History

Denys George Finch Hatton was born on 24th April 1887. He was the 2nd son and 3rd child of Henry Stormont Finch-Hatton, the 13th Earl of Winchelsea and his wife Anne.

Denys’ early years were spent at Haverholme Priory with his cousins and uncle, but his family resided in the nearby Dower House. When his father inherited the title from his older brother in 1898, he became the 13th Earl. Denys and his siblings were relocated to the Priory. The Finch Hatton Hotel, as we know it today, was then used as a hunting lodge by the family. He was educated at Eton and Oxford. He was good at athletics and earned a degree in modern history. In 1914 Denys was commissioned as a temporary lieutenant during the 1st World War, fighting in the East African Campaign. Denys was later given a staff appointment as aide-de camp to General Hoskins. On the 1st February 1917 Denys was awarded the Military Cross.

In 1928 and 1930, Denys played host to the Prince of Wales, later Edward 8th on safaris in Africa. They became good friends and often went on Safaris together. Denys met Baroness Karen Blixen at the Muthaiga Club on the 5th April 1918. He was then assigned to military service in Egypt. After his transfer to the middle east, he wanted to become a pilot, but a foot injury prevented him from having lessons. On his return, he developed a close friendship with Karen and her Swedish husband, Baron Bror Von Blixen.

By 1922 Karen Von Blixen had separated from her husband and after her divorce in 1925, Denys moved into her house and began leading safaris for wealthy sportsmen.

In 1929 Denys took up flying and bought his Gipsy Moth and eventually had it shipped to Africa.

On the 14th May 1931, Denys Finch Hatton took off in his Gipsy Moth from VOI Airport and circled around the airport a few times and suddenly plunged to the ground and burst into flames. Denys and his servant were both killed. Denys Finch Hatton was buried in Ngong Hills, a place chosen by Karen Blixen.
Denys Finch Hatton was portrayed by Robert Redford in the film Out of Africa alongside Meryl Streep.

The Finch Hatton is now a beautiful country hotel and wedding venue, located in Ewerby, near Sleaford, Lincolnshire.

A new addition to the Hotel is our Chocolate shop ‘2301 Chocolate’, where all the chocolates are hand made on site and you can see them being made by our staff. They are not only sold in the shop and hotel, but The Spire Coffee Shop in Anwick, Heckington Windmill Shop.