Parndon Hall

In the midst of Harlow New Town, at the back of the site of The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, stands Parndon Hall. The house, Grade II listed, was built in 1867 for Loftus Arkwright, the great grandson of Sir Richard Arkwight of Derbyshire, who was a cotton industry entrepreneur involved at the very beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Loftus's wife Elizabeth (nee Reynolds) was a gifted horsewoman and artist and on moving into her new home, set about decorating the house with murals of a most extraordinary kind. Some of the artwork was not discovered until after the Second World War, but all can now be seen in rooms and the stairwell.

The house is currently mothballed after water ingress, but kind permission has been given by the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust to open to visitors for 2 days. Parndon Hall had been used as offices and training rooms, before the hospital Trust vacated the building. Nevertheless, many of the rooms of the former family home can be visited, with the layout remaining relatively unchanged. There will be a small exhibition and timed guided tours. A large number of the paintings in the house depict children and animals (but it should be noted that there are a large number of nude female figures portrayed as well).

The history of the Arkwright family covers 1732 to the present day, the Industrial Revolution, families and their legacies, post-war New Town planning and so may be of interest to students.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

11.00, 12.15, 14.00 and 15.45

Sunday 14 September:

11.00, 12.30, 14.00

Location & directions

Parndon Hall, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Hamstel Road, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX

Directions:

Parndon Hall is in the North West of the Hospital site behind tall old pine trees.

Contact on day:

Pauline Hockley; 07812185676

Telephone number:

+447812185676

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Contact details need to be given at the time of booking.

Booking contact name:

Pauline Hockley

Booking telephone number:

+447812185676

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking opens:

13 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

10 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

The Ground Floor of Parndon Hall is in a dilapidated condition with uneven floors. It is possible to access the ground floor with wheelchairs and pushchairs, where most of the art is visible. A staircase is the only access to the First Floor, but some of the wall and ceiling paintings in the stairwell can be seen from the Ground Floor. Please use Wych Elm and other public car parks if driving, as hospital parking for visitors is very restricted.

Additional information

This is a Victorian family home situated in the heart of Harlow with an interesting family history connection. Frederick Gibberd's post-war planning ensured the preservation of old houses and churches wherever possible. All windows and most doors are boarded up. Parndon Hall is in need of conservation and the SAVE Britain's Heritage organisation has categorised it as a Building at Risk.

Max no of people per tour:

10

Est. tour duration:

0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)

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