A Grantham citizen’s guide to Arnoldfield

ARNOLDFIELD, or Arnold House as it was originally called, was built by William Ostler JP, a solicitor who took an active part in Grantham’s local affairs, in 1820.
He was variously the Town Clerk and Mayor of Grantham.
The next owner was Joseph Wilders and in 1872 it became known a Arnoldfield House. He and his family retained it for 24 years, from 1889 to 1913.
In 1920 it was bought for £6,500 by former amateur jockey, bachelor Vincent Hemery who also owned two fruit farms in Jersey. He was a wealthy horse owner and breeder and noted for his keen interest in hunting.
His stables were behind the White House, Brownlow Street in Brook Street. These have since been converted into shops and workshops.
During the 1920s the Grantham Agricultural Society regularly held their Shows in the grounds. On his death in 1945, Arnoldfield was bequeathed to his neice, Lady Plummer, who lived in Barnet, with her three daughters.

After the Second World War War Arnoldfield was unoccupied until acquired by Aveling-Barford who converted it into flats for visiting businessmen.
It was also occupied by several Aveling Barford personnel as a temporary home until in 1963 it became the company’s social club.
A spacious assembly hall was built close to the main house for dances, stage shows and parties.
The estate became sports fields and home to Aveling Barford gala.
But the 1980s were volatile times for Aveling Barford.
In 1987, then owner Dr Lee Kin Tat made more than £1,000,000 profit from its controversial sale.
His Jersey-based firm Perion bought the 14-acre site from Aveling Barford for £350,000 then resold it to Beazer Homes and Barrett for housing development for £1.5million.
The house and outbuildings were converted into flats for sheltered housing while an agreement was reached to allow archery, bowls and tennis clubs to remain.