Members may be interested in the following. Note that we are associate members of WLHS and so entitled to the members’ rate
It is with pleasure that I now provide details and a booking form for WLHS’s second outing of 2023, Stoneleigh Abbey, on Wednesday 21st June, 2 pm to 4.30 pm, including refreshments.
Outing description
With humble beginnings as a Cistercian Monastic house in 1154, Stoneleigh Abbey was converted at the dissolution into a comfortable family home. One of the seats of the Leigh Family, Stoneleigh has played host to several people of note, including King Charles I, Queen Victoria and Novelist Jane Austen. The West Wing was designed by the famous architect Francis Smith of Warwick in the Baroque Style.
Our guided tour of the house will cover the broad history of Stoneleigh Abbey from its beginnings as a Monastic House in 1154, to modern day, perfect for those interested in a bit of information on the Leigh Family, and the construction of the house. Learn about the Leigh Family and their famed guests, their connections with the local community and how the abbey progressed from a dissolved monastery to a fine stately home.
Our tour will be followed by refreshments (included in the price) in the Vaulted Hall. Attendees are welcome to explore the extensive grounds, designed by Sir Humprey Repton, before our tour starts.
Price
£19.25 members, £21.25 non members. This price includes refreshments after the tour. Members of WLHS affiliated history groups are eligible for the members’ price – just state which history group you belong to when booking.
How to book
Either print off the attached booking form and send it back to me (address on form) or email me to let me know how many places you want to book. Payment can be made by cheque, cash or BACS. All payment details on the booking form. Bookings close on 7th June. We have a maximum limit of 35 people on this outing.
Logistics and Accessibility
Grounds open from 10 am and access to these are included in the ticket price.
There is a tea room available if you wish to come for lunch. Packed lunches can be eaten on the grass area out the front (no picnics allowed in the grounds)
A disabled parking bay is available a short distance from the ticket office. Wheelchair users should be aware that the paths around the Abbey are gravel and that they are permitted to travel over grassy verges as necessary. A flat route is available to the House and to the Orangery Tea Room. The distance from the Ticket Office to the Orangery is around 200 yards. Stoneleigh Abbey can also offer a pre booked loan of a wheelchair. A lift is available to all floors of the house that are open for public viewing, there is a good colour contrast between the floor and walls for those with visual impairment.
Service dogs are welcome, provided that they are wearing the appropriate coat, lead or harness.
Disabled toilets are situated in the West Wing of the house and in the Orangery
Extreme weather: the guided part of this outing and refreshments will all take place indoors so this outing will go ahead whatever the weather.
Please get in touch if you have any questions that aren’t answered in this email.
Please visit our events page on our website for dates of the other 3 summer outings planned this year: WLHS Events (warwickshirehistory.org.uk