Parade House Trowbridge

05/02/2025

Join Parade House co-owner Simon Tesler tonight at 10pm on Radio Bath for another cracking set of tracks from the 1970s: a curated journey through the decade like no other, introducing you to some forgotten favourites as well as a few undiscovered gems you probably won't ever have heard before. Tune in live tonight at 10pm for The Sweet, T.Rex, Slade, MC5, Velvet Underground, The Stooges, James Brown, Maceo & The Macks, Bobby Byrd, Ace, Fleetwood Mac and Muddy Waters. Got plans? No worries! Stream any time on mixcloud.com/simontesler from tomorrow and keep the groove going. And we'd love to hear from you! Tell us what 70s track would make your ultimate playlist. Let us know in the comments below and Simon will try to add it in a future show.

30/01/2025

Majestic Parade House is looking resplendent in the crisp morning light today.

The 18th century Bath stone of our beautiful Grade 1 Listed building captures the pale warmth of the winter sun and turns honey coloured for a few hours of the day.

The celebrated historian Sir Nikolaus Pevsner described Grade 1 Listed Parade House as the centrepiece of a “stretch of palaces along Fore Street to rival anything in Bristol or Bath” in his Guide to Wiltshire from the monumental series of county guides the “Buildings of England”.

Sometimes a sleepy exterior belies a hive of activity inside, as our wonderful staff busy themselves setting up the fine rooms for special private events.

From beautiful Weddings and Celebrations to corporate meetings, private Receptions and TV location filming, Parade House is always in demand and our calendar gets filled up fast.

Our public events include Fine Dining Dinners and Regency Cream Teas in the Ballroom, Film Screenings in our luxury Cinema, Themed Bar Nights in the historic vaults, public Open Days, Historic House Tours, Antique Valuation Days, Jane Austen Festival Events, Talks and Book Signings, Musical Events and much more.

If you are looking for that Bridgerton vibe then make sure to visit or book Parade House, winner of the “Best Event Venue in Wiltshire Award” and experience the magnificence of a quintessential English Georgian home for yourself.

[email protected]

30/01/2025

We are so saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend Ken Rogers, Wiltshire County Archivist for 50 out of his 70 years service and such an inspiration to all who knew him and great loss to Trowbridge 😢

He celebrated his life’s work last year at a party at Parade House, surrounded by friends, family and former colleagues from the History Centre, The Wiltshire Records Office, The Civic Society and many other heritage organisations that had the honour of working alongside him. He wrote countless books on the buildings and history of Trowbridge, the surrounding areas and its inhabitants, the woollen mills and the rich heritage of the cloth industry, and at 95 years old and despite being almost blind and completely infirm, his mind was as sharp as ever and he was able to discuss dates and facts in incredible detail. In fact, Ken was still in the process of writing another two books before he passed away quietly on Sunday.

Ken donated many personal historical artefacts to Parade House for display, and he was particularly pleased that the house had been saved by us from near dereliction. At our regular visits he would often say that when he died, any autopsy would reveal the word “Trowbridge” tattooed on his heart.

We will miss you dear Ken but your legacy will live on…

29/01/2025

Simon says: "I hope you'll join me tonight on Radio Bath for a cracking set of tracks from the 1970s. It's a curated journey through the decade like no other, introducing you to some forgotten favourites as well as a few undiscovered gems you probably won't ever have heard before. Tune in live tonight at 10pm on DAB or at https://radiobath.com/ .

Got plans? No worries! Stream it any time on Mixcloud from tomorrow and keep the groove going. Listen at https://www.mixcloud.com/simontesler/sounds-from-the-seventies-with-simon-tesler-29-jan-25/

And I'd love to hear from you! Tell me what 70s track would make your ultimate playlist. Let me know in the comments below and I will try to add it in a future show. See you tonight!"

28/01/2025

27/01/2025

We’re looking forward to The Jane Austen Festival 2025 - did you know that this year our world famous author turn 250 years old? 🌟

It is said that Jane stopped off at Parade House on several occasions on her way to Bath from her home in Hampshire and took afternoon tea with the family.

Parade House will be celebrating in style, so watch this space for our signature Regency Cream Teas served on precious 200 year old vintage china, and other exciting special Jane Austen themed events at Parade House organised especially for the Festival week.

If you would like to book our magnificent Grade 1 Listed Georgian townhouse for your own costumed event, please contact us for availability and a personal tour.

[email protected]

23/01/2025

We're delighted to announce the return of our signature Regency Cream Teas with the wonderful Jane Austen Dancers of Bath.

Treat your mum to a wonderful celebration on Mother's Day on 30th March.

Scrumptious all-butter scones with clotted cream & strawberry jam, wickedly tasty cakes, savoury sandwiches and a choice of fine tea or coffee, all served on elegant vintage china in the beautiful surroundings of Grade 1 listed Parade House. And, for an additional treat, why not start your afternoon with a delicious glass of prosecco or a gin & tonic?

Feast yourself and then watch an enchanting performance of Regency dancing by the Jane Austen Dancers of Bath. Guests are invited to get up and join the fun for the final dance.

WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO SPEND MOTHER'S DAY!

https://ticketscandy.com/e/mothers-day-cream-tea-with-the-jane-austen-dancers-of-bath-8114

20/01/2025

We love majesty and grandeur at Parade House, so we thought we would take a quick trip to Paris this weekend to see the opulent and exquisite embroidery from the Dolce and Gabanna “Du Coeur à la Main” Exhibition at the Grand Palais, and the creative playful mastery of the “Stephen Jones Chapeau d’Artiste” Exhibition at the Palais Galliera.

Of course, the fashion story would not be complete without a revisit to the famous Dior Exhibition too.

Some of our followers might know our history as founder publishers of the iconic 80’s style magazine BLITZ, which was one of the first magazines to showcase up-and -coming designers such as Dolce and Gabbana and milliner Stephen Jones, thanks to its incredible avant-garde fashion editors Iain R Webb and Kim Bowen.

Some forty years on, it’s a proud moment to see these now world famous fashion names immortalised in the French capital, filling the pages of glossy magazines and worn by Hollywood A listers, fashion glitterati and even royalty worldwide.

Today we decided to diverge from one of our usual posts in order to bring you something different, a sensual overload simply to brighten up a grey Monday morning…enjoy!

19/01/2025

Coming to The Screening Room at Parade House on Friday 21st February, the gripping political thriller destined for multiple trophies at the upcoming BAFTA and Oscars awards:

CONCLAVE (2024) Cert 12
Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini. Directed by Edward Berger. 2hrs.

https://ticketscandy.com/e/conclave-8061

Power is power, and the church is as prone to political intrigue, ruthless back-stabbing and games-playing as any parliament. More so perhaps, because at its highest level this is global power which hides behind a mask of innocent piety.

When the Pope dies in what may or may not be suspicious circumstances, Ralph Fiennes is the senior cardinal and Vatican administrator tasked with overseeing a conclave of his peers from all over the globe to elect their new leader. Yet none of the leading contenders is quite what he seems and all are intent on sabotaging their rivals' chances by any means fair or foul.

At the same time, a terrorist attack beyond the walls of the Vatican adds further urgency to the task. The clock is ticking... but the cardinals' final selection of a new pope threatens to change everything that we have ever understood about the Catholic faith.

Despite its holy setting, Conclave is as gripping as any thriller, given additional force by superb performances from a starry cast, not least Ralph Fiennes in a career-highlight role, and muscular direction by Edward Berger, whose All Quiet On The Western Front was the star of last year's awards season. Conclave looks set to repeat that feat, with multiple nominations at both the BAFTAs and Oscars.

This is quality filmmaking at every level, adapted by Peter Straughan (who brought Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall to our television screens) from the novel by Robert Harris, author of Fatherland, Enigma, The Ghost and Pompeii. A special mention goes to the film's stunning sound design, in which every footstep and every breath ratchets up the tension to fever pitch. Your heart will be racing.

16/01/2025

We were delighted to welcome members from the East Dorset Heritage Trust yesterday for a history tour and lunch at Parade House.

The group arrive by coach and took hot refreshments in the historic vaults after their long and delayed journey, before watching a short documentary film about Parade House in our luxury cinema.

The tour then started in the panelled Directors Room on the ground floor, followed by the Regency Drawing Room and the other ground floor rooms, with their high ceilings, chandeliers and marble fireplaces.

The group thoroughly enjoyed the personal history tour by the owners, taking in the provenance of antiques, paintings and objects that grace all the fine rooms of this magnificent Grade 1 Listed Georgian townhouse.

The highlight was of course ascending the grand original 18th century staircase with its elaborate carved ceiling, to the beautiful first floor Ballroom, which spans the whole width of the building.

At the end of the tour a delicious freshly prepared buffet lunch was served, with wines and drinks from our Ushers Bar, before their departure to visit the local Trowbridge Museum along with bags of souvenirs from our Parade House shop.

Parade House is proud to be attracting visitors to Trowbridge, our County Town of Wiltshire, which is only 20 minutes away from Bath on the Great West Way.

If you would like to arrange a heritage tour of Parade House, please contact our events manage via our website:

www.paradehousetrowbridge.co.uk/events

Parade House: “Best Event Venue in Wiltshire 2024 Award”.

13/01/2025

It may be freezing outside but there’s always a warm welcome at Parade House.

We are busy with Private Events during most of January with public events resuming from next month.

If you have a Celebration coming up soon, why not get in touch and arrange a viewing of award winning Parade House, winner of the “Best Event Venue in Wiltshire 2024”.

Our unique Bridgerton style townhouse with all its elegant rooms, grand staircase, ballroom and private bar and cinema can be Exclusively Yours for the day!

Contact: [email protected]

12/01/2025

Ushers Bar in the historic vaults of Parade House Trowbridge will be open for drinks and dinner again on Saturday 1st March.

Come and relax with friends over dinner in the intimate and luxurious setting of Grade 1 listed Parade House.

We're offering a fantastic expanded menu of mouth-watering meal choices. Most of your old favourites are still there along with delicious recent additions including Honey & Ginger Chicken, Pork Dijon and Roasted Vegetable & Chickpea Curry. Our amazing Sticky Toffee Pudding is still on the menu but has been joined by Lemon Cheesecake, Red Berry Mousse and a fabulous Chocolate & Salted Caramel Mousse!

Meals are prepared to order so please make your booking in advance.

If you don't want to eat, we hope you'll still join us for drinks. Your ticket price includes a £5 credit against your first drink.

We're limited on numbers so reservations are required, even if you're not joining us for dinner.

https://ticketscandy.com/e/drinks-dinner-in-ushers-bar-at-parade-house-7897

11/01/2025

Are you sitting comfortably?

Most of our furniture is several hundred years old and - they certainly don’t make them like they used to!

Master carpenters and their apprentices would create beautiful bespoke pieces designed for particular clients to grace their fine rooms, and the wealthy were also able to import from France to show off their good taste, inspired by the pieces at Versailles.

The French Canapé (or sofa) at Parade House is a favourite for our Wedding Couples and has stood the test of time.

Positioned in our blue Drawing Room under a Georgian family portrait, this beautiful gilt carved sofa with faded white silk damask upholstery graces the room perfectly, adding an extra level of sophistication to its Regency splendour.

When you next visit Parade House,take a close look at some of the other beautiful and unique pieces of antique furniture on display, and imagine how much work went into to their creation and construction without modern technology.

09/01/2025

🌟Looking for that Bridgerton vibe for your wedding? Y&J tied the knot at Parade House and wanted a intimate Wedding Ceremony with just twenty guests in our beautiful panelled Directors room, with a champagne reception in the Blue Drawing Room and a Wedding Breakfast in the elegant first floor Ballroom.

If you have recently become engaged, Parade House is a stunning Grade 1 Listed private venue in the historic heart of the County Town of Wiltshire, and our beautiful Georgian home can be Exclusively Yours for your Big Day!

Fully licensed for Wedding Ceremonies and Civil Partnerships in all the fine rooms, our beautiful venue won “The Best Event Venue in Wiltshire 2024 Award” and “Most Idyllic Historic Wedding Venue 2024 - South West England”.🥂

Imagine sweeping up the grand 18th Century staircase to the elegant first floor Ballroom for your Wedding Breakfast, then descending into your own cool private Bar and Cinema for the evening’s entertainment in the historic vaults. For a more romantic departure, why not get whisked away in a beautiful horse drawn carriage in complete Bridgerton style!

Contact our in house Wedding Planner for our remaining availability this year and a private tour of magnificent Parade House:

[email protected]

04/01/2025

🌟When you wish upon a star 🌟

🌙 We captured Venus above the waxing moon crescent last night at Parade House - what a great start to the New Year!

We’re excited to see what 2025 has in store for Parade House and all of our wonderful guests…

Watch this space!

30/12/2024

As we begin to think about taking down our Christmas decorations, we thought we would share a favourite in our antique collection, which is subtly displayed each year.

The rare print is by Thomas Rowlandson (1757 – 1827) the English artist and caricaturist of the Georgian Era, noted for his political satire and social observation.

A prolific artist and printmaker, Rowlandson produced both individual social and political satires and his caricatures included those of people in power such as the Duchess of Devonshire, William Pitt the Younger and Napoleon Bonaparte. He also produced a large number of illustrations for novels, humorous books, and topographical works.

Like other caricaturists of his age such as James Gillray (also in the Parade House Collection) his caricatures are often robust or b***y. Rowlandson also produced highly explicit erotica for a private clientele; this was never published publicly at the time and is now only found in a small number of collections such as ours.

The Collection can be seen on private History Tours and Open Days at Parade House, when our magnificent Georgian Grade 1 Listed townhouse is open to the public.

25/12/2024

🎄Wishing all of our wonderful guests a very MERRY CHRISTMAS from all of us at PARADE HOUSE🎄

We’ve had such an amazing time welcoming so many people for Open Days, Regency Cream Teas, Movies Nights, Cocktail Nights, Fine Dining Dinners, Exhibitions, Weddings, Conferences and Celebrations - and it’s our fantastic hardworking staff that we wish to celebrate 🍾 in particular today, who have brought so much happiness and good cheer to all our visitors and guests and have made us so proud of our beautiful venue 🥳

🌟Wherever you are and however you celebrate, remember to think of others today and give back whatever you can…🌟

(Pic from our Christmas Open Day 2024)