Wingerworth Hall Estate Auction

from Wingerworth Hall website

Thomas Windsor IV 5th Baronet (1773-1816) inherited in 1804 and continued to develop the estate.

Due to pressing financial problems, Sir Thomas moved with his family to Paris in 1815 where the cost of living was lower and allowing him to generate some income by letting Wingerworth Hall. He died in Paris aged 43 leaving his three year old son Henry Joseph the 6th Baronet (1812-1856) as heir. Trustees were appointed to sell properties whilst Lady Hunloke remained in Paris but this was the start of the decline of the Wingerworth Estate despite it having iron works, coal pits, quarries and several other industries.

Sir Henry lived in the nearby Birdholme House using the hall purely for entertaining rather than live in it.

The baronetcy became extinct in 1856² on Sir Henry’s death without a heir and the estate devolved to the great niece of Sir James, 7th baronet. His sister had married Philip Shelley-Sidney of Penshurst and in 1835 their eldest son was created 1st Lord de Lisle and Dudley. It was his daughter who inherited, having married Hon Frederick Fitz Clarence a son of the 1st Earl of Munster, an illegitimate son of William IV. She let the house to Sir Charles Allen, chairman of Henry Bessemer and Company of Sheffield who stayed until 1907. From 1907-18 he let the house to Col Sir Charles Seely MP one of the richest men in the country.

On her death the estate passed to Sir Philip Perceval who was distantly related to Prime Minister Spencer Perceval the only British Prime Minister to have been assassinated. Like his aunt he assumed the additional surname and arms of Hunloke and had more interest in sailing²⁶ and the London Court. He financed his lifestyle by borrowing money against the estate and continuing to let the hall. After reoccupying the house briefly in 1920 he attempted to sell the house but was unable to find a buyer. After residing for a couple of years at Buckenell Manor in Berkshire, Hunloke bought Cowbridge House, Malmesbury, where he lived for the rest of his life.

When Wingerworth Hall Estate Auction and 260 acres was auctioned in May 1920 the bidding started at £60,000 but there were no bidders at this price nor at £50,000 and £40,000. A second auction was held in July 1920 when again it was not sold. Sir Philip offered it to a local farmer for £12,000 but eventually W M Twigg and Sons of Matlock bought and demolished it.

Wingerworth Hall auction lots map

Wingerworth Hall auction lots for Old Tupton