house in the form of a hollow square—a testament to his ambition.
Upon Anthony Cave’s passing, the house passed to his daughter Judith, married to her cousin William Chester, son of Sir William Chester. Their son Anthony, a distinguished figure as the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire in 1602, further elevated the family’s status when he was granted a baronetcy in 1620. Chicheley Hall remained in the Chester family until the turbulent times of the English Civil War, which saw the hall being shelled by Parliamentary forces and ultimately demolished.
The current Chicheley Hall rose from the ashes of its predecessor in the early 1700s, meticulously built on the same site. While remnants of the old manor house remain, such as the remarkable Jacobean over-mantel adorned with termini caryatids and some paneling, the new hall embodies a sense of refined elegance.
Although often credited to the architect Thomas Archer, recent research suggests that Francis Smith, who designed the hall for Sir John Chester, 4th Baronet, was the mastermind behind its remarkable form. Its red brick exterior with intricate stone embellishments, complemented by flat lead roofs and panelled brick chimneys with stone cornices, exude a commanding presence.
The southern front, boasting nine magnificent bays, showcases fluted Corinthian giant pilasters at the corners and between the 2nd and 3rd bays. The central section of the cornice gracefully curves, framing the entrance adorned with fluted pilasters, a cornice, and a segmental pediment supported by reversed curving sections. The sash windows, adorned with stone architrave surrounds, keyblocks, and gauged brick aprons, add an element of sophistication. The attic storey features panelled pilasters above the main order, supporting a small frieze and cornice that crowns the parapet.
The east front, with its seven bays, showcases Doric giant pilasters at the corners and flanking the central three bays. The entrance captivates with an architrave surround and a broken pediment adorned with a central roundel. The central window in the attic level adds a touch of elegance with its arched head. The north front features projecting three-bay wings adorned with gauged brick giant pilasters and arched shell niches enveloping statues on the ground and first floors. The central four-bay recessed section reveals two striking tall staircase windows with semicircular-arched heads.
Venturing inside Chicheley Hall, visitors are greeted by an awe-inspiring Entrance Hall. Its Corinthian surround to the front door, coupled with the triple-arched screen adorned with marble columns, leads the way to a staircase said to be designed by Flitcroft under Kent’s guidance. Ceiling paintings attributed to Kent and a remarkable staircase set the tone for a captivating interior journey. Three panelled rooms on the east front, featuring Corinthian pilasters flanking fireplaces, add an air of grandeur.
The first-floor room holds a magnificent Jacobean over-mantel, perhaps from the earlier manor house, while the attic houses Sir John Chester’s “secret” Library, cleverly concealed behind doors disguised as panelling.
Throughout its storied past, Chicheley Hall has experienced various periods of ownership, each leaving their unique mark on the estate. Notably, in 1952, David Beatty, 2nd Earl Beatty, acquired the house, commencing an extensive restoration program. He enlisted the celebrated interior decorator Felix Harboard, known for his remarkable work at Luttrellstown Castle near Dublin. Harboard’s classical color schemes accentuate the molding and panelling, seamlessly complementing the hall’s architecture. Following the Earl’s passing, his fourth wife, Diane, continued to cherish Chicheley Hall as her home. Later, she remarried, becoming Lady Nutting and serving as the chairman of the Georgian Group. Together, Diane and Sir John Nutting transformed the hall into a cherished venue for weddings, conferences, and a favored setting for film productions, including its portrayal of Bletchley Park in the 2001 film “Enigma.”
In 2007, Chicheley Hall found new custodians in the form of the Royal Society, with generous support from the philanthropist Fred Kavli. A significant investment of £12 million allowed the Royal Society to restore and adapt the house, creating the Kavli Royal Society International Centre. Today, the hall stands as a prestigious venue for scientific seminars and conferences, beautifully merging the realms of academia and architectural splendor. Beyond these scientific endeavors, Chicheley Hall remains available for private and corporate events, fostering a sense of magnificence and elegance for all who visit.
As Chicheley Hall embarks on a new chapter under the ownership of Pyrrho Investments, its legacy of grandeur and architectural brilliance lives on. A testament to the past and an iconic landmark of Buckinghamshire, this exquisite country house beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Baroque design, effortlessly blending history, art, and elegance for all who are fortunate enough to experience its captivating presence.