Fire and Restoration

On Tuesday 25 January 2005 at 8.40am, a devastating fire broke out at Stoke Rochford Hall, following a sighting of smoke by the gardener from the roof behind the clock tower. Emergency services were called, but sadly they were unable to control the serious fire which broke out in the roof space above an archive store on the second floor of the building.

It took three days and 20 fire crews from several counties to bring the fire under control and continue the damping down process.

Stoke Rochford Hall’s magnificent function rooms including the Library, Turnor Room, Rochford Room, Oak Room and Grand Hall and the floors above them were completely destroyed. Forensic specialists made thorough investigations to try to establish the cause, but tragically such was the intensity of the fire this remains undetermined.

Emergency works got underway immediately to make the remaining structure safe. Unfortunately, poor weather conditions hampered the process and one of the ornate four-chimney stacks collapsed on Valentine’s Day.

Amazingly, Stoke Rochford reopened for business just eight months after the fire, with the north wing and outbuildings adapted to host meetings and conferences, and a large marquee and terrace added to accommodate functions.

A specialist conservation architect and design team was brought in to undertake the extensive restoration work required on the mansion. Specialist craftsmen from across the country restored and replaced ornate ceilings and fireplaces. The Hall’s Grade I listing meant that all processes were monitored carefully and in consultation with English Heritage and the Local Authority. The intention was to restore the Hall to its former glory.

Happily, following a £12 million three-year restoration and refurbishment project, Stoke Rochford Hall was reopened in the public in August 2008. The magnificent Grade 1 listed building combined with its brand new state-of-the-art facilities means that Stoke Rochford Hall really does have it all.

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