History
Quy Hall has been in the Francis family since 1855, when it was purchased by Cambridge-based solicitor Clement Francis.
Initially serving as just a summer residence for Clement and his family, the Hall was remodelled by Victorian architect William White in 1868-71.
The main house is Grade II* listed, and known for its unusual painted walls and ceilings in the main reception rooms. Recent research has debunked the myth that these were the work of Thomas Gambier Parry – who was responsible for Ely Cathedral – and confirmed that the walls were created using designs by William White, carried out by Henry Davies, who happened to be the contractor at Ely.
Local legend has it that Clement wasn't very popular – most likely because he attempted to stop locals coprolite mining on his land – but his widow Sarah (left), who continued to manage the estate from her husband's death in 1880 to her own in 1897, seems to have enjoyed a better reputation. There is a plaque dedicated to her memory from a "grateful parish" in Quy Church – and even a recent folk song commemorating her as the "Angel of the Fens"…
Although Clement and Sarah managed to have thirteen children, the next generation were not so prolific. After Sarah's death, the estate passed to their eldest son, solicitor Thomas Musgrave (left), affectionately known as "Uncle Muzz", who never married but lived at Quy Hall with his unmarried sister Mary Sophia. Thomas extended the Estate through land purchases in Fen Ditton and Horningsea and upon his death ownership then passed to his nephew, Lt-Col John Clement Wolstan Francis.
Today Quy Hall remains the Francis family home, occupied by Clement’s great-great-great-granddaughter who manages the Quy Hall Estate.
For more information on the history of Quy, we recommend the books by the late local historian Peggy Watts, copies of which are held at the Village Hall or can be obtained from Bill Watts. Gill Hunter has also written about Quy Hall in her book "William White: Pioneer Victorian Architect". Watch this space, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to join us as we explore in more detail some of the characters from the history of Quy Hall.