Wollaton Hall and Park Historic Timeline

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.

In the beginning…

Farmland

Stone Age
Evidence of hunter-gatherer activity has been found in the area.

Iron Age
Farming settlements in the surrounding region.

Romans
Wollaton was not a major Roman settlement, however, the area would have been within the sphere of Roman influence.

By 1066 the area is known as Wulflāftūn. “Farm of a man called Wulfsi”

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

Canting arms of Bugg of Willoughby on the Wolds,

The family purchased the Wollaton estate from Roger Morteyn. More information…

Photo. Canting Arms, Wikimedia.

Circa 1460

Arbour Oak

Arbour Oak

Arbour Oak begins to grow.

Between 1492 and 1510

Park Enclosed

stag

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

Source.

1547

Sir Francis Willoughby born

Francis Willoughby

A wealthy English industrialist and coal owner, and a courtier to Queen Elizabeth I
More information…

Photo: Wikipedia

1580 – 1588

Wollaton Hall Built

Wollaton Hall - Front - 1812

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

Sir Percival Willoughby

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.

Queen Anne of Denmark

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.

1642

English Civil War

Hall was occupied by Parliamentary troops during Civil War.

Fire causes extensive damage to the Hall.

1643

Francis Willoughby Inherits Hall

Educated at Oxford.

Did not live in Wollaton, which was badly damaged by the fire.

More…

He died in 1665 succeeded by his son, another Francis (3rd)

1643 – 1687

Hall unoccupied

Historic context: 1660: Accession of Charles II.

1665

Francis Willoughby Inherits Hall

1643–1672: Francis Willoughby Portrait

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

Oak Avenue Planted

Oak Avenue from Hall to Wollaton Village

Two avenues of “noble oaks” leading to Wollaton village planted.

More information…

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.