History
The full history of the Elvaston Estate can be traced back to the 11th Century and earlier. It's thought that the some members of the family were involved in the infamous Hell Fire Club. In the 'Boudoir' there are stairs up to the Valet's Quarters - it's also speculated that this may have been a handy way for the masters of the house to sneak up to the servant's quarters. The Anselin family were lords of the manor then the Bardolphs before it was granted to Sir Walter Blount in 1420. The estate then passed through several families until it came into the hands of the Stanhope family. John Stanhope of Elvaston and Shelford was knighted in 1603. He died in 1610 and his elaborate tomb can still be seen at Elvaston Church. During the Civil War Sir John Gell led his troops of roundheads against Elvaston, they ransacked the manor and stormed the church, thrusting swords into the family coffins. Although Sir John's tomb was restored it still shows some of the original damage as does the wall of the church where you can still see the marks left by Musket balls.
Charles Stanhope, the 3rd Earl was a popular man and known as quite a character. He carried out the work on the house making it the house we see today, including adding the gothic facades, a new Great Hall to the west and a new wing to the North West. Charles's eldest son, The Fourth Earl of Harrington, Viscount Petersham inherited the title and estate in 1829 when he was nearly 50. He was renowned for his stylish dress, he was tall and handsome and was well known for his charming personality and way with the ladies. He married in 1831, Maria Foote, a Covent Garden actress 17 years younger than him. Their affair had caused a lot of gossip in London and Derbyshire and was frowned upon by the previous Earl and other members of the family. The couple moved into Elvaston shortly after their wedding. After this the Earl wouldn't let Maria out of the grounds or let visitors in - so strong was his love and obsession for his wife. He set about creating a beautiful oasis for himself and his wife, as a 'shrine to their undying passion', he employed the William Barron to design and create the amazing gardens. Leicester Stanhope succeeded his brother as 5th Earl followed in the family tradition and went into the army and political life. In 1823 he went to Missolonghi in Greece. Lord Byron joined him but they didn't get on. Even so, after Byron's death, it was Leicester who brought his body and papers back to England. Leicester died in 1862 and was succeeded by his 16 year old son, Seymour, who only survived for 4 more years. The title then passed to his cousin Charles (the son of Fitzroy Stanhope) who was in his late 50's. He was addicted to playing and making violins.
Paranormal Activity
The 9th Earl, Dudley Stanhope was known as 'Old Whiskers' because of his busy white beard. He was a popular man and was once described as 'the best loved man in the Midlands'. He loved horses and when he died he left instructions in his will that his hounds were to hunt on the first suitable day after his death. When they were let out they ran straight to the tree (directly next to the Earl's grave) and refused to leave. The hunt was called off. The ghost of a white/grey lady has frequently been seen looking through a window, rocking as if sitting on a rocking chair. A scullery maid has been seen in various rooms of the castle, particularly in the kitchen - she allegedly became pregnant by a friend of the Earl of Harrington and committed suicide. What sounded like raindrops have been heard in the kitchen, though no water was falling at the time. The ghost of a man has been seen in the upper floor atrium. He's thought to be Jim Booth, the old gamekeeper.
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