Wallington Hall
Wallington is a country house and gardens located about 12 miles (19 km) west of Morpeth, Northumberland, England, near the village of Cambo.
The building dates from the 18th century and has been owned by the National Trust since 1942.
Origins and History
The estate was owned by the Fenwick family from 1475 until Sir John Fenwick, 3rd Baronet (c.1645–1697), ran into financial problems and opted to sell his estates to the Blacketts in 1688. He sold the rump of the family estates and Wallington Hall to Sir William Blackett (1621-1680) for £4000 and an annuity of £2000 a year. The annuity was to be paid during his lifetime and that of his wife, Mary Fenwick (1658-1708).
The hall house was rebuilt, demolishing the ancient pele tower, although the cellars of the early medieval house remain. The house was substantially rebuilt again, in Palladian style, for Sir Walter Blackett (1707-1777) by architect Daniel Garret, before passing to the Trevelyan family in 1777.
After Pauline Jermyn (1789-1857) married the naturalist Sir Walter Calverley Trevelyan (1797-1879), they began hosting literary and scientific figures at the Hall. As a cultural centre, Wallington visitors included the members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.
Sir Charles Philips Trevelyan (1870-1958) inherited the property from his father, Sir George Otto Trevelyan (1838-1928), in 1928. He was a leading member of Liberal and Labour governments. Charles was married to "Molly", Lady Mary Trevelyan (1881-1966).
Today
Set in 100 acres (40 ha) of rolling parkland, the estate includes a wooded dene (valley), ornamental lakes, lawns, and a recently refurbished walled garden. In addition to the beautifully furnished interior, attractions inside the house include the desk where Thomas Babington Macaulay (1800-1859), brother-in-law of Sir Charles Trevelyan (1807-1886), wrote his History of England, a large collection of antique dolls' houses, and eight murals in the central room depicting The Northumberland history, painted by William Bell Scott (1811-1890).
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