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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

  • "A fine chance discovery"

  • "Great building, well restored. Charming!"

  • "Beautiful setting, very peaceful & informative"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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