Seaton Delaval Hall

Seaton Delaval may have been one of the architect Sir John Vanbrugh’s smallest country houses; but it was home to the larger than life Delaval family.

The house and surrounding landscape were in keeping with the style expected in Georgian society, yet behind the formality lies a story of theatricality and mischief.

Known as the ‘Gay Delavals’ due to their high spirited and flamboyant lifestyle, an invitation to one of their parties was the hottest ticket in town. In an age notorious for extremes of behaviour, they stood apart as the most notorious of all Georgian partygoers and pranksters. Imagine awaking in the house to find your room “turned upside down” with furniture fixed to the ceiling, or finding yourself in a state of undress and having the walls collapse!

Enter a world where an extraordinary lifestyle was acted out in the most colourful way. The Delavals loved a performance, staging events from rope dancers and sack races outdoors to masquerade balls and even their own theatrical productions at home and further afield, which earned rave reviews at the time.

Seaton Delaval Hall has moved from fortune to misfortune many times through the centuries and the story of its survival is as dramatic as any performance that could be staged. It still bears the scars of the fierce fires which almost condemned it to ruin two hundred years ago, but even today plays a major part in the history of the North East.

Now Seaton Delaval Hall is embarking on its encore thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and others.  Between 2019 and 2022 the Hall completed a major project titled the 'Curtain Rises', which included a full reroofing of the West Wing, replacement of six chimneys and the introduction of conservation-grade heating; critical repairs to the cantilever staircases leading from the Central Hall to the Basement; the reflooring and introduction of sympathetic lighting in the Basement; conservation of structures in the landscape including the  ha-ha walls, mausoleum and walled garden walls, a contemporary reimagining of the 1781 estate plan in the landscape, incorporating the reintroduction of historic path networks and improvements to visitor facilities including a new cafe, play area, accessible entrances and toilets. In addition, the hall's collection has been re-presented to better introduce the 'gay Delavals'- and better tell their stories, bringing back the drama and flamboyance for which they were known.