Patshull Hall, Wolverhampton, England

The following is from the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest.

HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT

The moated manor house which stood on lower ground below the present house, was owned by the Astley family from 1451 until 1765. Sir John Astley inherited as a minor (aged 1) when his father, Sir Richard died in 1688. Both spent large sums on landscaping the grounds and the property was considered by Plot to be 'the most accomplish't and delicious Mansion in the whole County'.

Patshull Hall (II) was rebuilt around 1750 by James Gibbs (died 1754) for Sir John on a new site, and completed 1754-58 by William Baker. Baker was responsible for the parlour, library, stables and chapel and presumably designed the forecourt which contains these buildings. The entrance gateway is also his work.

The estate was bought by Sir George Pigot (1719-1777) in 1765, on his return as Governor of Madras for the East India Company. He too was responsible for extensive works in the grounds, probably in consultation with Lancelot Brown. There is an undated entry in Brown's account book under 'Lord Pigot', of £52 10s for 'a general plan for the Place and Journeys'. Work on the grounds continued under Pigot's brother, Sir Robert (died 1796) and his son, George (died 1841).

Further alterations and additions to the house were carried out in the later 1850s by William Burn, for the 5th Earl of Dartmouth, and Burn also designed lodges, farm buildings and cottages for the estate. The main building was further extended in the early 1880s with minor alterations continuing into the 20th century.

The property remained in the Pigot family until the death of the 7th Earl in 1958 when most of the estate passed to the Crown in lieu of death duties. The house, garden, and 230 acres were retained, and, in 1972, the Patshull Properties Development Company Ltd. was formed to develop the estate as a recreation centre. The house has served as a hospital during the latter part of the 20th century until this usage ceased in 1990.