29.01.2025, 18:00 P.M.

Wednesday 29 January: “We bought back the family historic house”: talk by Rowena Colthurst on Pitchford Hall

Rowena Colthurst was still at university in 1992 when her mother had to sell the beloved family home, which had passed by descent for 500 years, together with most of the contents. A rescue attempt by the National Trust failed. Rowena vowed to buy it back one day and 8 years ago she and her husband, James Nason, were able to do so. In the meantime the house has been badly neglected. Rowena (from the Colthurst family of Blarney Castle) and James will tell us about the house’s fascinating history, and their heroic – and ongoing – restoration of the house to its former glory, including regaining contents sold in 1992. This is a special opportunity to hear about an important country house from the owners.

Pitchford Hall, in Shropshire, is the largest and one of the finest half-timbered ‘black-and-white’ houses in the country. Basically Tudor, there was later work by Devey. Apart from atmospheric interiors, there is a unique tree house, an orangery, and a good church in the grounds.

The talk is at Donald Insall Associates, 12 Devonshire Street, London W1G 7AB. Nearest tube Regents Park.

Doors open from 6pm and after a glass of wine the talk will be at 6.30pm.

Tickets: £15 (members), £20 (guests)

For booking inquiries please contact Robert Jennings: robertbpjennings@btinternet.com or 07740 460518

Payment by bank transfer to

Irish Georgian Society London

Metro Bank

Account 53833799

Sort code 23-05-80

Reference: 29 Jan and your surname

or

By cheque payable to

Irish Georgian Society London

and posted to:

Tim Buxton

19 Rowan Road

London W6 7DT