The History of Bishton

Philanthropy, happiness and education are three words that will always be associated with the Georgian mansion Bishton Hall – and all three are epitomised by Miss Charlotte Sparrow. Born in 1786, the elegant and beautiful Charlotte Sparrow called Bishton Hall ‘home’ all her life, living there until she died, aged 90, in 1876.

Bishton, a Grade II* listed country house, meant the world to her. The house’s ivy-clad façade, 17 bedrooms, three principal front rooms, library, servants’ quarters, orangery, parterre filled with roses and the Temple Garden featuring one of the best Doric screens in the country, all combine to create quintessential old English grandeur.

Though the house dates back to circa 1750, parts of it are older. In fact, Bishton is one of the oldest settlements in Staffordshire.

"It is altogether, an earthly paradise..."

wrote Josiah Wedgwood 29th September 1779

The Domesday book of 1086 lists it as belonging to King Harold ll of Hastings fame.Important families have lived at Bishton Hall throughout the centuries. Among them are three former High Sheriffs of Staffordshire - John Sneyd, Cecil Stafford Northcote and Charlotte’s father John Sparrow. The latter, a lawyer, purchased Bishton around 1776.

John Sneyd’s great interest was botany. He was a friend of the most important botanist of the late 18th century, Joseph Banks. Joseph visited Bishton in 1767 before setting off on his long voyage with Captain Cook. While Banks was away, Sneyd kept Bank’s Herbarium, a collection of English plants, at Bishton.

Proud New Owners

The Sparrow family acquired Bishton Hall around 1776. This was the Jane Austen era – the great novelist was born in 1775 – and the Jane Austen Society has visited Bishton. Charlotte, John Sparrow’s daughter would have suited an Austen novel. Behind her feminine demeanour was a steely resolve. At a time when a wife’s inheritance passed to her husband, she never married to ensure Bishton remained in her family.

In 1827 she founded Colwich School and every year on her birthday, May 17, the school holds a celebration to honour her.

Following Charlotte’s death, Bishton was occupied by Prebendary Edward Harland, vicar of Colwich. In 1887 it was purchased by Major Charles Wood who lived there until 1945.

In 1946, the Stafford Northcote family bought the hall to accommodate St Bede’s Preparatory School.

Hansons Auctioneers

In 2019 Hansons Auctioneers became the proud new owners - to put antiques into a period setting.

Owned by auctioneer Charles Hanson,
Bishton Hall is the Staffordshire home of Hansons Auctioneers. The grade II listed Georgian mansion creates the perfect period setting to assess and showcase antiques.

VALUATIONS WITH CHARLES HANSON
Bring along your gold, silver, jewellery, watches & antiques for free valuations EVERY MONDAY in Sparrows Tearoom on the courtyard, 11am - 12pm. No appointment required.

Visit www.hansonsbishton.co.uk