It was very pleasing to welcome new members to a packed Tiverton Village Hall as the Society enjoyed a fascinating illustrated talk on Oulton Park by local historian Mark Bevan. Mark's well crafted talk, brimming full of lively anecdotes, covered the history of the estate over the past few hundred years from the time when it was the home of the Egertons to the start of motor racing. Mark took the theme of the 'real life Downton Abbey' as he described the fortunes and tragedies of one of the wealthy aristocratic Cheshire families, the Grey-Egertons. During the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, the family had amassed considerable wealth and land, and had built a magnificent Palladian mansion full of priceless treasures. Tragedy struck during the first World War when twin sons were both killed on the Western Front and the dynasty was broken. Even more tragedy struck when the house itself was destroyed by fire and when 6 people (servants and a Tarporley fireman) died trying to recover the treasures. The derelict estate was requisitioned during the second World War to become a major US army post prior to D-day. Mark also described how, through the efforts of the local Mid-Cheshire car club, motor racing was first introduced in the 1953. An evening enjoyed by all.
For more on Mark's talks follow Mark Bevan
For more on modern Oulton Park follow circuit
For more on the history follow Wikipedia Oulton_Estate
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