Agecroft Hall, a Bit of England in Richmond, Virginia
Not so. That was exactly the fate of a house called Agecroft Hall.
Today, Agecroft Hall has a new and revitalized life in America, more specifically Richmond, Virginia, thanks to Thomas C. Williams Jr.
When I first scanned the list of Richmond attractions and read about Agecroft, I knew I must see it.
Williams had various interests including banking, shipping and tobacco. More importantly for our story, he had enough money to finance moving a manor house across an ocean.
Consider the risks of such an investment. What about marauding pirates or a nasty storm at sea? A shipwreck could have sent all the crates containing Agecroft Hall to the bottom, with little chance of recovery.
Like similar buildings of this type, Agecroft Hall has a somewhat complicated history. All combined, the deeds, letters and settlements span a lengthy time frame from 1199 to 1926.
The house was constructed in stages beginning in the late 15th century, not far from Manchester, England.
Once in the America, the pieces of Agecroft were put back together, though in a somewhat different fashion. The actual intention was not to replicate the Hall exactly as it had stood in Lancashire, but to create a more functional and comfortable house, closely reminiscent of its English predecessor.
From what I could see, the scheme worked beautifully. If you are curious about how it looked before, a detailed model is on display.
For the new Agecroft Hall, the original floor plan was altered and modern conveniences (of that time period) were added. The reconstruction took two years and was completed in the spring of 1928. Unfortunately, Mr. Williams had little time to enjoy his dream estate, as he passed away the following year. Nonetheless, he left us a fine legacy.
Williams stipulated that upon his widow’s death or relocation, Agecroft Hall was to be open to the public.
As you walk though, take special note of the stained glass window in the Great Hall. It survived the journey across the ocean intact and in one piece! That alone seems like a miracle.
All the rooms contain exceptional period furnishings. Authentic pieces dating from 1485 to 1660 interpret the life and culture of England’s landed gentry. Another rare object is the 17th century painted bedstead.
The exterior is as eye-catching as the interior. The more I stared at the dark aged timber, the more outrageous it seemed, shipping a manor house. An adage raced through my mind, “with money, anything is possible.” Agecroft Hall is absolute proof.
Famed landscape architect Charles Gillette designed the gardens at Agecroft. Walk amid the fragrance garden, sunken garden, knot garden and much more. If gardens are your passion, pick up the brochure with a full diagram and specific details at the reception/admissions desk.
Without Williams, Agecroft Hall might be a distant memory, since not all historic homes can be saved from time and neglect. An expensive venture yes, but money well-spent.
Agecroft is situated on 23 landscaped acres overlooking the James River in Windsor Farms, near downtown Richmond.
The estate is open year round, but closed on Mondays and national holidays. The admission charge includes the introductory film and a guided tour. Garden tours are self-guided.
