Overview

Very recent historical building, interesting, and worth taking a look at. Situated just outside Evesham, an ideal visit after spending the morning touring the area. READ REVIEW FOR “THE VALLEY EVESHAM”. A very pleasant country park with shops. READ REVIEW FOR “CHADBURY FARM SHOP & CAFE”. Then we have THREE REVIEWS for WOOD NORTON, Worth reading the three for a good overall view of this unusual old Hall, now a country style Hotel. WOOD NORTON HOTEL, WORCESTER ROAD, EVESHAM, WR11 4YB. www.woodnorton.com History. The site dates back to medieval times, but It is its modern day history that is interesting, and we concentrate our story after the old hall was bought by “The Duke of Aumale” in 1872, following his move from France. It seems he was well regarded by the people of Evesham who thought him as “a grand old nobleman, gracious and kind to all. Following his death, Prince Philippe, Duke of Orleans, the last pretender to the throne of France, took on the Hall in 1897. PHOTO ONE. The main driveway leads off the A44, a short distance away from the town of Evesham, and the above suggested visits we have reviewed for you. It is a grade 11 listed building, a Victorian stately home, and the entrance for driveway has a mixture of old and new modern buildings which stand in attractive grounds. PHOTO TWO If you arrive from the Evesham direction, as you approach Wood Norton Hall, look out on your right for the very ornate old gates. These came from another property that was owned by Duc d’Orleans, Orleans house, Twickenham, after they came from the Palace of Versailles in 1872. They were damaged by 2003 and repaired by Pershore Black smith, Stephen Cooper. PHOTO THREE Follow the main drive all the way round to reach Wood Norton Hall. The fascinating old Country house of 1897 is well worth checking out. It is a red brick building, with freestone dressing and some timber-framing, with plain machined tile roofs with coped parade red gable ends. The entrance stands on the East of this large mansion, regarded as mainly Jacobean style. In front of it, stands an old fountain (badly in need of attention). PHOTO FOUR There are two disabled bays in the right hand corner of car park. PHOTO FIVE The front door entrance is very close to parking bays, rather dull and unattractive with a large original wooden door, but of note is the ornate lamp above your head. It had to be completely refurbished, the many layers of old paint had to be sand blasted off to reveal the original copper and brass metal work. The metal was lacquered, and the sand blasted steel work was zinc coated and then painted black. The restored lamp was then re-installed to offer a light glow as you enter the Hall. PHOTO SIX You immediately enter the old halls entrance, with its wooden panels and nicely decorated panels, which lead you to PHOTO SEVEN The reception desk. Again there are some lovely carved wooden panels and old paintings to admire. PHOTO EIGHT You are then taken into the bat reception hall, which has a more modern approach to it, well stocked with favourite drinks available. PHOTO NINE But the interiors are disappointing, a few scattered chairs are available, but the deco is not in keeping with the old building. PHOTO TEN and ELEVEN However, venture into other rooms leading off from the bar, and again you can see the wooden panels and carvings that are so attractive. PHOTOS TWELVE TO FOURTEEN show you the very delightful wooden carved staircase and hallway which is so becoming of this historical Mansion. PHOTOS FIFTEEN and SIXTEEN It’s along here you will find the accessible toilet, which was nicely decorated with dark tiles, and plain simple coloured walls, large enough to hold almost all chairs and room to spin around. It had a number of pull grab handles, but no pull cord. PHOTO SEVENTEEN Further along, the passage will lead to the main dining room. PHOTOS EIGHTEEN TO TWENTY Although the room is decorated with the same darkish wooden panelling, it is pleasant enough to be inviting, when you join them for dinner later on. Very clean and comfortable, with more than enough room to place your wheelchair, and will offer you the chance to experience the historical record of the house. The Orleans family left Wood Norton in 1912, selling the house to Sir Charles Swinton, then later, in 1939, the BBC bought the site so that they could move its operations from London, in case of hostilities. WE WILL CONTINUE WITH THIS MODERN DAY HISTORICAL FACTS WITH OUR NEXT REVIEW taking a look at the gardens as we discuss the activity of the BBC at Wood Norton Hall. PLEASE READ. “WOOD NORTON” PART TWO, GARDENS. THEN READ. “WOOD NORTON”. PART THREE, DISABLED ROOMS.

Transport & Parking

A short drive from Evesham along the A44, through a quite scenic drive took us to Wood Norton Hall. At the end of the driveway, the courtyard outside the hotel has a small car park, with disabled bays.

Access

The main ground floor is almost all on the level and easy enough for chairs to move around comfortably. Although a grade two building, it does have a lift available, so accessible rooms on second floor was easy enough to use. SEE OUR PART THREE REVIEW FOR WOOD NORTON, DISABLED ROOMS.

Toilets

This is along the wooden panelled hallway leading to staircase. Spacious enough inside to take almost all chairs, with room to spin around. It has grab rails, but no pull cord.

Staff

All very friendly, willing, and helpful, they served us well.

Photos