Overview

On this review we enjoy the grounds of the hall, and then continue with our history after the BBC bought the property during 1939. PHOTO ONE The main entrance faces east, and from the front exit the Hall looks very attractive, and it certainly is well worth while exploring the gardens. PHOTO TWO Simply turn right from the front, and it’s an easy push for your carer along hard compacted gravel. PHOTO THREE to SIX The gardens are south facing so get lots of natural daylight, and there are many different planting areas which contain a series of Rose beds which are planted in a traditional way. You will find many old classic varieties, and on warm pleasant days, their fragrance will catch the air. These have been combined with modern shrub roses, and well known hybrid varieties, all selected for their vigour, fragrance and disease resistance, and combined with a second flush later in the season, you are assured of seeing roses at any time during their flowering period. What is also appealing is that the roses are mixed with other shrubs and perennials which of course helps to provide interest all over the seasons, and you will note Catmint, Peonies, Lilies early in the season, then Buddleia, Meadow Rue and Anemonies give a late season colour. PHOTO SEVEN As you gaze back to the house on the south of the house, the House has three gabled bays, the far right gable has the date of the house on it, 1897, and you can see the family coat of arms. Between these gabled bays, the first and attic floors are timber framed with gabled dormers, and you will see the colonnade with a balustrade above, which adds the appeal to this interesting Mansion. Also worthy of taking a look at are the original lead drain pipes and rainwater heads with Royal cipher and Crowns. PHOTO EIGHT From these windows you can gaze across the gardens, over the lawn, with wonderful distant views of scenic countryside. This makes a wonderful backdrop for any wedding or special events that you may wish to hold here. PHOTOS NINE and TEN A large patio with rattan furniture makes an ideal sitting area while enjoying a cool glass of your favourite tipple, while admiring the hard work that has been taken to make these gardens an attraction in their own right. PHOTO ELEVEN The side door will take you back into the house, but there is a small step unfortunately, so you may need to go back to the main entrance. PHOTOS TWELVE to FOURTEEN Settle back now at the bar, and enjoy lunch. The sandwiches are delightful, complimented with a good portion of fries and a salad side, washed down with a cool drink, well recommended. PHOTO FIFTEEN While Dennis completes lunch with a G and T, we will continue with our history lesson for you, from the time the BBC bought Wood Norton Hall. PHOTO SIXTEEN At that time, the main drive would have been taken by entering the estate through the old gates, winding around then and up to the main house. The position of the house, hidden within acres of woodland on a hill made it ideal for its use of relocating the BBC’s operations as a broadcasting centre. A number of buildings were erected and a dozen studios were built, so that by 1940, Wood Norton was one of the largest broadcasting centres in Europe. Recruiting many refugees from all over Europe during the Second World War, it specialised in broadcasting the special operations to groups around Europe by sending secret messages encrypted via its facilities here, so that fromm1939 until 1943 it was the home of the BBC’s Monitoring service. The estate then became the BBC’s main broadcasting centre, and after the war, Wood Norton became the BBC Engineering Training Department. In March 2013 the BBC constructed the Satellite Earth Station here. For our younger readers, they may be interested to note that Wood Norton was used for some of the filming of DOCTOR WHO in 1970, as part of the serial Spearhead from Space. Then during 1974, the location was again used for DOCTOR WHO in its serial Robot. WE NOW RECOMMEND READING OUR THIRD REVIEW Which will help if you would like to enjoy a short overnight break here at Wood Norton.

Transport & Parking

It’s a pleasant if a short drive from Evesham, with disabled bays right outside the main front entrance of the Hall.

Access

Almost all of the Hall and gardens can be seen along level pathways and corridors within the house. There is a lift available as well, and there are plenty of nooks and crannies for sitting and relaxing.

Toilets

This is on the ground floor, and large enough to take almost all chairs. It has grab rails to.

Staff

All were very pleasant and helpful, you will be well supported.

Photos