English Heritage

1758Renovations

Robert Hay Drummond, later Archbishop of York, inherits and carries out extensive renovations at Brodsworth.

1791The First Thellusson

Peter Thellusson, a wealthy merchant and banker, buys Brodsworth.

1796Infamous Will

There are extensive legal battles over Thellusson's peculiar will, which withholds much of his estate until after all his living sons and grandsons die.

1858Legal Resolution

The battle over Thellusson's will finally ends when the inheritance is divided between Frederick, 4th Baron Rendlesham, and Charles Sabine Augustus Thellusson. Charles inherits Brodsworth.

Brand New House

Charles commissions little-known architect Philip Wilkinson to build a new house. The gardens are also laid out in the 1860s.

Read a description of Brodsworth Hall

1905Coal Money

Charles leases land to the newly formed Brodsworth Colliery Company. This brings in income from rent and coal royalties.

See highlights from the collection at Brodsworth

1906-13Modernisation

With the extra coal income, the Thellussons redecorate several rooms, update the kitchen and replace gas lights with electricity.

1913-1930sFinancial Pressures

Charles Grant-Dalton inherits in 1931. Under financial pressure, Charles sells off paintings and part of the estate.

1939Second World War

Charles organises the local Home Guard after war breaks out. His wife, Sylvia, and daughter, Pamela, become nurses and Pamela also serves in the Air Transport Auxiliary.

1952-1988Widow's Home

Charles dies and Sylvia marries her second husband Eustace in 1959. Eustace dies in 1970 but Sylvia continues to live at Brodsworth until her death.

1990-1995The Hall Conserved

Pamela inherits and decides to keep the estate but not the hall. It is transferred to English Heritage, who carry out conservation work and open it to the public.

Learn more about the history of Brodsworth Hall