Blyth Hall
The estate was purchased in 1625 by Sir William Dugdale, a prominent antiquarian, who shortly thereafter built a new house on the site. In 1690–1700, the house was substantially enlarged and improved with a twelve-bay brick façade with two storeys and additional upper dormers.
In the 18th century, Jane Dugdale, sole heiress of Blyth, married Richard Geast of Handsworth. Their son, also Richard Geast, married Penelope Stratford, heiress of neighbouring Merivale Hall in 1767. He inherited Blyth from his maternal uncle John Dugdale and changed his name to Dugdale in 1799. Later Dugdales became the Dugdale baronets of Blyth and Merevale.
In May 2024, William Dugdale, the 12th-generation owner, announced that he was opening the hall for events, conferences, and tours in order to fund its upkeep. The hall can accommodate up to 30 people in 13 bedrooms.
References
- ^ Dawkins, Andrew; Williams, Richard (7 May 2024). "Family opening 17th Century stately home to public". BBC. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- Warwickshire Museum Timetrail
- Burkes Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry (Bernard Burke)