History of Welbeck Manor
The early years
The Estate has been researched back to 1493 in the reign of Henry VII. A sale of a lease was recorded by the owner John Crokker for the consideration of £10 per year and 6d.
The next recorded selling of the estate was on 15th October in 1557 in the reign of Queen Mary and her consort Philipp of Spain, the estate was sold be John Crokker to John Hele, a Yeoman farmer for the consideration of £120 and to include the tenant paying a penny fee.
On the 24th September 1569 the estate was sold again to Mr John Pollexfen.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel buys Welbeck Manor
 During the Eighteenth century the lease was sold many times and bought by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1840 the estate. Isambard put his stamp on the estate by building a Manor house, 2 cottages, a gate house and a coach house.
The estate was named Blacklands, no doubt due to the black peat soil. It was made up of orchards, gardens, including a large walled garden, far buildings and a coachouse with groom and coachmans accommodation over.
The house itself was used by Isambard as his home during the development of projects which he worked upon in the local area. Although Isambard did not live at Welbeck Manor his parents, wife and children resided at the estate the most as well as their home in St James Park, London.The design of Welbeck Manor is very similar to Welingford Station which was opened in 1840 and details of Brunel’s drawings, maps and reference to the sale of the brought are held by the current owners “The Price Family”.
Design features of Welbeck Manor
The ceiling work in the hall, bar, lounge and dining room shows typical designs of plasterwork by Isambard Kingdom. Welbeck Manor’s staircase and landing houses are more examples design features from Isambard Kingdon Brunel. As well as the fireplaces featured throughout the building.
The main staircase shows a little of the filigree ironwork which is used all over the house.
Isambard Kingdom Brunell sold Welbeck Manor to Judge William Braddon who mainly lived in the East Indies. The 1851 census should that Judge William’s daughter where residing at Welbeck Manor Maria and Annie, along with cooks, housemaids, a butler and coachmen.
Long term ownership
Yet again in 1861 the Welbeck Manor estate was sold again this time to the Conran family for £6000. The estate remained in the Conran’s family for almost 100 years. The crest of the family can be seen in the dining room. |
