Historic table forms centrepiece of new conference centre
A 180-YEAR-OLD banqueting table owned by former Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel is the centrepiece of a £300,000 relaunch of conferencing and banqueting facilities at an historic West Midlands estate.
The 16-leafed oak antique was used as a banqueting table by the founder of the police force and is now pride of place as the main conference table for delegates at Hawkesyard Hall at Armitage, near Rugeley.
The Hall is part of Hawkesyard Estate, also home to St Thomas’s Priory Golf Club.
The ornately carved table, which dates from the 1820s, is thought to have been used by social leaders of the mid-1800s to discuss matters of state while dining at the Peel family home at Drayton Manor.
The relaunch of conference and banqueting facilities at Hawkesyard Estate includes the opening of the refurbished Orangery, which is set in the Hall’s picturesque gardens and dates back to the 1840s.
The estate also offers guests the use of sporting facilities at St Thomas’s Priory Golf Club, an 18-hole parkland course, alongside the Hall.
“The Sir Robert Peel table is a remarkable item for people to sit round for their meetings considering its history,” said Hugh Boyd, events and hospitality manager at Hawkesyard Estate.
“It must have seated some of the great social figures of the mid 1800s when they discussed the big issues of the day. We hope some of that magic rubs off on meetings here.”
“Hawkesyard Hall provides modern conferencing and dining facilities in a great historical setting which offers a real note of distinction to any business meeting or event and is a sought after wedding venue,” he added.
The Orangery, next to the main hall, was originally used by monks at the neighbouring St Thomas’s Priory to grow and dry exotic fruits, and dates back to the first half of the 19th Century.
The year-long renovation programme saw the restoration of the building’s cast-iron frame and the large glass panels in the roof and along one wall, converting the near 170-year old conservatory into a seating area for wedding guests. It also features ornate iron grills in the stone floor covering the air vents originally used to feed in warm air to cultivate the fruit.
“The orangery is yet another unique facility for guests at Hawkesyard Hall to enjoy which combines a modern feel with the heritage of the estate,” said Mr Boyd.
“Hawkesyard Estate is now able to offer guests a great leisure package by combining the conference facilities at the Hall with great golfing facilities and function venue at St Thomas’s Priory Golf Club.”
Picture Caption: Conferencing failities at Hawkesyard Hall with the banqueting table once owned by Sir Robert Peel taking pride of place.
