The Manor House of Weston in Arden
The Manor of Weston in Arden has been an independent commune since at least the time of Edward the Confessor; it is therefore likely that there has been a high status building on the site since at least that time.
No definite record has been found regarding the structure of any previous building, but many historians believe that a medieval castle, referred to as ‘Zouches Castle’, probably stood on this site. It is also believed that the present building and much of the fabrics of the nearby church of St. James is constructed from stone which was re-used after the castle fell to ruin.
The original three, south facing, gables were erected around 1580 by the Lords Zouche during the reign of Elizabeth I. This construction includes the hotels’ Bar, Lounge, Library, Dubarry and Arden Suites, as well as many of the second floor bedrooms. The paneling throughout this area is largely original or early 17th century. The oldest surviving example of furnishing is the fireplace in the Newdigate Bar, of which the over-mantle is late 16th century. Of the eight hearths that were listed in 1666, four survive to this day, being those in the Bar, Lounge, Library and Arden Bar. Incredibly, some of the original glazing survives, an example of which can be seen on the first floor of the north side of the building.
The remainder of the stone building was added in 1893, and includes reception, the restaurant, the lobby and several of the first and second floor bedrooms. A large stable block was also added at this time, and has now been converted into luxury housing.
Weston Hall Hotel is protected under English Law as a grade II listed building, meaning that the exterior and many of the internal fittings cannot be altered without special permission from the heritage department.
Finally, the inscription above the door and again above the fireplace in the library. What does it mean?
The inscription reads ‘FOYALL LOYALL’. The fireplace in the library was imported from France in the 18th century and the inscription is a corruption from French. It roughly translates as ‘fair of faithful home’. We feel that this sentiment is an ideal motto for the hotel.
