Stately home celebrates horse legacy of race-winning Lady

AN aristocrat’s passion for horses was renowned and culminated in a famous victory in the St Leger during wartime.

Now visitors to one of North Yorkshire’s famous stately homes will be able to get a taste of Lady Chesterfield’s love for equestrianism.

She lived at Beningbrough Hall between 1917 and 1957, and staff at the National Trust property near York are organising horse-themed activities to celebrate the passion of the hall’s former owner.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Visitors will be able to take carriage rides from the estate’s impressive lime tree avenue back up to the hall from 1pm until 3pm today. Children can also make their own jockey silks from recycled materials in art workshops.

Beningbrough Hall’s learning officer, Sue Jordan, said: “Since 1716, when the property was built, Beningbrough’s stable block has been home to many horses. To have horses back in the grounds will take visitors back in time and bring Beningbrough to life in a way they have never seen it before.”

Lady Chesterfield, who was the last female owner of Beningbrough Hall, was an avid horse racing enthusiast and owned many racehorses.

Her most famous win came in the wartime 1941 St Leger, when Sun Castle carried her colours to victory.