Overview

We will continue our history of Hoar Cross Hall hotel from 1871 up to 1989 with this our PART TWO REVIEW. Hugo Francis Meynell and his wife Emily Charlotte Wood had spent 10 years in adding and rebuilding parts of the house which was completed in 1871, but sadly, in May 1871 Hugo died, and this devastated her, as they had only been married for 8 years, and she was now childless. Completed in 1897, a private chapel was built to his memory, at the East end of the estate, the Church of the Holy Angels, at Hoar Cross, and although we have no photos for you, you may visit the chapel. The beautifully carved linenfold panelling resembles folded linen, which holds the gilded alter piece with embroided gold threads, and above, it has a lovely carved ceiling which looks down over stained glass windows. All the 75 staff had to attend chapel in memory of Hugo. The “Long Gallery” was a typical Tudor styled room, and it was 114 feet long (photo 1) that the family used for taking walks when the weather was not to good, with recessed windows as places to rest, and 10 feet high solid oak doors, while the ceiling above is very decorative (photo 2) and so are the white marbled fireplaces. Hugo and wife Emily Meynell had no children, and this Meynell family line came to an end. Emily however, who was to become a very wealthy woman, even at this time of history, was they say, a millionaires twice over, lived on in the hall until 1904. Her brother, Frederick Wood, moved into Hoar Cross Hall with her, and as was common at that time, to keep a family name going, changed his name to Meynell. Now through his wife, Lady Mary Lindsay, this family line eventually became Queen Mary’s line to the throne, and Emily herself, who loved holding large parties, in 1894, hosted King George V and Queen Mary while on their official visit to Leeds. Emily Charlotte Meynell-Ingram died in 1904 at the family home at Temple Newsam House, but her funeral was held at Hoar Cross Hall. Following her death, her nephew Francis Meynell inherited Hoar Cross Hall as well as all the other Ingram estates. The last Meynell family to live at Hoar Cross Hall was in 1952; then it was rented out but remained in the Meynell family For the next 18 years until 1970. It was then bought by William Bickerton-Jones in 1970, who ran a motor racing team, and he had the largest collection of Arms and Armour in the country, and he wanted a home so that he could be able to show the collection to the public. He open up the hall to the public, and offered them Afternoon Tea, and also allowed large events to be held here. His daughter, Viv Wilson, (nee Bickerton-Jones) has kindly written a book about her families time at the hall, entitled “My Dad Bought a Mansion” and it really is an interesting read, we suggest you try to read it if you can get hold of a copy. We personally are now delighted to salute him on his efforts to please the public, and we sat in the”Long Gallery” (photo 3) to enjoy a drink (photo 4) while looking back at the history of this grand Hall. Now we were ready to eat, so “Let’s do Lunch” at the delightful Henry’s restaurant. You need to take rather a long ride to get to it, all on the level, and along nicely decorated corridors anyway, just follow the signs “Henry’s” to arrive at the restaurant (photo 5). We were warmly welcomed (photo 6) at the entrance, and find it to be a pleasant cheerful little place, (photo 7) and enjoyed reading the menu, which offer meals in a bowl fashion (photo 8) which was very nicely presented, fresh, and wholesome. What we like about this hotel in general are the views over the various garden sections (photo 10) and all are well looked after with manicured grounds at a top level (photo 11). We ordered scones to follow (photo 12) and so glad we did, they are handmade by chef and his team, warm, soft and delicious (photo 13). From Henry’s, and a window table, you can see out over the terrace, and a side door right by the bar, led out to terrace, but sadly, high steps await you (photo 14) but from here you can see over the rear of the hall (photo 15) and over towards the many greenhouses (photo 16) in which they grow plants and crops used in the various restaurants. A path passes the shepherds hut and leads over towards the tennis court (17) before you can make your back again towards the main car park (photo 18) and the entrance to this intriguing hotel (photo 20).

Transport & Parking

As explained in part one review, it’s handy as near to hotels entrance, but difficult to then get in via the ramp, as told in part one, so please read that as it shows you how to get in.

Access

All our help is provided for you on our part one review, so please read this advice.

Toilets

Basically just normal everyday toilets, but best if you read part one and our details.

Staff

We were well treated by Henry’s staff, from head waiter to the chef himself, a nice little team set up.

Photos