Photo: DeFacto / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
About this place
Baddesley Clinton is a moated manor house in the Forest of Arden, Warwickshire, its stone walls rising straight from the water on three sides.
The house probably began in the 13th century, when the surrounding forest was first cleared for farmland.
What sets it apart is its set of priest holes, cramped hiding places built into the fabric of the house for Catholic priests during periods of religious persecution.
The National Trust has looked after the house, park and gardens since 1980, and the moat still frames the building much as it would have looked centuries ago.
Read more on WikipediaHistory
The Ferrers family held Baddesley Clinton for several centuries, shaping the house that survives today, before it eventually passed into the care of the National Trust. During the Elizabethan persecution of Catholics, the house provided refuge for Catholic clergy. The property is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building, recognising both its archaeological and architectural importance.
Architecture
The house is built largely of local stone and timber, arranged around a courtyard with the moat forming a defensive boundary on several sides, a layout typical of medieval and Tudor manor houses in the region. Later alterations added Tudor and Elizabethan touches to what began as a simpler medieval structure.
Worth knowing
The house's priest holes, built to hide Catholic clergy during periods of religious persecution, are a significant feature of the building's history.
Gardens & grounds
The gardens and parkland surrounding the moated house make for a quiet walk, with the water and old stonework giving the grounds much of their character.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Lapworth Rail Station (0.7 miles)
Open year-round except 24-25 December; check National Trust website for seasonal hours and house access requirements.
Nearby properties
Packwood House
View Packwood House on heritage mapStoneleigh Abbey
View Stoneleigh Abbey on heritage mapAll Saints Church, Billesley
View All Saints Church, Billesley on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Baddesley Clinton (B93) there are 1 historic properties, including 1 historic building.
Within 10 miles of Baddesley Clinton (B93) there are 6 historic properties, including 2 historic buildings, across National Trust, Churches Conservation Trust and English Heritage sites.
Within 20 miles of Baddesley Clinton (B93) there are 30 historic properties, including 11 historic buildings, 10 historic houses and 5 churchs, across National Trust, Historic Houses and Churches Conservation Trust sites.
Facts
A working medieval moat still surrounds a house built to hide Catholic priests from the law.
- Type
- manor house
- Location
- Warwickshire, England
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