Historic Stapleford Park, a Former Royal and Celebrity Retreat, Faces Uncertain Future After Liquidation

Given its history as an aristocratic residence, Stapleford Park’s past as a host to royalty is perhaps expected. However, the Leicestershire estate has also welcomed numerous music icons and international celebrities over time. Furthermore, as a popular wedding location, it has been the setting for some celebrity marriages. With the hotel’s liquidation in October, its prospects for both high-profile guests and the wider public are currently unknown. Records from the Domesday Book indicate the presence of a dwelling on the Stapleford Park site since the 11th Century. During the 1400s, the Grade I-listed country house was acquired by Robert Sherard, and his family resided on the estate for almost five centuries. According to Historic England, the property underwent multiple renovations throughout its history, including the addition of extensions and an orangery, the landscaping of its 500 acres by Capability Brown, and the construction of St Mary Magdalene’s Church within the parkland in 1783. Notable visitors have included members of the Royal Family, such as George VI and Edward VIII. In 1844, a conflict even occurred on the premises. Railway engineer George Stephenson had planned a path for the Syston & Peterborough Railway, but difficulties emerged when surveyors arrived at Lord Harborough’s estate, whose ancestral residence, Stapleford Hall, was in the vicinity. County council officials reported that the railway workers attempted to prevent offense by using the Oakham Canal towpath, which exacerbated the situation because Lord Harborough held shares in the canal. His staff and estate employees forcibly removed the surveyors, resulting in several days of skirmishes. Melton local historian Brian Fare stated: “There were rumours the earl brought some cannons out, but they weren’t actually fired.” The railway’s path was ultimately altered to a sharp curve around the property, which became known as Lord Harborough’s Curve. Decades later, with the Gretton family managing the estate, the railway was eventually extended through Stapleford Park. Subsequent generations of the Gretton family developed an affinity for railways, constructing the Stapleford Miniature Railway in 1958 as a public attraction. This included a lion enclosure, steam boats, and other features, remaining operational until 1982. Mr Fare noted that two taxidermied lions from Stapleford’s collection were stored at Melton Borough Council’s offices after 1982, but they were destroyed in a 2008 fire. The estate gained renown for its connections to railways, with Visit Leicester reporting that in 1965, an episode of the TV series The Avengers depicted Emma Peel being tied to the tracks and subsequently rescued by English Gentleman spy John Steed. Mr Fare commented: “It’s been featured on several TV programmes. There was a metal plaque erected near the tunnel to commemorate The Avengers, but that was stolen and as far as I’m aware, it’s never been recovered.” In 1988, the property was acquired by fast food entrepreneur Bob Payton, known for creating chains such as Chicago Pizza Pie Factory and Chicago Rib Shack. He converted the site into a hotel, which subsequently drew numerous celebrities over the years. Michael Jackson, recognized as the King of Pop, was present at a party at Stapleford Park in 2007, with his photograph displayed on the venue’s walls. Other prominent guests whose portraits were exhibited included the Duchess of York – Sarah Ferguson – Will Smith, David Beckham, Lionel Richie, Naomi Campbell, and Mariah Carey. The rock band Guns N’ Roses lodged at Stapleford Park in 2018 while headlining the Download Festival nearby. Bassist Duff McKeegan purchased a ticket for the miniature railway during an open day that coincided with his visit, but he was unable to use it due to engaging in conversation with firefighters. In recent years, the location also served as a sought-after wedding venue, with footballer Peter Crouch and model Abbey Clancy selecting it for their ceremony and reception in 2011. Among the attendees were former footballer and manager Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen, as well as actors David Walliams and Elizabeth Hurley. However, in October, Stapleford Park Hotel abruptly ceased operations and canceled all reservations, which left individuals with booked weddings “flabbergasted”. Subsequently, it was confirmed later that month that 92 staff members had been made redundant, and liquidators Leonard Curtis were appointed, with administrators stating that the site’s future remains “uncertain at this stage”. “There’s always been a close association between the town and Stapleford Park. It would be a waste for it not to be in use,” Mr Fare further commented.