Alfreton Hall, nestled in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, is hidden behind trees on 92 acres of parkland, and has a chequered history of which many people living locally are unaware.

It was refurbished in 2006 and since then has since built a reputation for being a beautiful Georgian venue for weddings, funerals and events.

Whilst the Alfreton estate is soaked in history which dates back to Norman times, the original Hall was built between 1724-25 by Rowland Morewood. An additional wing was added to the property, more than a century later, in 1855 by his descendent, William Palmer-Morewood. The Morewood family, who were linked to local coal mining industry, owned the estate throughout the 17th Century.

Adela Palmer-Morewood, born in 1848, was the daughter of William Palmer-Morewood and in 1867 she married George Algernon Beynon Disney Hacket, who was born in Africa about 1845. The couple appear on several censuses and went on to play significant roles in the British aristocracy.

The building and surrounding parkland was acquired by Derbyshire County Council in May 1963 for £28,500 but less than a year later, in February 1964, the Hall and 4 acres of the land were sold on to Alfreton Urban District Council for £5,000 with the intention of providing people in the area with a swimming pool and leisure facility.

But, by 1968 most of the Hall, weakened by mining subsidence, was beginning to crumble. Eventually a large part of the building was demolished apart from the 1855 extension which was protected by having Grade ll listed building status. This section, which is now the Alfreton Hall of today, was then converted into an arts and adult education centre and the disused land surrounding it became part of an attractive public park, which continues to be used for sport, leisure, and education.

Alfreton Hall was finally sold, in 2006, by the county council to Genesis Social Enterprise, a local charity organisation, which then fully restored it to its former grandeur.

Today Alfreton Hall is a country wedding and events venue, which prides itself on being the only building of its kind in the town. Josh Holmes, Alfreton Hall’s general manager, says the building is completely unique in that it is surrounded by beautiful parkland and is just a stone’s throw away from the Peak District.

Josh got married at the Hall himself back when it was newly opened and, speaking from experience, he thinks the building is a wonderfully historic venue that provides a charm and setting that few others can offer.

Wedding packages start at around £4,000 and are entirely bespoke with the Hall offering various options for couples to tailor their day around their wishes. (Prices as of 2022)

“We are proud of the Hall’s rich history and are keen for more people to know about this idyllic stately home,” said Mr Holmes.

The Hall can be found on Church Street, behind the Alfreton Leisure Centre and set in the grounds of Alfreton Park. It is also a 5-minute drive from Amber Valley Memorial Park and Crematorium, which opened in 2015, making it a perfect location for funerals also.

More information on Alfreton Hall and contact details can be found at here.