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A Little History

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It is believed that Peel House was first built in the 1750s. Later, around 1812, the front was remodelled and there was already a new three storey extension built to the rear. The building was built as three stories with a wet cellar and the extension was above ground only. At about this time it was actively the home of the Peel family.

The Peel family were mill owners and had left Lancashire after several riots. One of these, near Accrington, saw their mill equipment thrown into the river. They moved down to the less riotous Burton and built mills again. Their mills became the largest employer in the town. Paupers' children were taken on as indented apprentices which rescued them from the street and gave them a wage and a home. One of the old mills, sadly now demolished was close to Peel House. A diversion was made from the River Trent to power the mill. Peel's Cut can still be seen from the back of Burton Library all the way upto the rear of the business park near Peel House.

There were several Roberts in the family tree and the grandson of the mill owner Robert Peel , Sir Robert Peel went onto become Prime Minister and he was also responsible for the founding of the modern British police. Originally they were referred to as "Peelers" and then later "Bobbies". Mill owners had not got the best reputation for their employee welfare and were often seen as cruel industrial barons. Sir Robert reversed much of this as he was a strong believer in employee rights and introduced the Labour Reform laws.

Sadly, the Peel's wanted somewhere with some extra greenery and moved away from Burton. They bought and renovated Drayton Manor. Yes, the same Drayton Manor that is now a theme park. During this time of enjoying their new country space, they imported pigs from Ireland. The idea was to create a new breed which they named "The Tamworth". It is also rumoured that this connection to pig farming also led to a malicious nickname given to the police of the time.

Peel House has seen several roles in its time. It has been a family home, a firm of accountants, a tax office and in the most recent incarnation, apartments. On the 24th March 1950, it was given Grade II listed status. In 2008/9, the property underwent a lot of internal restoration which was sympathetic to the original features such as the Victorian staircase. There is still an old door inside that has a hatch for passing papers, this is now mounted on the entrance to the original cellar.

We are sure that you will enjoy your stay at Peel House and in sharing a part of its history.