Have you ever wondered how your favorite meeting or event venues looked like 50 years ago, or even 100 years ago?
What stories are written within their walls and what history has shaped some of our most beloved event spaces?
News of the conference go back in time to uncover the deeper stories behind their façades, in order to rediscover the beauty, history and character of these venues.
De Vere Latimer Estate
Located in the heart of Buckinghamshire, Devel Latimer Estate was once one of the most secret homes in the UK. During World War II, the property played an integral role in British history as it housed German prisoners and captured German U-boat submarine crews and Luftwaffe pilots. Latimer, who claims the title of Britain’s most secret home, is considered to be on the equivalent of Bletchley in the role he played in helping Britain win the war.
Currently, De Vere Latimer Estate offers 27 flexible spaces for meetings, meetings, training and team building that spans three distinctly different spaces.
60 Great Queen Street
60 Great Queen Street has been used since 1775 to host Masonic Conferences. Built as a monument to those who lost their lives in World War I, the current building was completed in 1933 and has been known for many years as a Masonic Peace Memorial. It was fully funded by Masonic Lodges across the country.
Masonry has masonry roots due to the knowledge of early members of building and geometry, but evolved as it is today due to its reputation for travel and knowledge sharing. Many well-known historical figures were known to Masonry, including the architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Christopher Lane, and the wartime prime minister Winston Churchill.
Today, the newly rebranded 60 Great Queen Street is an event venue with 10 versatile spaces that can accommodate 40-1,350 guests.
Grand Hotel Birmingham
Grand Hotel Birmingham is a historic landmark hotel founded in 1879. The hotel reopened in May 2021 following a £50 million renovation. The hotel features 185 rooms and suites, a Madeleine Bar, Isaac’s restaurant, nine meetings and event spaces. The iconic Grand Ballroom, playing rock stars and royal hosts.
Today, the Grand Ballroom (pictured) is located in the heart of the hotel and has been restored to provide one of the largest and most historic event spaces in Birmingham city centre. The Grand Ballroom can hold up to 300 guests theatre style, 176 classroom styles and 200 cabaret styles.
DeVerre Beaumont Estate
At the heart of the DeVerte Beaumont Estate in Old Windsor is the Georgian White House, located on the 18th-century mansion, a stunning chapel, 75 event spaces and the 40-acre Parkland Ground. The original home was built for Weymouth Lord, but was in the period of public schools from 1854 to 1967.
Built in the 19th century, the chapel (pictured), and the most spectacular event space on the real estate, recently completed a gorgeous renovation. Painted vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows create unique settings that are fully enhanced with the latest technology, colorful mood setting lighting and cutting-edge sound systems. The space can host a variety of event types for up to 700 representatives, offering impressive, versatile settings that change dramatically from day to night, and events will give the impression of a new space for hours.
Church House Westminster
From sovereign royalty to political royalty to the heart of London events, to the church’s House Westminster and the Heart of London event venues, there is as unique and unforgettable history as the events it creates.
Founded in 1887 in commemoration of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, Church House was proud for 50 years before it was redesigned in 1937. This includes the design of the exquisite Grade II restore assembly hall of the church house, featuring a breathtaking 30-foot glass dome.
Shortly after it was reopened by King George VI during World War II, the venue was bombed in person. As Prime Minister Winston Churchill was impressed with the resilience of the building, he requested a church home as a base for both parliaments for the rest of the war.
It was from the glorious Hoarémoreal Hall of Church House, which witnessed many incredible historical moments, that Churchill announced the sinking of the battleship Bismarck. In 1945, the first meeting of the UN Preparatory Committee and the Security Council was also held in the hall. In 2022, the major venue held a reception for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, followed by a year later by a reception for the Corner of her son, Charles III.
The charm and character of the church home, full of history, makes each of its 19 events unique, making every event an extraordinary place.
de Vere Tortworth Court
Develtotworth Court in the South Cotswolds is a Grade II List Mansion House hotel with an attractive history spanning over 1200 years. Recorded in a Domesday book, the property has been the seat of the Doocy family for over 350 years, and was once used by the Royal Navy before becoming a home for American servicemen in 1942.
For employers looking to host events that will stop the show to impress employees, we don’t look any further than the Orangery at De Vere Tortworth Court. Orangerry was originally a hotel-aged mansion dating back to the 18th century. With decorative glass windows and dome-shaped glass ceilings, the unique space is a self-contained venue that can accommodate up to 90 guests. It has its own reception area and bar, and stands alone from the main house, allowing organizers to hold exclusive and memorable events.
IET Birmingham: Austin Court
IET Birmingham: Austin Court is located on the canal side, at the heart of Midlands’ industrial heritage. IET restored the Georgian Building, listed in Grade II in 1994, working to preserve original features and distinguishing properties such as impressive beams, exposed brickwork and gable wagon entrances.
The location of the building was highly desirable for trade, as it once was a major intersection of the Birmingham canal system. The first mention appears in 1803 when Nail and Metal Good merchants Theodore and Philemon Price used them as warehouses before changing hands in 1821.
By the early 20th century, the venue was multi-use and had residents such as garages, cycling companies, paint makers and igrosin makers. The site was also used in products ranging from lime and cement to wartime gas. In addition to its industrial use, the building was also used to store George VI’s Corner Bunting.
As part of the IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology), the building continues to celebrate pioneering innovation, helping both STEM organizations and other businesses share knowledge and advancement through the use of inspiring event spaces.
Leeds Castle
Located near Maidstone in Kent, the historic Leeds Castle was built over 900 years ago and is surrounded by over 550 acres of landscaping gardens and Rolling Parklands.
The historic Norman Gate House, dating back to the 12th century, is one of the oldest parts of the castle and offers a distinctive setting for private dinners for 20-40 guests or evening events.
A mix of medieval, Tudor and Gothic architecture has led to a fascinating history as the original home of six medieval queens of England, including Queen Eleanor of Castile and Catherine of Aragon, before the notable transformation into a country house by Lady Olive Bailey, the last owner of a castle that was remarkable transformed into a country house in the 1930s.
Built as a medieval mansion in the early 14th century, there is Batel Hall on the premises. Batterhall is an excellent and unusual example of the local Kentish architecture of the time.
Belfry Hotel & Resort
Part of Belfry dates back to the 13th century and served as the residence of the Knights of Templar until around 1277. In 1959 it was purchased for £18,500 and began to become a 59-room hotel.
By 1974, the owner had bought nearby land and commissioned two golf courses. The course, known as Bravazon and Derby, was designed by Peter Alice and Dave Thomas, named after the former PGA captain and was built alongside a larger hotel renovation. The PGA agreed to move its headquarters to the bell tower in 1977 and host two Ryder Cups.
In 1978, Seve Ballesteros drove the famous 10th green, marking the beginning of Belfry’s golf legacy. Since then, Belfry has held four Ryder Cups. More than any other venue in the world, it is now home to British Masters.
www.thebelfry.com
Source link
