The Heron family took over the Stubton Hall estate in 1789, being inherited by Sir Robert, from his uncle Sir Richard, in 1805. The house was originally used only for summer visits, but after being elected MP for Grimsby Sir Robert adopted it as his main home. Wishing initially to remodel the existing house, he commissioned Sir Jeffrey Wyatt, a sought after architect at the time, who had previously worked on Windsor Castle and the Orangery at nearby Belton House.
However, when work started, on discovering the poor state of the house they revised their ideas, and a new design was prepared for a restrained, classical style building similar in style to Wolley Park in Berkshire. Sir Robert and his wife, Amelia, had no children and when he died in 1854, the estate, including large sections of land in Stubton and Claypole passed to a male relative of Amelia’s, George Neville. Beyond Stubton Hall parkland, arable farming was the main activity, providing the majority of the employment in the area.
A major business in the parish is the newly refurbished Stubton Hall, a country house hotel, renowned as one of the premier wedding venues in the country. This supports a network of suppliers providing catering services and property maintenance. The restoration of Stubton Hall has created local revenue and jobs, both in Stubton and through the local supply chain. The business directly employs 6 full-time and 52 part-time staff.
Many of these are in the 17-25 and over 50 age brackets, for which jobs are particularly scarce in rural communities. Most employees live within 10 miles and many commute on foot or by bicycle. Whilst many of the jobs are only part-time, they are not short-term. These opportunities allow young people to build a CV whilst continuing education, starting a business or caring for a family.
The owners are spending an additional £1 million (2012) with local builders to restore an 18th century stable block, add an extra 18 bedrooms and create a luxurious spa, which will further enhance local employment prospects.
Today Stubton Hall has been rebuilt as a wedding venue.
