The Country House Podcast

Geoffrey Heath-Taylor co-hosts the wonderful podcast series The Country House Podcast, alongside his co-host Rory Fraser. Here they discuss all things country houses, shining a light on the profiles of these estates, not only as aesthetic assets to the British countryside, but also as important historical monuments and essential parts of our national heritage and identity.

Over the summer, Geoffrey visited Browsholme Hall to learn more about their collection and the important conservation work that they do.

Browsholme Hall

Browsholme Hall, a Grade I listed building, has its origins in 1507 with Tudor foundations. It underwent an Elizabethan rebuild, reaching 24 rooms by 1591, and was later enhanced with a classical frontispiece around 1610, inspired by nearby Stonyhurst. These developments gave Browsholme its distinctive appearance. In 1805, the west wing was remodelled by architect Jeffery Wyatt, and a single-storey portrait gallery was added.

The Hall houses a collection of over 1,000 objects, which was granted Conditional Exemption from capital tax in 1938 following the death of Colonel John Parker. This collection represents the continuous occupation of thirteen generations of the Parker family. Its exceptional significance lies in the unique preservation of interiors that reflect the pioneering antiquarian taste of Thomas Lister Parker, offering an unbroken narrative of family life and heritage over more than five centuries.

Browsholme Hall is open to day visitors for 28 days each year, with a further 30 days available for group visits by prior arrangement.

Caring for the Collection

For the past fifty years the current custodians, Robert Parker and his family have dedicated themselves to the careful preservation and enhancement of Browsholme’s collection, following an unexpected inheritance in 1975. Over time, key objects have been acquired that complement the Hall’s historic setting, such as the Luny Trafalgar painting in the Drawing Room, a portrait of Elizabeth Shackleton (Parker) in the Library, paktong vases bearing the Parker crest, a large Buckler watercolour of the Hall purchased at Bonhams, and a rare 1799 watercolour created for Whitaker’s Whalley.

These thoughtful acquisitions, often recoveries of items previously dispersed, have enriched the collection without compromising its authenticity. The ongoing care of the collection is a substantial, unending task. Recent projects include the repair and conservation of picture frames - a vital yet often unseen effort to safeguard the Hall’s treasures.

A remarkable aspect of Browsholme is its extensive documentary archive, comprising 25,000 papers dating back to the 14th century. Over the past three years, a dedicated team of ten volunteers has been cataloguing these materials. Their work will not only uncover fascinating narratives for visitors, but also make the archive accessible to researchers worldwide through online resources.

The breadth, depth, and continuity of the Browsholme collection make it an extraordinary record of family heritage and English social history. Its preservation and development demonstrate a model of careful stewardship, ensuring that this unique legacy continues to inspire future generations.

The winner of this year's award will be announced this November. Stay tuned as we announce other shortlist contenders over the next few weeks.