A stunning room bridal suite with a traditional four-poster bed, the Wakefield Turner is a fantastic combination of glamour and heritage. Make your Gretna Green wedding night perfect with a stay in this beautiful suite, and relax with a movie on your very own DVD player and flat-screen TV. As you walk into the contemporary bathroom, you will be greeted by a traditional roll-top bath and complimentary luxury toiletries; perfect for indulging in a hot soak after your Gretna wedding day.

The Story Behind the Wakefield Turner

The best known of all the Gretna Green elopements is the abduction of Miss Turner and her marriage to Edward Gibbon Wakefield. The flight to Calais, and rescue there, followed by a trial and condemnation with a special act of Parliament to annul the marriage, make a most romantic story.

The Background of Edward and Ellen

Wakefield was 30 years of age and a widower with a young family. He held an appointment at the British Legation and was living in Paris where society chatter spoke of a beautiful young heiress, Miss Ellen Turner. Ellen, still at school in Liverpool, was reputed to be the wealthiest heiress in Cheshire. If only Edward could make her fall in love with him!

A Conspiracy Unfolds

A conspiracy was formed between Edward’s brother William and their stepmother to persuade Ellen to marry Edward. On the 7th of March 1826, a private coach arrived at Ellen’s school, run by Miss Danby. A letter was handed over, resulting in Ellen getting into the carriage and travelling to Manchester to meet Wakefield.

Edward falsely explained that her father had suddenly lost a great part of his fortune and was being pressed by creditors. He claimed the Wakefield family had loaned Mr. Turner £60,000 to clear his debts on the condition that Edward could marry Ellen. Wanting to save her father from ruin, Ellen agreed.

The Marriage at Gretna Green

Witnesses along the journey to Scotland said Ellen displayed no fear or dislike of the expedition. Upon arriving at Carlisle, a chaise was ordered to take them to Gretna Green, where they were married at Gretna Hall on the 8th of March 1826. Ellen believed her father was in Calais, so the newlyweds made their way there.

The Deception Unveiled

The marriage was announced in newspapers on the 11th of March, alerting Miss Danby and Mr. Turner. Accompanied by a Bow Street officer, Mr. Turner travelled to France, where Wakefield was arrested.

The Trial and Aftermath

The trial revealed the validity and strength of Scottish law. Edward and Ellen were legally husband and wife, and Wakefield could only be charged with abduction of a minor, for which he was sentenced to three years in Newgate. It required a special act of Parliament to annul the marriage in April 1827.

Tragic Endings and New Beginnings

Ellen was heartbroken. Although duped into marrying, she had been captivated by the handsome widower and the romantic journey to Gretna Green.

Wakefield’s New Path

While in prison, Edward turned his thoughts to colonizing Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. After his release, he became a respected statesman. A portrait of him hangs in Christchurch, New Zealand, and a marble bust was presented to Whitehall in 1875.

Ellen’s Short Life

At 17, Ellen married Thomas Legh, the wealthy owner of Lyme Park and a neighbour of the Turners. It was rumoured that Thomas fell in love with Ellen during Wakefield’s trial. By marrying, they ensured that any child would inherit a vast fortune.

In 1830, Ellen gave birth to a daughter, Ellen Jane Legh. Tragically, during childbirth in 1831, Ellen and her baby both died. She had experienced much in her short 20 years.