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Warren Hastings

First Governor-General of India
(1732-1818)

Warren Hastings was born in Churchill in what is now a private house (Hastings House on Hastings Hill).
He died in 1818 at the nearby estate of Daylesford and is buried in the churchyard there.
The exhibition in the Heritage Centre covers his formative education and his decision to join the East India Company, in which he progressed.
He became the first Governor General of India in 1773.
The touch screen exhibition details the events that led to his impeachment in 1787 for high crimes and misdemeanours.
He spent most of his fortune on his defence and his trial lasted seven years.  The House of Lords acquitted him on all charges.
In 1788, Hastings acquired the estate at Daylesford and remodelled the house with classical and Indian decoration.
He also rebuilt Daylesford church and was buried in the churchyard in 1818.

From Our Guest Book

  • "Beautiful restoration, very nicely done! Unexpected hive of information."

  • "A fascinating visit. William Smith was a wonderful man! "

  • "Excellent to have this centre as a focus for Churchill's history - especially in relation to William Smith."

  • "Lovely spot, so grateful this part of the old church was saved."

  • "Very good new interactive displays, very comprehensive."

  • "A little gem I didn't know existed."

  • "A fine chance discovery"

  • "A fascinating display in a very beautiful setting."

  • "Congratulations to all on this initiative.  So well-organised and user-friendly."

  • "Such a wonderful enterprise. The locality should be proud of it."

  • "Beautiful setting, very peaceful & informative"

  • "Great building, well restored. Charming!"

  • "What a lovely treat to stumble upon. Thank you for preserving a part of our Heritage"

  • "Fantastic, absolutely first class. Most interesting and informative."

  • "Why haven't we been here earlier? We shall certainly return!"