History of Upton Hall
The Museum is housed in the picturesque and historic setting of Upton Hall, headquarters of the British Horological Institute (BHI) since 1972.
Early History
Should you wish to learn more about Upton Hall, please do speak to a member of the team or check out the British Horological Institute’s ‘History of Upton Hall’ by clicking the link: History of Upton Hall’
Upton Hall’s origins are shrouded in mystery.
Earliest records trace back to 1335 when it was the residence of Robert Bagenham, on lands granted by King Edwy to Archbishop Oscytel of York in 956. The Hall has witnessed centuries of history, including surviving the plague in the 1620s when it was home to Owen Oglethorpe. A section of the Elizabethan-era Oglethorpe’s Hall still stands as part of the current structure. By 1795, it came under the ownership of Robert Smith, later known as Lord Carrington. A section of the Elizabethan-era Oglethorpe’s Hall still stands as part of the current structure.
The Modern Structure
In 1828, Thomas Wright, a notable figure in Nottingham’s banking sector and the High Sheriff of 1811, commissioned architect William Donthorne to rebuild Upton Hall. Donthorne, a founding member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, designed the Hall in the fashionable Neo-Classical style, evident in its symmetrical south-facing elevation and Greek-style portico. This magnificent building quickly became the village’s focal point.
Inhabitants Through Time
Historical records, including the 1841 Census, reveal that Thomas Wright, his wife Frances, and 10 servants resided in the Hall. After Thomas’s death in 1845, the Hall passed to his son, Reverend Joseph Banks Wright. In 1857, Philip Richard Falkner, a notable Newark solicitor, and Mayor in 1833, acquired the Hall. Falkner’s tenure saw numerous changes, including the employment of long-serving butler William Measures. Following Falkner’s death in 1888, the Hall was auctioned, showcasing its impressive features and vast estate.
Twentieth-Century Revamps
John Warwick, a director of a Newark brewing firm, acquired the Hall in the late 19th century, adding a West Wing with a ballroom and games room. The Hall’s luxury made it a sought-after venue for village events. In 1936, Sir Albert Ball purchased it, followed by the Fathers of the Holy Ghost in 1939, who transformed it into a theological school..
A New Era
Since 1972, the British Horological Institute has owned Upton Hall. Now a Grade II* listed building with 72 rooms, it houses the Museum of Timekeeping and the BHI headquarters. Its Clock House Cafe and specialised workshops offer a unique experience for horology enthusiasts.
Mysterious Residents
Upton Hall’s rich history is also marked by tales of the supernatural. Sightings of the White Lady in the library and a mysterious figure on the back staircase add an intriguing layer to this historical landmark.