6505 x 3511 px | 55,1 x 29,7 cm | 21,7 x 11,7 inches | 300dpi
Data acquisizione:
9 agosto 2022
Ubicazione:
Walton Hall, Walton Gardens Warrington, with original clock tower, Cheshire, England, United Kingdom
Altre informazioni:
Thomas Greenall established what was to be the family business, Wilderspool brewery in 1762. It was a highly successful venture. So successful that Thomas’ son, Edward was able to purchase Walton Estate in 1814. And by the 1830s, Edward had succeeded in building Walton Hall. However, it wasn’t until 1910 and 1930 that Lord and Lady Daresbury opened the estate to the public. By that time Walton’s spectacular gardens were the main attraction on open days. Unfortunately, Edward didn’t have long to enjoy the estate before his death in 1835. It was his son Gilbert who made Walton the Greenall family home and country estate. As well as controlling the family brewing business, Gilbert also held political and social aspirations. By the time of his retirement, Gilbert had served Warrington as Conservative Member of Parliament for over 30 years! Such was his influence and standing in the local community that Gilbert was granted a peerage in 1927. ‘Sir’ Gilbert spent his life establishing Walton Estate, including the extension of the hall in the 1870s. It was during this renovation that the now-iconic clock tower was built. However, it was Sir Gilbert’s son (also Gilbert), who transformed the estate. More commonly known as Lord Daresbury, he made the estate into a model of agricultural excellence. Such was his success that the gardens would attract up to 45, 000 people during open days and in particular for The Walton Show. At the height of Lord Daresbury’s wealth, he had bought up to 7, 000 acres of land around Walton Hall, and financed local buildings such as St John the Evangelist Church in Walton Village
