Wollaton Hall and Park stand testament to centuries of history, architectural brilliance, and natural evolution. From its origins as a deer park in the medieval era to the construction of the magnificent Hall, and through its subsequent transformations and adaptations, Wollaton has witnessed a rich tapestry of events, societal changes, and the lives of those who shaped its legacy. This timeline invites you to journey through the key moments in the history of Wollaton Park and Hall, exploring the significant milestones that have made it the cherished landmark it is today.
We are continually working to ensure the accuracy of this timeline. Should you find any errors or omissions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
1086
Domesday Book
Wollaton is listed in the Domesday book, owned by William Peverel, with a 4 villagers.
Responsibilty for the manor of Wollaton invested in the Morteyn family.
The land is described as 140 acres of Ploughland and 1 acre of Woodland.
Around 1314 – 1319
Willoughby Family Acquire Wollaton
The family purchased the Wollaton estate from Roger Morteyn. More information…
Photo. Canting Arms, Wikimedia.
Circa 1460
Between 1492 and 1510
Park Enclosed
In 1492 an area of land to the west of Nottingham was enclosed as a park for wild deer and white cattle.
A further 100 acres were included in 1510 and from then became known as Wollaton Park
1547
Sir Francis Willoughby born
A wealthy English industrialist and coal owner, and a courtier to Queen Elizabeth I
More information…
Photo: Wikipedia
1580 – 1588
Wollaton Hall Built
The hall was built between 1580 and 1588 for Sir Francis Willoughby. The design is attributed to the renowned Elizabethan architect Robert Smythson. More information…
Historic context: Queen Eliszabeth I on the throne; Defeat of the Spanish Armada.
1596
Sir Percival Willoughby Inherits Hall
Entrepreneur involved in mining, iron smelting, and glass making enterprises. More information…
Photo: Geni.com
1603 / 1604
Royal Vistitors
1603: Historic context Accession of James I from Elizabeth I.
1603: Queen Ann of Denmark, wife of King James I visited, with Prince Henry. Portrait: John de Critz
1604: Charles, later King Charles I visited.
1643
Francis Willoughby Inherits Hall
Educated at Oxford.
Did not live in Wollaton, which was badly damaged by the fire.
He died in 1665 succeeded by his son, another Francis (3rd)
1665
Francis Willoughby Inherits Hall
Fellow of the Royal Society and writer on natural history. More information…
Collected many of the artefacts now in the Natural History Museum.
Widely credited as the father of Botany.
Photo: Wikipedia
1664-66
1672
Francis Willoughby Inherits Hall
Inherited the hall at the age 4.
He was created a Baronet in 1677, at the age of five, in recognition of his father’s scientific work.
More…
Information Sources
- Wollaton Hall website 🔗
- Wollaton Historical and Conservation Society 🔗
- Willoughby Family 🔗
- Nottingham Civic Society 🔗
- Industrial Museum website 🔗
- Conservation Plan for Wollaton Hall and Park, NCC 2002
- Restoration & Management Plan, NCC 2002 and 2009 Addendum
- Historic England 🔗
- University of Nottingham Manuscripts and Special Collections 🔗
- Transport Nottingham Wollaton Park Walk Appendix 🔗
- Pall Mall Magazine, 1900
- Country Life Magazine, 1900
- “Short History of Wollaton and Wollaton Hall”, Sheila Strauss, 1978
- “Park for all Seasons”, Rachel Marshal, 1996
- “The Landscape of Wollaton Park”, Stephen Daniels…, Nottingham University 1999
- “Wollaton Hall and the Willoughby Family”, Pamela Marshall, 1999
- “Wollaton Park Nature Trail”, NCC, Dr Sheila Wright, 1999
- “Great Nottinghamshire Gardens”, Philip Jones, 2001
- Sutton Passeys Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan 2010 🔗
- Other sources as cited inline.
Timeline created by Colin Robbins.