Steve Holloway

sought out the services of one man who he knew could make his visions a reality, Lancelot Capability Brown.

Brown's CV is nothing short of spectacular.

Amongst the many properties which have benefited from his work are Warwick Castle, Croom Court, Highclere Castle, the home of TV's Downton Abbey, Harewood House, and even Blenheim Palace.

Capability Brown delivered on all of John Ward Jr.

's ideas and demands, completely re-landscaping the grounds and installing the lake which Ward Jr.

wanted.

This lake is fed by a series of smaller pools which can also still be seen and enjoyed today.

The family lived and entertained at the house for around 50 years until, in the 1830s, they decided that Himley was too close to the black country and moved out to another one of their properties, Whitley Court in Worcestershire.

The house remained in their possession until 1947 when it was sold off to the National Coal Board

Himley Hall has had many famous visitors throughout its life, most notably Edward VIII and Wallace Simpson.

Edward had been made King on the 20th of January 1936 when his father King George V died.

Edward's reign as King would only last 326 days due to his refusal to break off his relationship with his current partner, Wallace Simpson.

Wallace was an American who had already divorced once and was in the process of divorcing for a second time.

This caused a problem for Edward, whose proposed marriage to Simpson was blocked by the UK government on the grounds that it would be politically and socially unacceptable.

Edward decided to give up his reign and abdicate, forcing his brother George to become King on the 11th of December 1936.

It was at Himley Hall that Edward and Mrs. Simpson would spend their final weekend before Edward abdicated.

But what about ghosts at Himley?

Just as with Flitwick Manor, Himley doesn't have many, but the ones it does have can be very active indeed.

Himley Hall and its grounds have seen a lot of history over the years.

In particular, it was the camp grounds for King Charles I and his army while they were on their way to the Battle of Naseby, which King Charles lost, incidentally.