Elton Hall

Elton Hall owes its origin to a Proby who, like the first Lord Burghley, made himself useful to Queen Elizabeth I. The house is therefore mostly Elizabethan with major 19th century additions.

It is very much lived in and has not been attacked by museumitis which is  elsewhere  reaching  epidemic  proportions.  Elton’s  library  is  of world class and includes Henry VIII’s prayer book, autographed by the monarch and two of his wives.

Amongst a number of beautiful things, you could not possibly miss a Millais (19c) portrait of a little girl which is to my mind one of the most attractive Victorian portraits anywhere.

The gardens you see today are largely the work of Lady Meredith Proby, who spent many years re-designing and re-planting them.

Private parties by appointment between May – August.

Bosworth Garden Centre (01832) 343104 in the grounds of Elton Hall, is worth visiting.