In this illustrated talk, part of Birmingham Heritage Week, learn more about how over two centuries, Aston Hall was home to ambitious individuals whose dreams shaped not only the house itself but also the changing story of Britain. 

From grand Jacobean visions to the optimism of the Industrial Revolution, each generation left its mark. 

Explore Sir Thomas Holte’s desire to establish a long lasting legacy and further the Holte name to Abraham Bracebridge whose legacy lives on through Washington Irving’s fictitious ‘Bracebridge Hall’, to James Watt Jnr, son of the inventor and engineer James Watt who went from young idealist to an industrial lord of the manor. 

You will learn all about the aspirations of the occupants of the hall, as well as their plans to establish long lasting legacies, not always successfully!
 

• Talk is an hour long and we invite you before the talk begins to explore Aston Hall. The event starts at 3pm and finishes at 4pm so if you wish to see the hall, we advise arriving at least 45 minutes before the talk.
• The talk takes place in the Great Hall at Aston. Be advised that whilst the Great Hall is accessible, due to the historic nature of the site, the upper floors have no lift access and are inaccessible for wheelchair and mobility vehicle users.
• There are no refreshments at this event. Please note that only bottled water in a resealable bottle is permitted in the Hall.