Orsett Hall's History

The Orsett Hall, situated in the village of Orsett, dates back from the 17th century. Originally built by Richard Baker, founder of the Orsett estate, this grade II listed building has been a landmark of the Essex Countryside for over 3 hundred years.

This magnificent building was the family seat of the Whitmores - Lt Col Whitmore, who later became Sir Francis Whitmore, was an important local dignitary becoming Lord Lieutenant of Essex in 1936, serving the County all through the War years, finally retiring in 1950. Sir Francis's second wife, Ellis, was one of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother's Lady-in-Waiting and after the War the Orsett Hall played host to many members of the Royal Family.

King George VI planted the oak tree in the Hall's ground to commemorate one of his visits in 1948 and both the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret stayed in Orsett Hall's Royal suite.

Sir Francis died in 1962 at the ripe old age of 90 and his son, John, became the second baronet. The Hall remained a private residence right up until 1977.

Unfortunately on the 11th May 2007 Orsett Hall suffered a huge fire and was totally destroyed.

Plans have been submitted for a rebuild in the same style as the old Orsett Hall but offering more modern and luxurious facilities.

All of the previous history and family portraits perished, for further details of this fire, visit the fire details section.