Ullenhall: A Glimpse into Warwickshire's Past

Ullenhall, a village nestled to the west of Henley-in-Arden, boasts a history as rich and varied as the well-wooded countryside that surrounds it. Established as a separate ecclesiastical parish in 1861, Ullenhall's narrative is interwoven with several historic manors, including Aspley, Forde Hall, and Mockley, each with its own lineage stretching back centuries. The heart of the village, known as Ullenhall Street, is a testament to its enduring past, with remnants of 17th-century timber-framing still visible in scattered dwellings, some still sporting traditional thatched roofs. The village hall, a more recent addition from 1935, stands as a focal point for the community, while the ancient church of St. Mary whispers tales of bygone eras.

Architectural Echoes of Centuries Past

The architectural landscape of Ullenhall offers a captivating journey through time. Hall End, a farmhouse located southeast of the old church, is a prime example of 17th-century craftsmanship, its L-shaped structure showcasing original timber framing and a tiled roof. Its central chimney stack, adorned with four diagonal shafts of thin bricks set saltirewise, is a distinctive feature. Further north, Botley Hill presents a late-16th-century facade, complete with a projecting upper story and a porch-wing. While much of its original studding remains, the interior has been largely modernised. The presence of a rectangular moat with water near Botley Hill hints at even older fortifications or residences.

The soil composition of Ullenhall, a blend of clay, gravel, and marl, with a keuper marl subsoil, has long dictated its agricultural output. While wheat, beans, and oats are now cultivated, the land was predominantly pasture before 1940. The ecclesiastical parish itself spans a considerable 2,933 acres, a landscape shaped by centuries of human endeavour and natural change.

Barrells Hall: A Literary and Architectural Hub

Barrells Hall, set within a beautifully wooded park, holds a significant place in Ullenhall's history, particularly during the mid-18th century. Purchased by Robert Knight, Lord Luxborough, in 1730, it became the residence of Lady Luxborough from 1739 to 1756. During her sojourn, apart from her husband, Barrells Hall transformed into a vibrant centre for a literary circle, attracting notable poets such as Shenstone, Somerville, Jago of Beaudesert, and Richard Graves. The hall's south front, featuring a stately portico, was likely constructed around 1770 by the Earl. Subsequent additions and alterations were carried out by the Newton family. Though it suffered damage by fire in 1933, Barrells Hall remains a significant landmark, its history intertwined with the cultural and social fabric of the region.

The Evolving Manorial Landscape

The manorial history of Ullenhall is a complex tapestry of ownership and descent, stretching back to the days of Edward the Confessor. Initially belonging to Waga, or Wagen, it was granted to Robert de Stafford at the Conquest. Ownership passed through various hands, including Roger, Earl of Warwick, and the de Montfort family. The attainder of Sir Simon Montfort saw the manor granted to Gerald, Earl of Kildare, and later reverting to the Crown. Queen Mary granted it to Michael Throgmorton in 1553, and it subsequently descended through his family to William Bolton. The manor's trajectory continued through the Bullock family, the Parkers, and the Smiths of Wootton Wawen, before coming into the possession of the Knights of Barrells. Robert Knight was lord in 1837, followed by the Newton family. Upon Hugh Goodwin Newton's death in 1924, the manor, along with the advowson of Ullenhall, was sold to the Church of England Trust.

Aspley's Manor: A Chronicle of Ownership

Aspley, first mentioned in 1221, has its own distinct manorial history. Initially held by Robert de Chaucumb, it was later held by Juliana de Chaucumb as part of the honor of Doyley. In 1231, the manor was divided between Robert de Chaucumb's daughters, Mabel and Milicent. The entire manor eventually came into the possession of Mabel, who married Roger de Somery. Her son, John de Somery, claimed manorial rights in 1284. The manor then returned to the Segrave family and was entailed by Sir John de Segrave in 1344. It passed through the Mowbray family, and by 1534, Thomas, Lord Berkeley, died seised of it. In 1620, the Fullwood family inherited a portion, with Grace Fullwood eventually acquiring the whole. She married Angel Grey, and their daughter Lora sold it to John Saunders in 1698. The Knights of Barrells later held possession, with Robert Knight being in possession in 1820. Sir Edward Joseph Smythe was lord in 1832, but by 1834, Robert Knight held it again. Like Ullenhall manor, Aspley manor eventually passed to the Church of England Trust.

Forde Hall: From Manor to Estate

Land in Aspley, granted by Sir John de Somery around 1275 to Roger de la Forde and Agatha, later became known as Forde Hall. It transitioned through various hands, including Nicholas Prylle, Henry de Bonnebury, and Robert Fouleshurst. During the time of Henry VIII, it came to John Fullwood through marriage. His descendants continued to hold it, with the third John Fullwood marrying Katherine Dabridgcourt. Their daughter Alice and her husband Sir George Fullwood acquired the entire manor in 1619. Alice later transferred it to Humphrey Fullwood, and it was later held by Edward Meynell and Anne his wife, along with Anne Fullwood. A moiety was transferred to Robert Hardisty in 1700. Robert Knight of Barrells was lord of the manor in 1837.

Botley and Mockley: Manors with Distinct Pasts

The manor of Botley has a history tied to the priory of Kenilworth, with lands granted to them by Robert de Stafford. The Malory family held the estate for generations, with John Malory being granted free warren in 1335. In 1443, John and Anketil Malory sold the manor to Richard Archer. John Archer held the manor at his death in 1519, and it descended through the Archer family. In 1792, the coheirs of the last Lord Archer held it, with Edward Bolton Clive and later Bolton King possessing it. By 1839, it was acquired by Robert Knight of Barrells.

The manor of Mockley, once belonging to the priory of Wootton Wawen, was granted by Henry V in 1418 to Rowland Lenthall and Margaret. It returned to the Crown and was subsequently granted to the Provost and Scholars of King's College, Cambridge, in 1443, with whom it has remained. Robert Knight of Barrells held a lease of the manor from 1811 to 1831.

Barrells: A Reputed Manor

The reputed manor of Barrells is first mentioned in 1681 as part of John Knight's possessions. Robert Knight purchased the 'manor and estate' in 1730 and was still holding it as Earl of Catherlough in 1769. It passed to his natural son, Robert Knight, and subsequently descended with the manor of Ullenhall.

The Parish Church of St. Mary: A Venerable Institution

The old church of St. Mary in Ullenhall is a structure of considerable historical and architectural interest. Originally consisting of a chancel, the nave was demolished in 1875–76, leaving the chancel to serve as a chapel. The chapel features a late-13th-century east window with intersecting tracery, and north and south windows of similar period. A 14th-century south window with trefoiled ogee-headed lights adds to its charm. The gabled east wall retains an old coping and a foiled gable-cross, with plain diagonal buttresses at the angles. The north wall boasts a chamfered plinth and a 15th-century buttress. The south wall has been partially rebuilt.

Inside, the chapel houses a 15th-century octagonal font and communion rails dated 1735, along with seating from the same period. 17th-century panelling adorns the south wall, and a carved high-back chair, likely from the late 17th century, is also present. The floor before the altarstep is laid with 15th-century encaustic tiles, some bearing heraldic patterns.

Monuments within the church include one to Francis Throckmorton, who died in 1617, and a stone panel above the east window displaying the arms of Knight of Barrells. An illegible inscription on a stone on the west wall outside is said to commemorate William Mortiboyes, who left money for the poor. Loose stones with 13th-century mouldings may have belonged to a door jamb. The bell, possibly from the Leicester foundry, dates from the late 16th or 17th century. The church also possesses a late-16th-century cup and cover paten.

The modern parish church of St. Mary, built in 1875, stands about five-eighths of a mile south-south-west of the old church. It features an apsidal chancel, transepts, nave, and aisles. The vestry contains an inscription to William Mortiboyes and Barbara Ingram, who also bequeathed funds for the needy.

Advowson and Charitable Endowments

Upon Ullenhall's separation as an ecclesiastical parish in 1861, the advowson vested in the Newton family of Barrells and subsequently descended with the manor of Ullenhall, now held by the Church of England Trust. Charitable provisions have played a role in supporting the village. The Chapel Lands, conveyed in 1683, provide for the repair of the chapel and local highways. Francis Brittain's 1774 will established a rent-charge for clothing for the poor. A scheme from 1906 directs the income from Chapel Lands towards the maintenance of the parish church and mortuary chapel, with a portion allocated for highway repairs. William Mortiboyes' 1733 will provided funds for the education of poor children, now paid to the Church of England School. The Rev. John Ellis's collected funds also support the school. Miss Henrietta Caroline Mary Knight's 1915 bequest provides income for the poor of Ullenhall.

Notable Residents and Historical Figures

Throughout its history, Ullenhall has been associated with several notable families and individuals. The Knights of Barrells, including Robert Knight, Earl of Catherlough, and his descendants, played a significant role in the area's development. The Newton family also held considerable influence, with Thomas Henry Goodwin Newton and his son Hugh Goodwin Newton being prominent figures. Lady Luxborough's literary salon at Barrells Hall brought renowned poets to the area, fostering a rich cultural environment. The Fullwood family's long association with Forde Hall and Aspley manor also marks them as significant historical inhabitants.

Key Takeaways for Ullenhall

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ullenhall known for?
Ullenhall is known for its picturesque setting, historical manors, ancient church, and its literary past, particularly the gatherings at Barrells Hall.

When was Aspley first mentioned?
Aspley is first mentioned in 1221.

Who currently owns the manor of Ullenhall?
The manor of Ullenhall is currently held by the Church of England Trust.

Are there any notable architectural features in Ullenhall?
Yes, Ullenhall features remnants of 17th-century timber-framing, a late-16th-century house at Botley Hill, and the historic St. Mary's church with elements from the 13th to 15th centuries.

Did any famous poets live in Ullenhall?
While not residents in the modern sense, poets such as Shenstone, Somerville, and Graves were part of Lady Luxborough's literary circle that met at Barrells Hall in the mid-18th century.

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