quire then retired to Witchingham Hall in Norfolk. The estate ran to 4,500 acres and included land in many of the neighbouring villages; however, attempts to sell failed. Several farms were auctioned in 1888 and 1889. Squire George John Moore returned to Appleby Hall in 1891 and, despite his financial situation, continued to live an extravagant lifestyle with numerous household staff. With insufficient income, ends were met by the repeated sales of farms and land. George John died in 1916 and his son Charles L G Moore inherited the Hall and estate (now less than 2400 acres). In 1918 the estate was no longer viable and Charles looked to sell. In 1919 he forced an ultimatum on his tenant farmers: they would have to give him 10 shillings more rent per acre, or he would be forced to sell (a rise of between 32% and 50%). The farmers initially agreed, but later reneged, thinking he was bluffing and doubting he would actually sell the estate the family had lived in for 300 years. Charles had, however, already received an offer and the house was sold to property speculators. The rest of the estate was auctioned on Thursday 20 November 1919 at the Royal Hotel, Ashby de la Zouch. The estate was divided into 49 lots comprising a total of 2786 acres, and included 12 farms, 22 small holdings, 2 inns and about 50 cottages. With the estate sold, Charles retired to Devon where he died in 1961. The farms and small holdings were mainly sold to their tenants. After being sold, Appleby Hall was stripped of its valuable materials (interiors and lead roof) and had been completely demolished by 1930; only the gatehouses and part of the stables building remained. See also Appleby Hall Appleby Magna John Moore (Lord Mayor) George Moore References External links Hamlets in Leicestershire North West Leicestershire District