Description

GREAT PACKINGTON PACKINGTON PARK
SP28SW
8/63
Packington Hall
11/11/52 (Formerly listed as Packington
Hall and Stable block)
GV II*
Mansion house. Late C17 origin, but remodelled and recased 1766 by Matthew
Brettingham for 3rd Earl of Aylesford. Henry Couchman was the clerk of works. He
completed the work externally c.1772. Interiors of 1782 are by Joseph Bonomi for
4th Earl. Ceiling paintings executed c.1800 by J.F. Rigaud. Other artists and
craftsmen who worked here include Dominic Bartoli (scagliola work) and Joseph
Rose and Mr. Cryer (plasterers). Grey sandstone ashlar. Roof plan of 4 ranges
with central flat. The centre part of the roof was rebuilt c.1980 following a
fire in 1979 which damaged the attic storey and parts of the lower storeys.
Symmetrically disposed ashlar chimney stacks with entablatures. Main block has
central hall with flanking principal rooms and gallery at south-west end. The
service range is to the north end. 2 storeys and attic. Principal front to the
south-east in nine bays with rusticated ground storey. Slightly projecting 3-bay
centre with upper giant pilasters and pediment. Doorway approached by flight of
4 stone steps. Portal of 2 Ionic pillars and 2 Ionic columns. Raised and fielded
panelled doors. Raised surrounds to 12-pane hung sashes, except for those at
attic storey which are of 6-panes. The first floor windows have pulvinated
friezes and cornices. End bays project slightly and first floor windows are
balustraded. West front. The centre has attached giant unfluted Ionic columns,
originally with a loggia behind them. End bays have windows with similar raised
surrounds and console brackets as those on the east front. Above each is a blank
panel with a garland. Interior: From 1782 Joseph Bonomi worked on the interior
of Packington Hall for 4th Earl of Aylesford. The ceiling paintings were
executed by J.F. Rigaud, c.1800. The hall, music room, staircase, Pompeian room,
dining room, library and small dining room all have schemes designed by Bonomi.
The music room originally housed an organ, now in the church, which was used by
Handel. The Pompeian room was intended as a sculpture gallery but was remodelled
by Bonomi as a setting for the Etruscan vases collected by the 4th Earl. The
main staircase has recently been restored (1986). The dome to the secondary
staircase has been removed following the fire of 1979. Bookcases are by Henry
Hakewill, 1828, (M. Binney: Country Life, CXLVIII, p 102,266; Buildings of
England: Marwickshirei p298; VCH: Warwickshire, Vol IV)

Listing NGR: SP2227683820

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Packington Hall at Wikipedia
• Wikidata Q7123030

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Harrow on the Hill: A photographic portrayal of listed buildings and structures (Historic Buildings Picture Guides)
• 
  Bedfordshire, Huntingdonshire, and Peterborough (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  England's Post-War Listed Buildings
• 
  For the Record
• 
  Hertfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Gwent/Monmouthshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Wales)