futures�WINTER 2011
Oh, Mr Darcy!
Balls Park, which housed University of Hertfordshire business and social science students from 1979 to 2003, is about to be given a new lease of life, with the mansion and stable blocks currently undergoing a complete refurbishment into a range of luxury apartments. During the redevelopment some interesting facts about the historic Grade I Listed Jacobean mansion in Hertford have come to light. It is believed that Jane Austin visited Balls Park whilst writing Pride and Prejudice and that following her visit it became the inspiration behind Netherfield House. Netherfield is one of the most important locations in the novel, as the residence for ‘£4,000 a year’ Mr Bingley and the place where Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett share their first dance together at Mr Bingley’s ball.
Ian Dieffenthaller, the conservation architect working for City & Country Group, the company managing the redevelopment, believes that Balls Park played an important role in Hertfordshire society in the 18th century.
“Whilst Balls Park is obviously a very important architectural site, it is particularly interesting to note the
connection with Jane Austen. At the time, this part of Hertfordshire was an extremely wealthy area and a desirable location for those from
London looking to build their country seats; Balls Park exemplifies the wealth at that time. “The cream of English society was to be found
frequently gracing the opulent public rooms at Balls Court, and it is even possible that the famous Netherfield Ball in Pride and Prejudice was inspired by a similar ball at Balls Park that Jane Austen would have attended herself.”
The estate itself is no stranger to fame and has been used as a location for a number of films, including The Young Victoria and The Golden Compass, as well as a range of television series, such as Bleak House and Foyle’s War. Most recently, it is thought to have been used as a location for the upcoming film Bel Ami, starring Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman and Christina Ricci, which is due for release later in 2011.
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