Abbey Gate College was honoured to welcome Lady Jane Grosvenor for a special visit to our historic home, Saighton Grange – a building she knew and loved as a child, and which continues to play an important part in her family’s history.

Lady Jane, sister of the late 6th Duke of Westminster and aunt to the current Duke, has fond memories of visiting and staying at the Grange in the 1950s and 60s when it was home to her uncle, Colonel Gerald Grosvenor (later the 4th Duke of Westminster), and his wife, Sally. The Duke passed away at Saighton in 1967, and the house was vacated two years later, in 1969.

During her visit, Lady Jane toured the Manor House with students from the College’s History Club, along with former Governor Mr Colin Waker – who is currently writing a book to mark the College’s 50th anniversary in 2027 – and Louise Benson, archivist at the Eaton Estate. She shared stories of the house’s former life, from the organ that played itself in the chapel to the mysterious “Red Lady” who is said to haunt the upper rooms.

“I really enjoyed her visit; she had so many fascinating stories to tell,” said one student. “I’m especially looking forward to applying this new-found knowledge to our research into the building’s history. A big thank you to Lady Jane for coming, and to Mr Waker for joining us too.”

Her memories provide invaluable insight for a number of ongoing projects at Abbey Gate College – including student-led research, the creation of heritage information boards and Mr Waker’s historical publication.

The visit was prompted after Mr Waker contacted Louise Benson in search of archival records or floorplans from the house’s Grosvenor era. Although no such documents exist, Louise suggested that Lady Jane’s personal recollections might help fill the gaps. We’re grateful she agreed – and even more so after hearing her stories.

The College has long been intrigued by the unusual names given to rooms in a 1960s property listing, such as The Bird Room, Puffball Room, Sampler Room, Palm Court, and Grosvenor Square. Lady Jane recalled some of these spaces, although time, change of use and emotion have naturally blurred a few details.

“It was like an old film winding,” she later wrote, “but with big gaps in it!”

Lady Jane was struck by the warm atmosphere in the College, even during exam season, praising the “buzzy and happy” feel of the school, the “terrific” girls she met, and the kindness of the staff. Her only regret, she added with a smile, was not climbing the tower, as she had done so many times in her youth.

“What a wonderful project,” she reflected. “It was lovely to meet you in person and I learnt so much about the hitherto unknown (to me) house I knew and loved throughout my childhood.”

Her visit reminded us of the living history embedded in Saighton Grange, and the privilege we have in continuing its story. We are deeply grateful to Lady Jane for sharing her memories, and we look forward to honouring them through the work of our students, staff, and alumni in the years to come.