Dating back to around 1840, probably built on the site of the old manor house, Witherley Hall has a fascinating history and has been built in 3 main periods. There is a Regency section, a substantial ballroom wing and the main body of the house which is Victorian with Tudor and Gothic architectural influences. Witherley Hall was formerly the Rectory in 1886 when the then owner, Stanes Brocket Henry Chamberlayne moved in and renamed it the Hall. A number of extensions were added including the ballroom which was 'opened' by Queen Victoria's harpist in 1900. In 1940 the Hall was requisitioned by the army for use in the Second World War. It accommodated Dunkirk evacuees and the Liverpool Scottish Regiment. Nissen huts were erected on the back lawn and in 1943 the Royal Pioneer Corps came to Witherley Hall to guard prisoners of war.
The current Hall has (according to sales information released in 2008 when it was put on the market for 1.4 million pounds) 7 bedrooms, 5 reception rooms, 3 bathrooms, garage, a water range and fishing access. The grounds cover over 3 acres and go down to the River Anker. There is an ornamental lake, and many fine trees, including two Cedars of Lebanon and a maidenhair tree. In the grounds also there is an ice house, one of only two in Leicester- shire. This is an underground pit, into which in days gone by servants would, in winter, pack lumps of ice brought from the lake or elsewhere. Packed with straw it could be kept for up to two years before being used for refrigeration of food in the house.
The current Hall has (according to sales information released in 2008 when it was put on the market for 1.4 million pounds) 7 bedrooms, 5 reception rooms, 3 bathrooms, garage, a water range and fishing access. The grounds cover over 3 acres and go down to the River Anker. There is an ornamental lake, and many fine trees, including two Cedars of Lebanon and a maidenhair tree. In the grounds also there is an ice house, one of only two in Leicester- shire. This is an underground pit, into which in days gone by servants would, in winter, pack lumps of ice brought from the lake or elsewhere. Packed with straw it could be kept for up to two years before being used for refrigeration of food in the house.
