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. The land is described as Ploughland and 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
An English industrialist and coal owner. 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.
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.
Photo: Wikipedia
1664-66
1677
1688
Thomas Willoughby, 1st Baron Middleton inherits Hall
Brother of Frances.
Sheriff of Nottingham and a politician. More information…
Photo Copyright © Private Collection. Reproduced with Permission
1688
Cassandra Willoughby
Thomas Willoughby and sister Cassandra, returned to the Hall, making it their principal residence.
Cassandra Willoughby played a significant role in the restoration of Wollaton Hall and its gardens, and meticulously cataloged the family archives and natural history collections.
Late 1690 ish
1697
Siberechts Painting
Jan Siberechts’ 1697 painting is a key record of the Hall historic grandure. It offers a magnificent bird’s-eye view, meticulously detailing the architectural grandeur and capturing the extensive gardens and working farmlands.
1700 – 1705
Landscaping
Gardens below the southern terrace restyled, adding pond and fountain. More Information...
Lime Tree Avenue and Sweet Chestnut Avenue Planted.
Historic Context: 1702: Accession of Queen Anne
1707
Kip Engraving
An engraving by Jan Kip and Leonard Knyff shows the tree-lined avenues.
1710
1720
1729
Francis Willoughby, 2nd Baron Middleton inherits Hall
Educated at Eton. A politician. More information…
1735
Cassandra Willoughby died.
There is a memorial in Middleton Church.
Photo: Wikimedia, Creative Commons.
1742
1758
Francis Willoughby, 3rd Baron Middleton inherits Hall
Educated at Bury St Edmund’s School, Cambridge. More information…
Memorial in St Leonards Church.
Photo Copyright © Private Collection. Reproduced with Permission.
Historic Context: 1760: Accession of George III.
1760: HMS Victory launched – built with 5500 Oak Trees
1774
Thomas Willoughby, 4th Baron Middleton inherits Hall
Politician. More information…
Memorial in St Leonards Church.
Photo: Wikipedia.
1774
Landscaping
Lake enlarged and “Boat House” added. More Information…
Stable Block Exended. More Information…
1781
Henry Willoughby, 5th Baron Middleton inherits Hall
High Sheriff of Yorkshire.
More information…
Memorial in St Leonard’s Church.
Photo: Mutual Art
1780’s
Landscaping
1783: Foundations laid for the Walled Garden. More information…
1784: Pleasure Garden created (Formal Garden). More information…
1788: Ha Ha’s built. More information…
1786: 11,300 Oak trees planted covering 25 acres.
1790
Iron Gates
Iron Gates on Lime Tree avenue installed.
1800
Henry Willoughby, 6th Baron Middleton inherits Hall
A keen fox hunter. More information…
Henry’s Memorial is in St. Leonard’s Church.
Photo Copyright © Private Collection. Reproduced with Permission.
Historic Context: 1805: Battle of Trafalgar.
1800’s
Landscaping
1800: Lake further extended to current form. More Information…
1800ish, Gazebo built. More Information…
1800ish, Doric Temple built. More Information…
1810’s
Landscaping
1813: Trees planted in Thompson Wood (Referred to as Chouler’s Plantation). More Information…
1816: The duck decoy, behind the lake in Wollaton Park, was created to catch wildfowl for food. More Information…
1820’s
Landscaping
1821: Diversion of Derby Road and new portion of park wall created.
1823: Camellia House built. More Information…
1826: Ice house built. More Information…
1829: The building now housing the Industrial Museum constucted. More Information…
1832: Beeston Lodge Built. More Information…
Historic Context: 1820: Accession of George IV
1835
Digby Willoughby, 7th Baron Middleton inherits Hall
A Royal Naval Officer. More information…
Photo: Wikipedia
Historical Context: 1837: Accession of Queen Victoria
1836 to 1850
Landscaping
1836: Digby Avenue planted. More Information…
1840: Lime Tree Avenue re-planted. More Information…
1850: Giant Sequoias (Wellingtonia) planted in Cambridge Road Field.
1850: Rose Garden established. More Information…
1856
Henry Willoughby, 8th Baron Middleton inherits Hall
A Captain in the Scot’s Fusilier Guards. More information…
Photo Copyright © Private Collection. Reproduced with Permission.
1877
Digby Willoughby, 9th Baron Middleton inherits Hall
A Captain in the Scot’s Fusilier Guards. More information…
Chapel dedicated to his memory in St Leonards (see inscription).
Photo Copyright © Private Collection. Reproduced with Permission.
1888
1922
Godfrey Willoughby, 10th Baron Middleton inherits Hall
Naval and military career. More information…
Godfrey faced death duties of 40% on the estate.
Photo Copyright © Private Collection. Reproduced with Permission.
1924
Michael Willoughby, 11th Baron Middleton inherits Hall
Soldier, awarded the Military Cross in India. More information…
With Digby’s death duties not fully paid, Michael faced double death duties.
Photo: National Portrait Gallery, Creative Commons License
1925
Hall Sold
To cover death duties, the hall is sold to Nottingham Corporation now Nottingham City Council. More information…
1926
Park Opens
1926: Hall opens as a Natural History Museum
1926: The park is opened to the public.
1927: Golf course opens.
1928
Royal Agricultural Show
King George V and Queen Mary visit. More Information…
Photo: Britian from Above.
1935
1939 – 1945
World War II
1940s: The Park is used as a military camp and training ground by the British Army.
1942: The park was handed over to the United States 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. More information…
1945: Park used as a PoW Camp. More information…
1955
1971
Industrial Museum
The Industrial Museum opens. More Information…
The Beam Engine is installed in 1972. More information…
1970’s and 1980’s
Landscaping
Lake water level lowered to reduce pressure on the dam bank, and rock gabions installed. More information…
A programme of tree planting, including the Oak trees from the lake to Beeston Lodge, Oak trees from Parkside to lake, Horse Chestnuts for stable block to lake and the mini arboretum between Digby Avenue and Hall. More information…
1970’s
Wildlife
In the 1970 and 1980’s there were wild Donkies and Peacocks in the park, as well as White Cattle.
Photo credit: Jane Rhodes
1980
Botanic Garden
Nottingham Hardy Plant Society take stewardship of the enclosed site, transforming it into the Botanic Garden. More information…
2005 – 2007
Hall Restoration
Wollaton Hall is granted £4.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and undergoes a major restoration and refurbishment project.
Photo: Bernard Ellis, Facebook.
2011
Batman
Christopher Nolan’s epic superhero film, The Dark Knight Rises, transformed the Hall into Wayne Manor. More Information…
2013
Friends of Wollaton Park Formed
The Friends of Wollaton Park, formed to contribute to the upkeep of the park through volunteer efforts. More Information…
2014
Local Nature Reserve
Wollaton Park was designated as a Local Nature Reserve. This status protects part of the park for wildlife and public enjoyment, acknowledging its ecological importance within the community. It also helps protect the site from future development.
More infomation on the wildlife in the park.
2018
Walled Garden Restoration
Restoration of the Wollaton Walled Garden by volunteers began. More Information…
Present Day
The Story Continues
Follow the latest news and deveopments in the Park, Formal Garden and Walled Garden.
Photo: Russ Pearce
Information Sources
- Wollaton Hall website
- Wollaton Historical and Conservation Society
- Nottingham Civic Society
- Industrial Museum website
- Conservation Plan for Wollaton Hall and Park, NCC 2002
- Restoration & Management Plan, NCC 2002
- Restoration & Management Plan, NCC 2009 Addendum
- “The Landscape of Wollaton Park”, Nottingham University
- Historic England website
- University of Nottingham manuscripts (online)
- “Park for all Seasons”, Rachel Marshal, 1996
- Pall Mall Magazine, 1900
- Country Life Magazine, 1900
- “Great Nottinghamshire Gardens”, Philip Jones, 2001
- “Wollaton Hall and the Willoughby Family”, Pamela Marshall, 1999
- “Short History of Wollaton and Wollaton Hall”, Sheila Strauss, 1978
- Wollaton Park Nature Trail, NCC, Dr Sheila Wright, 1999
- Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
- Other sources as cited inline.
Timeline created by Colin Robbins.