History of the Garrard family

Welton Place once stood where Clarkes Way is today — a grand Georgian mansion that shaped village life for centuries. From around 1907, it was leased by the Garrard family, renowned for their craftsmanship as Crown Jewellers, appointed by Queen Victoria and continuing in that role until 2007.

Major Sebastian Henry Garrard (1868–1946)

As a director of Garrards, Major Garrard oversaw some of the most significant royal jewellery commissions of the early 20th century. In 1911 he created Queen Mary’s Crown for the Coronation, and the Imperial Crown of India worn by King George V at the Delhi Durbar. Garrards later remounted the Imperial State Crown in 1937 and adjusted it again for Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953 (after Major Garrard’s death).

Note: Examples of his work can be viewed via the Royal Collection Trust by searching “Sebastian Henry”: 

A centre of society

Under the Garrards, Welton Place became a lively social hub. The Pytchley Hunt met regularly on the grounds, with Major Garrard organising the annual hunt ball. Garden fêtes, flower shows, and charitable events filled the lawns with village and county visitors.

The Duke of York — later King George VI —  and his brother are known to have stayed at Welton Place during this period, drawn by friendship with the Garrards.

Lady May Eleanor Garrard

May Eleanor Garrard (née Cazenove) came from the distinguished Cazenove family of Cottesbrooke. Her great‑uncle Philip Cazenove founded the prestigious City stockbroking firm Cazenove & Co.

Lady Garrard became a well-integrated figure in Welton, appearing frequently in local newspapers. She served as president of both the Women’s Institute and the Women’s Conservative Association,  and got involved with the guides and helping children to read at the school.  She was also very active in the local St Johns and a trustee of the Towns Lands Trust.

Family life at Welton Place

The 1911 census shows the Garrards at Welton Place with their six daughters, supported by fifteen household staff — a sign of the family’s social standing and the Garrard goldsmith legacy

Bertha Phyllis Garrard — Born 1895, died 1991. The eldest daughter, living through nearly the entire 20th century.

Marjorie May Garrard — Born 1897, died 1994. Married Ronald Henderson in 1917. A long-lived second daughter, also spanning most of the 1900s.

Barbara Joan Garrard — Born 1902, died 1989. The third daughter, married Mr Roland Findlay in 1927.

Joyce Gladys Garrard — Born 1904, died 1970. Fourth daughter, part of the younger group of siblings.  Married H.M.P. Hewitt in 1930 in India.

Major Garrard died in 1946, leaving an estate worth about £3.7 million in today’s money.

A new home in post‑war Britain

After her husband’s death, Lady Garrard wished to remain in Welton – she clearly loved the village – but no longer needed the vast spaces of Welton Place. She commissioned local builder Frank Emery Senior to construct a new home.

Post‑war building restrictions capped the value of any new private house at £1400. To meet the rules — and Lady Garrard’s expectations — Frank built two semi‑detached houses, each valued at £1400. Lady Garrard lived in one half, her staff in the other.

When her cook resigned, tired of carrying meals outdoors between the houses, Frank revealed a clever solution: a wall designed to be easily removed. For under £10, the two houses were joined into a single five‑bedroom home.

The council attempted to challenge the alteration, but unsuccessfully. The story reached national attention in the Daily Mirror under the headline “Hole‑in‑wall beats house law.” The house still stands today and is known as Welton Brook.

Lady Garrard died in August 1955 and her funeral was held at St Martin’s Church. With her death the Garrards’ association with Welton ended.