EXPLORING THE TIMELESS LEGACY OF DOWAGER LADY ST OSWALD & NOSTELL PRIORY

Born Denise Eileen Charlotte Loyd in 1929, Lady St Oswald descended from a lineage of Baronets. In 1954 she married Derek Anthony Winn, 5th Baron St Oswald and had two children together.

For a significant amount of time, Baroness St Oswald was the mistress of Nostell Priory, near Wakefield; and in 1972, her family moved into the estate when her son was a young teenager. 

The name Nostell Priory originally refers to an Augustinian priory established at the site during the early parts of the 12th century. The priory was devoted to St Oswald, a King of Northumbria during the Anglo-Saxon period. The monastery thrived for over four centuries before it was ultimately surrendered to King Henry VIII in 1540 as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

The estate exchanged hands several times before being acquired by Rowland Winn, a London Alderman, in 1654.  Nostell Hall was designed and built by two generations of Winns between 1727 and 1785. Development continued as it was inherited by new generations and ‘Priory’ was added back into the title in honour of the original monastery, but costs and financial challenges meant it remained an unfinished vision. It wasn’t until 1874, when the estate was inherited by another Rowland Winn that its fortunes were turned around. 

Rowland made significant investments to refurbish and renovate the estate. He played a prominent role in the Conservative Party's politics, climbing from the position of MP to Chief Whip. The house played an important role in supporting in his career, playing host to political rallies and entertaining high-profile guests. In 1885, he was bestowed with the title of the 1st Baron St Oswald, named in honour of the saint to whom the original Nostell Priory was dedicated.

In 1953, the house was given to the National Trust with the provision that the family maintained their stewardship.  The 5^th Baron and Baroness St Oswald played a vital role in the revival and restoration of the magnificent estate, ensuring it would be appreciated by future generations.

They forged a magnificent partnership with the National Trust, breathing new life into the old house, and immersing themselves in several renovation projects that have left a profound impact on the estate.

Their dedication towards Nostell and its historical significance to the region was evident in their commitment to preserving the cultural heritage. The stunning grounds and structures of the Nostell estate stand as a testament to Lady St. Oswald's unwavering dedication and tireless efforts.

Although Nostell is still the home of Charles Rowland Andres Winn, 6^th Baron St Oswald, The Dowager retired to a fine Georgian home in Ludlow in later life, saying:

‘I was born in a Georgian house, always lived in them, and have retired to one. I love them’

Among the most prized exhibits at Nostell are an exceptional collection of Thomas Chippendale furniture and textiles, historical paintings, a Georgian dolls' house, Robert Adam interiors, and a rare clock by John Harrison.

The auction includes a stunning collection of 18th-century Meissen porcelain and a large collection of Chinese ceramics, primarily famille rose and famille verte. Also featured is a range of fine furniture, naturally with several pieces from the Georgian and Regency periods, dating back to the early 1700s.

Some Highlights from the Collection