Holme Pierrepont Hall, From Suffragettes to Snowdrops

As a first-time visitor to Holme Pierrepont Hall excitement built as I found my way down the country lane to the sign posted entrance. Believed to be the oldest brick-built house in Nottinghamshire, Holme Pierrepont Hall, currently home to three generations of the Brackenbury family, opens to visitors at set times of the year allowing exploration of the house and gardens. This home is steeped with rich history and connections locally and further afield.

The house is currently home to two exhibitions to celebrate the centenary of women gaining the right to vote: The Last Countess Manvers - Portraits and Perspective and Portraits and Protest. The first is an exhibition of paintings and drawings by the last Countess Manvers, Marie- Louise Pierrepont, who was a talented artist producing delicate portraits and scenescapes of a changing London that are quite fascinating.

The second exhibition includes paintings and sculptures by renowned artist and militant suffragette, Georgina Brackenbury, a direct relation to the Brackenbury family. Georgina is known for joining Emmeline Pankhurst in demonstrating for women’s rights and being jailed for her part in seeking the right to vote for women. Georgina was a close friend of Emmeline, and the portrait she painted of the famous suffragette hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in London.

The history of the hall continues into the gardens. The first garden you see upon entering through the main entrance is a Grade II listed courtyard. The parterre design, dating back to 1875, is still visible thanks to its renewal by Elizabeth Brackenbury some years ago, giving a formal and elegant sight, designed to be viewed from The Long Gallery.

The East Garden was created more recently in 1972-73, and here is where you will catch your first glimpse of the sweet, yet unapologetic, snowdrops. Covering the ground, their white flower contrasting against the green and brown of the fauna. This sight of life brings a sense of spring being just around the corner.

On to the Walled Orchard… As the name suggests, it is enclosed on two sides by a wall dating back to 1628. Originally this would have continued back round to the house, however the fence now keeps the ‘lawn mowers of old England’ in their place. Yes, I mean the Jacob sheep that are kept here to graze. They are a magnificent sight, with their mottled coats keeping them warm and lively.

Through the back park to the woods, the green and brown of the woodland is again disturbed by the flowering snowdrops. Robert Brackenbury explains that from April onwards, the rare ‘Tulipa Sylvestris’ will be in full bloom. This wild tulip has been present here since tulip mania came to England in the 17^th Century.

This family home, steeped in history both inside and out, really offers visitors the chance to take a step back in time. Whether that be to absorb the varied links to this region’s past, to review the artwork of a legendary militant suffragette or a more peaceful wander of what nature has to offer, it is one to put on your 2018 days out list!

The Portraits & Protest Exhibition runs 2 - 5pm on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays throughout March and Sundays in April until the 29th. 

This blog was written by Genevieve Preece, Visit Nottinghamshire Communications Executive