The Manor House was built in 1745, the original
building being one of Meriden's many Inns, with further progression,
the Manor House was built and replaced the original Inn.
John Reynolds, a well known, shrewd, local businessman,
was said to have leased the land from the Greswolde family,
an extremely wealthy family who owned many acres of land
in the Warwickshire area. The Greswolde's home was Malvern
Hall in Solihull. John Reynolds lived in the Manor House
with his family, he also owned the local 'Bull Head Inn'
which is now a block of flats situated to the right of
the Manor Hotel.
After the death of John Reynolds junior John and Lucy Allbut
obtained the lease from the Greswoldes and the building was
renamed the John Allbut Meriden Academy. The Academy produced
governesses of high integrity, well versed in the knowledge
and etiquette of the times.
The house was also used as a centre for village Methodism,
local pupils, villagers and friends would assemble to hear
John Allbut who was an ardent and eloquent preacher.
In 1844 John Allbut died and his successors, Charles Beck
and Richard Hill, faced increasing competition and by the
mid 1850's the Academy was sadly closed.
Around 1870 Frances Skidmore leased the property for his
factory and home. Frances Skidmore was nationally famous
for his mediaeval and classic metal work, including the wrought
iron gates at Eaton Park, Cheshire, and the metal Gothic
canopy which forms part of the Albert Memorial at Kensington
Gardens in London.
The factory provided the village with a boost of economy
until its closure in 1884 due to financial difficulties.
After the death of Frances Skidmore in 1896 the house was
completely renovated and Lady Emily Digby took up residence.
the home of the Digby family was Meriden Hall which is now
known as the Headquarters of Pertemps.
In the mid 1950's the Manor House was sold to the Jones
family, a local family in the retail industry, and the building
was converted into a small 32 bedroom hotel. After a number
of different owners the Hotel was finally sold to Bracebridge
Holdings in 1996 and in 1998 the addition of the Princess
Wing brought the Hotel to a total of 110 bedrooms.
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