Sawston Village History Society

Sawston Hall Now Under New Management

The proposals for the sympathetic restoration and redevelopment of the Sawston Hall, outlined in the June/ July Sawston Scene have been welcomed by the SVHS. Some SVHS members recently met the new owner, Adrian Critchlow who enthusiastically outlined his plans over a glass of wine in the now sadly bare Great Hall. His plans include the restoration of the main stair case and removal of some unsympathetic mezzanine flooring as well as carrying out some extensive external restoration. He intends to demolish the present restaurant, exposing the stable walls behind, and build new restaurant at right angles to it overlooking the restored gardens. This will be open to the public and, he assured us, will not cost too many arms and legs. He also intends that the restored Hall will have public access areas. There will be a swimming pool, partly open air in the presently undeveloped SW part of the grounds, again open to the public. When completed, it will have accommodation for 80 people, and with 60 staff, preferably form local people. Adrian also stressed that he intends the redeveloped Hall to be run on completely environmentally- friendly lines, with electricity generated from vegetable oils.
Hopefully, the important tapestries, various coats of arms, the famous 4 poster bed bed which Princess Mary was reputed to have slept in in July 1553, amongst other items which have gone missing, will be quickly returned to the Hall, where they rightly belong.
Adrian would also greatly appreciate any Sawston Hall photos, articles, plans, pictures, etc for copying before returning to their owners.
There are a number of redundant modern tables and desks which can be made available to people who are able to collect them from the Hall.
For further information, look at the current Sawston Scene, available from Skivers in the High Street, or contact the Hall on: 01223 832 888