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A brief history of Hawkesyard Estate Hawkesyard Hall and Estate is a handsome gothic mansion set in a peaceful, romantic Staffordshire setting. Close to Lichfield and Rugeley Hawkesyard Estate sits on the edge of Cannock Chase, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Dating back to the 14th century the original Hawkesyard Hall lay a quarter of a mile away from its present location and was residence to the Rugeley family for almost 300 years. The most probable derivation of the name ‘Hawkesyard’ seems to be ‘the enclosure of the Hawk’. Built in 1760 by Nathaniel Lister Esq the present Hall was erected upon the same estate and used as a hunting seat for the Lister family. During this time the Hall was referred to as ‘Armitage Park’ yet the name reverted back to ‘Hawkesyard Park’ later in 1859. In 1838 Mrs Spode, the widowed mother of Josiah IV, part of the famous Staffordshire family of potters, purchased the Hall and made extensive alterations. Mrs Spode pulled down and rebuilt the whole south-west front wing in a more loftier style using stone in place of the original red brick. Further alterations were made with the addition of four more rooms to the north and later a billiard room to the south-east side which was reputed to be a birthday present for her son Josiah.
The Dominicans occupied the site until the late 1980’s and a short while later the hall became derelict until it was purchased by the current owners in 1998. Taking references and photographs from Shugborough Hall the owners set about restoring the Grade 2 listed building and surrounding land to its former glory. Today, a variety of established trees, rhododendrons and shrubbery still exist as well as manicured lawns and winding walks. The Hall with its stunning exterior, grand interior and impressive surroundings make Hawkesyard a wonderful place to explore as well as forming the perfect backdrop for your very special day.
Josiah, being a keen gardener, left a lasting impression on the grounds. Magnificent gardens were further developed diversified by undulations and hollows, together with terraces, romantic ravines and lovely glades. A sunken garden was created cut out of the sites natural sandstone and Josiah even commissioned tunnels from the site to keep local miners in work during a time of unemployment. During the Spode occupancy the Hall was known as Spode House and Josiah went on to be appointed high Sheriff of Staffordshire in 1850. On the death of Josiah in 1893 the property was entrusted to his niece Helen Gulson. Josiah had then wished the estate to be passed to the English Dominicans upon her death. Miss Gulson however, immediately handed over the property to the Dominicans and moved into a cottage within the estate instead. The Dominican Friars took possession in 1894 and by 1898 Miss Gulson compounded her generosity by completing the first wing of what would become a Priory and Church for the Dominicans. The spot in which the high alter of the church was placed was an area in which Miss Gulson herself had experienced an apparition of ‘our Lord in all his glory’.
Creating memories that will last forever Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. If you want to experience a fairy-tale wedding – in which your dreams come true and your memories will be treasured forever – then you need the perfect surroundings. In such a place, every last detail, each finishing touch will add to the magic and mystery of this longed for occasion.
Welcome to Hawkesyard Estate, you have found your perfect venue.
Civil Ceremony Licenced for civil ceremonies our Lister Suite can accommodate up to 80 people. Transport your guests to an age of elegance in our stunning ceremony room beatifically decorated with its high ceiling, chandeliers, fireplace and hardwood floor. Watch your loved one’s eyes light up as the large oak door opens to re-unite you both after stepping the red carpet aisle past friends and family. Your guests will watch with anticipation as you make your vows to each other, perfectly framed by our period bay windows overlooking our flourishing gardens and mesmerising fountain. You will now and forever be a further page in our long history.
Wedding Breakfasts As we announce you into your wedding breakfast be assured that all of your finishing touches are presented to your individual style and taste. Enjoy a banquet with up to 120 of your closest friends and family whilst the wine pours and the laughter flows. Choose from an extensive range of mouth watering options to build your own menu. Something already in mind? let us know! we always do our very best to accommodate your vision.
Evening Reception Dance the night away with our resident DJ whilst enjoying a drink from your very own private bar boasting a full range of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks. Treat your grateful guests to a hog roast, barbecue or one of our finger buffet menus fuel to keep the party going. As the music ends and you say your goodbyes, reflect over what has accumulated into your perfect day.
Unique & Plentiful Photo Opportunities Our stunning Hall & grounds are the perfect backdrop for your special day. With almost limitless opportunities to capture treasured memories, the popularity of the venue continues to grow from strength to strength.
A favourite amongst local photographers, the estate boasts beautifully manicured gardens featuring established trees and shrubbery. An enchanting bridal walkway, fountain and sculptural statues allow at each turn a new discovery and a new adventure. Whilst you are enjoying photos your guests will be well attended to in our unique and ornate orangery garden bar. The intricate cast iron and glass structure, which is positioned pride of place in our gardens, never fails to impress a visitor and offers shelter to those who require it. Internal areas of the Hall are also popular, a favourite of which is our southern entrance and hallway. With a tiled floor and sweeping staircase it makes the perfect set for those more intimate shots as well as being a great platform for your photographer to capture aerial views. For a day as special as yours treasured memories last forever.
And so to bed‌ After a full day of romance and memories, it’s time to retire to bed. You are assured of a perfect nights sleep in our lavish Bridal Suite tucked away in Hawkesyard Hall. Wake up to a hearty breakfast, the perfect end to the perfect wedding. Additional guest accomodation available.
Countdown To YourWedding Day 12- 18 months to go: Decide the date of your wedding and make a provisional booking with one of our friendly team members Check availability of the Registrar Confirm your booking with deposit Book photographer and/or videographer Book cars or any other transport Order invitations and stationary Decide on bridesmaids, best man and ushers to help you plan your special day Order wedding cake Book your DJ or Band if not included
Six months to go: Register for your gift lists Choose your wedding dress and accessories Choose bridesmaids dresses Once you have decided on the theme and colour, it’s time to pick your flowers for both your bouquet and the reception The bridegroom traditionally arranges hire of suits for best man, ushers and fathers
Two to Four months to go: Send out your invitations Choose your wedding rings Make your appointment to confirm details of menus and drink packages
Six weeks to go: Confirm all travel arrangements and hotel bookings Choose presents for bridesmaids Choose favours and gifts for guests who have helped Amend guest list using invitation replies Make hairdressers and beauty salon appointments
Four weeks before: Confirm final number of guests Finalise table plan Meet with venue for final meeting Give florist total number of button holes, number of table centres and delivery addresses Confirm details with photographer, car hire etc. Write thank you letters for presents as they arrive and make note of who sent what for future reference Final fittings for wedding dress
One week before: Practise hair and makeup Meet with best man, bridesmaids and ushers to finalise arrangements
On the Day: Relax and enjoy one of the most memorable days of your life!
Make My Wedding Special
Whatever you need and want to create your fairy tale day, we are more than happy to design just for you. From Wedding Stationery to Venue Styling and everything in between. As Best Loved Wedding Planners in The UK 2013 and 2014, which is testament to our unrivalled quality and service, you can rest assured that your day will be perfect. All of our wedding stationery is made completely by hand to a bespoke design that has been created for each of our special couples and the theme of this stationery is then carried through to your room design. Our studio is inside the stunning Hawkesyard Hall and we are their chosen Venue Stylers, please come along to see us there.
A full list of our services is available on our website: www.makemyweddingspecial.co.uk Tel: 07780 68574 Email: makemyweddingspecial@gmail.com The Terrace Suite, Hawkesyard Hall
LucyAl
BRIDA
Simply Beautiful Weddin
Units 1 and 2 | The Maltings | W Email: lucyalexander Telephone: 0 www.lucyalexan
lexander
AL
BOUTIQUE
ngs Gowns and Accessories
Water Street | Stafford | ST16 2AG rbridal@gmail.com 01785 211173 nderbridal.co.uk
Yours Only
~COUTURE DRESSMAKER~ l Hand-finished
garments, individually fitted for all sizes l Bespoke couture dresses and a clothing alteration service l Established 1990, based in Dosthill, Tamworth, Staffordshire (easily accessible from Birmingham and Lichfield) l Bridal outfits including wedding dresses and evening gowns l Bridesmaids dresses, page boys outfits l Mother of the bride & groom outfits l For men, waistcoats & cravats to complement the ladies’ outfits l Choice of fabrics, including pure silks l Unique embroidery and hand-beading detail l Evening appointments available, comfortable informal atmosphere l Personal and friendly service for all customers l Trained alteration hand and fitter, with over 45 years experience l Sample dresses and photographs are available to view on request
Tel: 01827 709948 | Mob: 07757 968569 Web: www.yoursonly.co.uk | Email: mgyoursonly@hotmail.co.uk
We work with our wedding clients starting with a consultation discussing initial ideas to helping finalise the design and arranging a viewing. All of our designs can be personalised to your colour scheme and style.
Amerton Farm and Craft Centre, Stowe-by-Chartley, Staffordshire ST18 0LA Tel: 01889 270606 Email: info@amertoncakes.co.uk www.amertoncakes.co.uk
Dream Bridal Hair ~~~~~~ Award Winning Wedding Hair Specialist ~~~~~~
Hair specialist with a passion for making Brides look absolutely stunning. For any enquiries or to make an appointment contact us by:
Tel: 07891 649190 Email: gemmaneville123@gmail.com Website: www.dream-bridal-hair.co.uk
Your wedding day is a special day so everything should be perfect
I aim to create your perfect wedding look. Qualified Pro Artist to some of the leading make-up brands. I look forward to hearing from you
Tel no: 07826 542 676 Email: helenpearsonmua@hotmail.com Website: www.helenpearsonmua.com Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/ HelenPearsonMUA?ref=bookmark
HIRE A PHOTO BOOTH FOR YOUR WEDDING!
We can set the photo booth to print two copies of each photo, so your guests can take one home, putting the second copy into your guest book along with their message. We’ll bring along everything that’s needed and soon enough your guests will be crowded around the funbooth. As always our friendly funbooth attendant will be on hand to help. Funbooths Photo Booth is a perfect addition to any event! Whether you’re planning a wedding, a birthday celebration, a school prom or a ball, hiring a funbooth photo booth is sure to be a hit!!
0 7 9 6 1 8 1 4 1 0 8 or info@funbooths.co.uk
Call Michelle on: Send an email to:
www.funbooths.co.uk
M a ke you r weddi ng me mora ble
U niqu ely bea utifu l creation s VaVa Blooms specialise in innovative floral designs, designing bespoke individual creations for any special occasion. At VaVa Blooms we give every client a unique personal dedicated service. VaVa Blooms director Lucy Bullmore has over 10 years’ experience in the floral industry, she trained at Rodbaston College and also went onto to extend her training at the prestigious Covent Garden Academy of Flowers London. Lucy is an immensely talented floral designer who has love and real understanding of all things floral, her passion for what she does is evident in the work she produces. Lucy’s artistic flare shines through into her attention to detail and passion for the simplest of flowers. Choose VaVa Blooms for your floral needs and you will not be disappointed in the one to one personal service Lucy will provide for you, choose to have your consultations in the comfort of your own home and also a venue consultation to get a vision of your perfect day. VaVa Blooms source all their flowers direct from Holland so you can be absolutely certain all the flowers are fresh and of the highest quality. Please note dates book very quickly so an early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.
www.vava blooms.com - info@vava blooms.com
M o b: 07772 954029 Te l: 01785 249717
Your wedding day is the most important day of your life. With the unforgettable emotion and unique unscripted moments, it should be captured to treasure forever. Choosing and trusting an experienced photographer who is skilful yet sensitive and adaptable to your needs is essential. Jon Thorne offers an unobtrusive and friendly service producing visually beautiful, contemporary and stylish results.
07734 459 708 jon@thornephotography.com www.thorneweddingphotography.co.uk Jon Thorne is a member of SWPP and BPPA. Š Copyright jon thorne photography 2011. In accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
Platinum From
breath taking fireworks to add a touch of class to your wedding day
FREEPHONE: 0800 118 2921
enquiries@fireworkdisplay.co.uk www.fireworkdisplay.co.uk
A Little Bit of Blighty Ltd Wedding & event decor services!
We are a design led company that pride ourselves in creating a unique day no matter how big or small. With a reputation for creating distinctive & unique weddings we can supply a full wedding design service to chair cover hire, centre pieces, table plans, handmade stationary and more‌ Also, specialising in vintage hire & occasions. We can create a perfect occasion reminiscent of days gone by with vintage china, props, bunting, decorations, candy buffet, or to create a magical atmosphere with our vinyls of old played on a retro turntable. All this and so much more will turn your event into a whimsical wonder.!
Telephone: 01543 579477 Email: clare@alittlebitofblighty.co.uk Face Book: A Little Bit Of Blighty Ltd www.alittlebitofblighty.co.uk 10 Meriden House, Mill Street, Cannock, WS11 0DL
Thank you to Barry James Photography & Redlock Photography for providing some images
Hawkesyard Estate Armitage Park Nr. Lichfield Staffordshire WS15 1PU 01543 491911 info@hawkesyardestate.com www.hawkesyardestate.com