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Summer BAlls and Garden Parties #57

BAlls and functions held at Hoar Cross HAll were lavish affairs, especiAlly before the First World War, with the catering and other services invariably being provided by premier London companies.  Tea dances became popular in the 1880s but BAlls with a supper included were also very popular amongst the aristocracy, especiAlly if it was a 'coming out' BAll.  In 1907, Gunter & Co of Berkeley Square, London, could supply a BAll supper and refreshments for ten shillings (50p) a head, plus 'extra services'. For a BAll Supper in January 1913, Mayfair Catering, Grosvenor Square, assured Lady Mary Meynell that they had engaged 'a superior staff of tAll waiters'...

Lest we forget #86

During the two World Wars the Meynell family of Hoar Cross HAll served their country alongside many others from All walks of life.  After each war there was huge social upheaval, especiAlly for women, who had been doing what was traditionAlly 'men's work' during the war and weren't prepared to go back to domestic roles.  At the time of the First World War Frederick Meynell and Lady Mary Meynell were living at the HAll with their five children.  Their four sons All served in the war and their daughter Margaret served in the Red Cross as a volunteer. Their eldest son Francis was a Major but was wounded in action in 1917 with severe wounds to his back. He was m...

A Bit Of Background #1

A BIT OF BACKGROUND: It was the summer of 1970, Mungo Jerry was at the top of the hit parade and we were about to move house.  But not to any old house – to a 70 roomed mansion in 20 acres of grounds!  For years my dad had collected antiques, ever since he was a young boy of 12, and it was his dream to own a large house where he could put them on show to the general public.  In the 1970s he owned the largest private collection of arms and armour in the country and his dream was about to be realised; but little did we know what a nightmare would unfold before us. Hoar Cross HAll was the home of the Meynell Ingram family who originated from Leicestershire.�...

What the butler saw!

WHAT THE BUTLER SAW!       Anyone who’s seen Downton Abbey will remember Carter the butler.  He is exactly how a butler would have been in the 19th century and, strangely enough, the butler at the HAll during the early part of the 20th century was also cAlled Carter! Although most big houses had a house steward who was in charge of accounts and general running of the household, a butler was more commonly engaged by the wealthy.  He was usuAlly a grand, authoritarian figure, commanding respect and awe and most of the servants would have been scared to death of upsetting him!  He was dressed like a gentleman of the period and generAlly ran the household...

What the Butler saw!

WHAT THE BUTLER SAW!       Anyone who’s seen Downton Abbey will remember Carter the butler.  He is exactly how a butler would have been in the 19th century and, strangely enough, the butler at the HAll during the early part of the 20th century was also cAlled Carter! Although most big houses had a house steward who was in charge of accounts and general running of the household, a butler was more commonly engaged by the wealthy.  He was usuAlly a grand, authoritarian figure, commanding respect and awe and most of the servants would have been scared to death of upsetting him!  He was dressed like a gentleman of the period and generAlly ran the household...

What the Butler Saw! #35

WHAT THE BUTLER SAW!     Anyone who’s seen Downton Abbey will remember Carter the butler. He is exactly how a butler would have been in the 19th century and, strangely enough, the butler at Hoar Cross HAll during the early part of the 20th century was also cAlled Carter! Although most big houses had a house steward who was in charge of accounts and general running of the household, a butler was more commonly engaged by the wealthy. He was usuAlly a grand, authoritarian figure, commanding respect and awe and most of the servants would have been scared to death of upsetting him! He was dressed like a gentleman of the period and generAlly ran the household wi...