The Crewes of Crewe Hall

Nowadays, the town of Crewe is a legendary railway junction and a centre of engineering.

Yet until the start of Queen Victoria’s reign, Crewe figured on maps not as an urban centre but as a prosperous country estate. This book tells the story of the family that built Crewe Hall before the English Civil War, and became a major influence on the life of south Cheshire for the next 300 years.

There is Sir Ranulphe Crewe, founder of the family fortunes in the 17^th century, who blended political courage with shrewd legal practice. The first Lord and Lady Crewe, leaders of smart Georgian society, entertaining celebrities from the worlds of politics and the arts at Crewe Hall. Their grandson, the neurotic third Lord Crewe, who rebuilt the Hall in its present form at vast expense. And his nephew, the first (and last) Marquess if Crewe, friend of royalty, and colleague of Lloyd George and Churchill in the Liberal cabinets of the early 20^th century.

Crewe Hall itself is perhaps the most masterly reworking by Victorian craftsmen of any Jacobean house in England, and this book describes the changing requirements and fashions of a large country home and its estate. Crewe Hall today is a 4 star hotel and spa.

This book, The Crewes of Crewe Hall – A Family and a Home is by Ray Gladden, and edited by Jerry Park. It is illustrated with paintings, engravings and photographs. It has a bibliography and further reading list and is fully referenced.

It’s a fascinating read for anyone interested in the Crewe family, and Crewe Hall.