Situated on a stunning, sustainably managed estate, Hawkwood is a charity dedicated to fostering creativity, community, and environmental sustainability.
We bring together diverse individuals and organisations to inspire meaningful contributions to society and our future.
Our historic, expansive venue offers a tranquil setting that supports personal and organisational growth and development.
We strive to be a beacon of sustainability in both our operations and land management. Spanning forty-two acres, the estate is managed using biodynamic principles. Twenty acres are leased to Stroud Community Agriculture, a community-supported agriculture collective which ensures a sustainable organic approach to land management.
Providing in-person & online courses and events, as well as on-site residential and non-residential courses in the arts, music, wellbeing, future-thinking and transformative leadership.
Providing artists from local, regional and national arts organisations with support and full board and lodging to create work.
Providing events, talks, and films addressing the pressing issues of our time to inspire people to make a difference, as well as providing a venue for forward-thinking organisations.
Providing a dynamic, open and free environment where everyone can reconnect with nature and themselves through hands-on exploration, away from the pressures of normal, busy life.
Supporting creativity and innovation is at the heart of our work. We strive to be a warm, welcoming and collaborative organisation – looking to the future but also with a deep respect for our past.
We believe there has never been a more important time for the arts and cultural sectors to join forces with environmental and sustainability and wellbeing sectors. Our connection across sectors is what makes us unique.
The environment is fast becoming a key area of focus in most organisations. Hawkwood has extensive experience of facilitating the connection between arts and the environment through our programmes, through our estate and through working closely with artists and arts organisation to support their work in this area, breaking down barriers between sectors and creating a melting pot of debate and creativity.
“Hawkwood is a major contributor to the sector in terms of their impact on a huge range of projects. At the Royal Court alone, their partnership has been integral to our international residency, a new German playwrights Exchange project and the LTC Artists Climate Lab.”
Hawkwood, historically known as 'The Grove,' has been a special place since medieval times. The estate is situated on the south-facing slope of wooded hills, offering natural protection and stunning views towards the River Severn. Early settlers, whether farmers or monks, found the well-watered, gently sloping fields ideal for agriculture. The freshwater spring near the house has flowed continuously for centuries, complemented by an ancient sycamore tree estimated to be over 400 years old.
The estate has long supported the local community, initially through farming sheep, cattle, and crops. Early owners capitalised on the wool from Cotswold sheep, producing high-quality woollen and felt cloth in local mills. This cloth included excellent broadcloth and the finest tweed and green cloth for snooker and billiard tables.
The current Victorian neo-Gothic house was built in the 1840s after a fire severely damaged the previous Jacobean house. Some parts of the stable block date back to the early 1600s, built on even older foundations. The Capel family owned the estate for over 200 years before selling it in 1936 to Colonel Murray, who renamed it Hawkwood after the 14th-century mercenary Sir John Hawkwood. While this historical association is controversial, it does not reflect the values of the charity as founded by Lily Whincop.
In 1947, Lily Whincop and Margaret Bennell transformed Hawkwood into an adult education college. For over 70 years, Hawkwood has served as a centre for learning and development, hosting a wide range of courses and events in arts, sustainability, transformational leadership, and wellbeing. Today, it also functions as a conference venue, supporting ethical organisations with fully catered residential and day events.
Join us as we continue to build on our rich history. If you have a story to share from your time at Hawkwood, please contact us.
“Not just a place people come to learn, but a source of ideas, challenging dialogue, art and artistry, new understandings, personal growth, and human development.”
Our reports track our progress against our charitable aims. Hawkwood is an independent residential centre for arts and education and has been running educational activities for more than 75 years. With the benefits of lifelong learning increasingly recognised by individuals, Hawkwood as an independent learning centre is growing and developing its reach and impact. We aim to provide an arts and educational programme within a sustainable environment that encourages people to develop their full potential.
© 2024 Hawkwood Centre for Future Thinking | Hawkwood College, Painswick Old Road, Stroud, GL6 7QW
Charity number: 311767 | Company number: 599678
