Packington Estate

St James’ Church

The present building is unique, not only in design, but also because of the reason for its construction: it was a rebuilding of the former church by the fourth Earl of Aylesford to commemorate the return to sanity of George Ill in 1789. It was co-designed by the fourth Earl and Joseph Bonomi, an Italian architect, who also worked on the Hall. It is the first example of a Greek revival church in England.

The organ is a chamber organ built to the actual specification written in a letter by Handel in 1749 to Charles Jennens, a relative of the Aylesford family. After Jennens death, it was bequeathed to the third Earl of Aylesford. After some time at the Hall the organ was moved to its current position.

Opening arrangements

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. The key can be obtained from the Estate Office at Packington Hall, preferably by arranging in advance (Telephone: 01676 522020 or email: kay@packingtonestate.co.uk). At other times by prior arrangement with Lady Guernsey (Telephone: 01676 522274). 

follow us