What Secrets Lie Beneath Wentworth Woodhouse? New Tours Uncover Myths And Mysteries

Ever wondered if a massive fishpond sat under Wentworth Woodhouse so its owner could dine on fresh fish year-round? Or whether legendary Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova performed for royalty in its grand halls? You’re not alone. These are the kinds of stories that have swirled around this iconic Rotherham mansion for generations. But now, thanks to a dedicated team of researchers, we’ve got some answers – and they might surprise you.

Starting this week (January 15 and 16), two brand-new tours are opening up Wentworth Woodhouse to share the discoveries made by staff and volunteers who spent last year piecing together the estate’s hidden history. From scandalous myths to heartwarming family moments, the tours will take visitors behind the scenes of one of Britain’s most fascinating stately homes.

Unveiling the truth: Anna Pavlova and the fishpond

Let’s start with those juicy rumours. Did Anna Pavlova really twirl her way through the mansion’s Marble Saloon for King George and Queen Mary in 1912? Turns out, nope! While the idea of the world-famous ballerina performing on that stunning floor sounds amazing, it was actually a different Russian dancer, Lydia Kyasht, who graced the stage that night. Pavlova’s slippers, it seems, never touched the marble.

And what about the supposed indoor fishpond built by the mansion’s creator, the first Marquess of Rockingham? Well, don’t pack your fishing rod just yet. Researchers discovered that the “pond” was likely just a water purification tank – practical, sure, but far less glamorous.

Top to bottom: Exploring the mansion’s hidden corners

One of the new tours, Top to Bottom, offers a deep dive – quite literally – into parts of Wentworth Woodhouse that most visitors have never seen. Starting in the vaulted cellars, you’ll get to explore where the house once stored everything from local beer barrels to posh French wines. There’s even an enormous safe tucked away down there.

And it’s not all dusty wine racks and old stone walls. The cellars were also home to some wild parties when the mansion was used as a college in the mid-20th century. Imagine disco lights bouncing off centuries-old brickwork – it’s a pretty hilarious picture!

From there, the tour takes you all the way up to the derelict attics, where you’ll see parts of the mansion that are still awaiting restoration. It’s like stepping into a time capsule, with peeling paint and creaky floorboards hinting at the house’s storied past.

The Top to Bottom tour runs twice a day, Thursday to Sunday, starting January 16.

After hours: A candlelit journey through time

If you’re more of a night owl, the After Hours tour might be your thing. Held in the soft glow of candlelight, it takes visitors through ten rooms and corridors filled with stories of grand parties and royal visits.

One standout tale is from 1789, when the second Marquess of Rockingham hosted a lavish ball for the Prince of Wales (who later became King George IV). According to a letter unearthed by researchers, the host went all out – 8,250 oil lamps lit up the Marble Saloon that night. That’s a lot of candles.

But the After Hours tour isn’t just about grandeur. One of the most touching stories the researchers uncovered is of a wartime wedding held during World War I. In March 1918, Lady Elfrida, the daughter of the 7th Earl Fitzwilliam, married her fiancé with just two days’ notice after he unexpectedly got leave from the Front. There wasn’t time to send invitations, so the household pulled together a low-key but heartfelt ceremony, with flowers from the estate’s gardens and a wedding cake topped with miniature guns and cannons.

This tour is only running until March 28, so don’t wait too long to book.

Research that brings history to life

All of this digging into the past was done by a team of 10 volunteer researchers, along with staff from the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust. Throughout 2024, they spent countless hours sifting through archives in Rotherham and Sheffield, uncovering stories that had been forgotten for generations.

Victoria Ryves, the Trust’s Head of Culture and Engagement, explained how these findings are changing the way people connect with the house:

“In its heyday, Wentworth Woodhouse was one of the most important houses in England, yet there’s still so much we don’t know. Our new tours are packed with surprises – and shatter a few myths too.”

One of those surprises? The discovery that before King George and Queen Mary’s visit in 1912, the Earl had to order a special mattress all the way from London. When royalty’s coming to stay, only the best will do, right?

How to visit

Here’s everything you need to know about the tours:

Top to Bottom Tour

• Runs twice daily (11am and 2pm), Thursday to Sunday.
• Launches January 16.

After Hours Tour

• Held twice a month at 6pm, from January 15 until March 28.

For tickets and more information, visit Wentworth Woodhouse’s website.

A house that keeps its secrets

Wentworth Woodhouse is a treasure trove of stories – some grand, some quirky, and some deeply personal. These new tours offer a rare chance to peel back the layers and see the mansion in a whole new light. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about the mysteries of this local gem, these experiences promise to be unforgettable.