Welcome to the News page of Southwick Hall. Here we share updates, stories, and discoveries relating to the Hall, the village, and the surrounding countryside. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-standing friend of the Hall, this is the place to keep in touch with what is happening.
A Season of Restoration
This year has seen a fresh round of careful restoration at Southwick Hall. Following months of planning and consultation with conservation experts, work has begun on the stonework of the east wing. Over the centuries, weathering and natural wear had taken their toll, leaving some of the limestone surfaces pitted and fragile. Skilled masons have been brought in to clean, repair, and, where absolutely necessary, replace sections of stone.
Visitors often remark on the character of the Hall’s exterior, with its blend of medieval and Victorian features. The aim of the current project is to secure the building for generations to come, while ensuring that none of its unique patina is lost. Restoration is never a process of making something “new”; rather, it is about protecting what already exists and respecting the story told in every wall, window, and roof tile.
Community Connections
Southwick Hall has always been closely linked with the life of the village. In recent months, several local groups have used the grounds for gatherings, from history walks to school nature studies. The Hall’s gardens, though modest, are a valuable resource for teaching about biodiversity. This summer, children from the local primary school took part in a project to record butterflies and other insects in the meadow areas. Their findings are now being shared with Northamptonshire’s wildlife records centre.
We are delighted to see the Hall continuing to serve as more than just a historic building. It is also a living part of the community, offering space for learning, reflection, and enjoyment.
New Research Unearthed
The story of Southwick Hall is still being pieced together. This spring, one of our volunteers uncovered a fascinating set of documents in the county archives. These included letters written by members of the Lynn family in the seventeenth century, some of which mention improvements made to the Hall and its gardens.
Of particular interest is a reference to an orchard planted “upon the south aspect of ye house.” While no trace of this orchard survives today, it provides a glimpse into the everyday life of the Hall’s residents and their connection to the land around them. Plans are now being discussed to create a small heritage orchard within the grounds, echoing this historic feature. Visitors in future years may be able to taste traditional apple varieties that once grew in Southwick centuries ago.
Looking Ahead: Events and Open Days
Although Southwick Hall remains a private home, we are pleased to offer opportunities for the public to explore its history. Several open days are scheduled for the coming months, when visitors will be able to tour the principal rooms and enjoy guided walks of the grounds. These events also provide a chance to hear short talks by local historians, who bring the centuries-old story of the Hall to life.
Details of dates, times, and ticket arrangements will be announced here and on our social media channels. We encourage you to check back regularly so you do not miss out. Numbers are usually limited, as we aim to keep the experience personal and comfortable for all who attend.
Supporting the Hall
Maintaining a Grade I listed property is no small undertaking. Every donation, however modest, helps us to continue the work of conservation. Contributions go directly towards essential upkeep — from repairing stonework and preserving timber beams to ensuring that the archives are properly cared for. If you would like to support Southwick Hall, details of how to contribute will be published here shortly.
We are also grateful for the efforts of volunteers, who give their time to help with research, visitor welcome, and gardening. Their enthusiasm and knowledge make a real difference. Anyone interested in joining our volunteer team is warmly invited to get in touch.
Stay in Touch
This News page will be updated throughout the year with further stories, photographs, and announcements. We hope it will serve not only as a record of the Hall’s continuing journey but also as an invitation for you to be part of it.
Southwick Hall has stood for more than six hundred years, shaped by the hands and lives of those who came before us. By sharing updates here, we aim to honour that past while also looking to the future.
Thank you for visiting this page. We look forward to welcoming you — whether online, at an open day, or perhaps on a quiet walk through the village — to share in the unfolding story of Southwick Hall.