The Hall, West Langton
Paul, Carol and six month old son Philip moved to Stable Cottage, The Hall, West Langton in 1982. The former stables were ideal for Carol as she ran a riding school and livery with 14 horses. One of them a cross shire horse was called Nimrod.
Bonfire Celebrations
Paul set up his first weaving business also in one of the stables. At the time ‘Bobby’ Spencer owned the hall and opened it to the public, selling Cream Teas. Paul and Carol remember Bonfire Night celebrations being held in the grounds with Bobby taking round glasses of hot punch.
Special Visitors
One day there was a real commotion with police cars in the drive to the Hall and police in the bushes. Paul went to see what was happening when up the drive walked Prince Charles and his wife Lady Diana Spencer.
“Excuse me young man” said Prince Charles to Paul, “Can you tell me where Bobby lives?
This is his cousin Lady Diana!” Paul took them to the front door. According to Gill Lovett of Market Harborough Historical Society, Diana “was a regular visitor to the hall”.
On another occasion Lady Di’s brother also visited The Hall, West Langton. Carol says he was interested in the stables as they still retained their original fittings.
Paul and Carol have fond memories of their time at the Hall. When Bobby sold up in 1985 he gave Philip a big Noah’s Ark which they still have and Carol still meets people who remind her that she taught them to ride.
Paul and Carol Hall, Church Langton
(This article first appeared in the 2023 autumn edition of Langtons’ and District Newsletter and is printed with permission)
Footnote: The above memory arose after reading an article written by Glyn Hadfield following Bobby’s death that appeared in the Kibworth Chronicle
Back catalogue 1977-1979
