Dartington Hall
Mid-14th century, James Audley, a trusted military figure under Edward the Black Prince, was awarded Dartington.
1388 After Audley’s death, it reverted to royal ownership, with King Richard II granting it to his half-brother, John Holand, Duke of Exeter, in 1388.
John Holand transformed Dartington by building the Great Hall, still standing today. However, following his execution for treason, the estate returned to the crown.
Henry VII later granted it to his mother, Margaret Beaufort.
1550s The Champernowne family purchased Dartington, transforming it into an Elizabethan mansion. Notable connections included Sir Walter Raleigh.
However, as large estates became less viable, the family’s wealth declined.
1925 Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst revitalised Dartington as a hub for arts, education, and rural regeneration
1932 They founded the Dartington Hall Trust.
The estate has attracted key figures in the arts and politics, including composer Imogen Holst and musician Ravi Shankar.
1961 The estate’s commitment to artistic innovation led to the establishment of Dartington College of Arts, a pioneering institution in UK arts education.
1991 Schumacher College was founded at Dartington in The Old Postern, becoming a renowned centre for ecological studies. Focusing on sustainability, community, and the preservation of the earth’s fragile resources, the college continued to offer higher education until 2024.
2010 The Dartington College of Arts relocated to Falmouth.
In addition, the Trust has hosted its internationally acclaimed Music Summer School and Festival for over 70 years, providing emerging musicians with the opportunity to learn from world-class professionals.
See Also
Sources of Information
- [1] Dartington Estate website