Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield

Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield, County Durham is a building of historical significance and is listed on the English Heritage Register. A major part of it was built in the late 1700s but it is possible that some of it dates from about 1634. It was the residence for many notable people for two centuries. It is now a hotel which provides accommodation and restaurant services and caters for special events particularly weddings.

John Burdon (1711-1792) is credited with being the main originator of Hardwick Hall. However Pevsner believes that he built on an existing manor which was constructed in 1634. The advertisement for the Hardwick Estate sold by the Lambton family in 1747 just before Burdon bought it states that there exists a “good Mansion House” so it is possible that he made major alterations and additions to this building.

John Burdon was born in 1711 in South Shields, Durham. His father was Nicholas Burdon an immensely wealthy salt and shipping merchant. He remained a bachelor all of his life. When his father died in 1847 John inherited his fortune and so was able to purchase the Hardwick Estate and spend a very large sum on creating the elaborate pleasure gardens. The gardens were described in numerous publications of the time. Hutchinson in 1785 says that they are “laid out with exquisite taste” and then outlines in detail the buildings and ornaments that can be seen in a walk around the park. The book includes an engraved drawing of the park which is shown.

In 1790 at the age of 79 John sold the Hardwick Estate to William Russell.

William Russell (1734-1817) was a very wealthy banker and merchant. In 1796 he bought Brancepeth Castle and it seems that from about his time his son Matthew took over the running of Hardwick Hall and made many improvements to the house and garden.

Matthew Russell (1765-1822) was born in 1765. He was educated at Oxford University and later became a Member of Parliament. In 1798 he married Elizabeth Tennyson, the daughter of George Tennyson of Bayons Manor Lincolnshire. Elizabeth was the favourite aunt of Alfred, Lord Tennyson and he frequently sent letters to her. As he was often in financial difficulties she sent him generous gifts of money which he greatly appreciated.

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