Birtsmorton Court » History & Heritage
From a Medieval Hall
There are perhaps fewer than 10 moated sites in Britain occupied by private owners, and Birtsmorton Court is exceptional in that it has a rare double moat. This second moat was intended as a night time animal sanctuary to protect livestock from wild boar. A stone boar now sits defiantly in the centre of the second moat as a humorous reminder of the past.
Birtsmorton Court is a fine example of a moated grange, much of which was built in the 15th Century. Some of the original foundations laid in 1241 forms part of the Court today. In the 15th century the Court was home to the Nanfans for some 300 years, and their connections with the Royal House of Tudor is recorded in the oak and plaster carvings in the Banqueting Hall.
The Court consists of an Elizabethan Banqueting Hall, a Medieval Great Hall, Council Chamber and a 17th century dining room along with a sympathetic extension, which was built in the early part of the 20th century. The oldest structure is the main gate which dates back to the 13th century.
As the Court is now an exclusive venue for Weddings and Corporate events, guests and clients can enjoy selected rooms in the main house, including the Banqueting Hall and Great Hall.
The Great Hall
The Great Hall is the oldest room in the house. A fine lofty room with a large open fireplace and timbered walls, and great coat of arms painted on the plaster about the panelling. A beautiful William and Mary ceiling was placed across the original open timber roof in the late 17th Century.
With a capacity of 80 for Civil Weddings or 110 for drinks receptions, the Great Hall is arguably the most imposing room in the house.
With large windows looking into the Courtyard on one side, and onto the Terrace and the estate beyond on the other side, the Great Hall is always bright and airy with a sense of history combined with home.
Terrace & Courtyard
Standing on the Terrace with the Malvern Hills as a backdrop is the ultimate position to soak in the beauty of the house and surrounding gardens. The South and East Facing Terrace overlooks the moat on two sides and onto 80 acres of parkland beyond.
To the East, guests can look right down the length of the Westminster Pool to the iron foot-bridge at the far end.
Rosalie Dawes has developed the Terrace by planting rare half-hardy perennials in borders and tubs, providing colour throughout Spring, Summer and Autumn.
The Courtyard has seen the full range of minor and major changes to the Court's architecture over the years. It is here that you can see the house develop its own unique identity over 9 centuries.
Looking East from the coutyard is Francis Bradley-Birt's, (long time owner of Birtsmorton) finest achievement. This part of the house was destroyed by fire around 1830 and one hundred years later Bradley-Birt had this part of the house completely restored out of old timber, brick and stone from the estate. "It has been done so closely on original lines, and so much in keeping with the original structure, that it is difficult to realise that it is a modern addition" (Country Life - American Edition June 1934)
The Banqueting Hall
Thanks to Mr. F.B. Bradley Birt, extensive restoration works took place between 1913 to 1938 when the Banqueting Hall was adjoined to the main house via the library.
The handsome stucco ceiling is decorated with Tudor roses and fleurs-de-lis. The tall ceilings, wood panelling and grandeur of this room make it ideal for sumptuous private formal dinners and banquets.
The room can either be laid out as one long table for up to 30 guests or as four round tables of 10 to cater for 40 guests. This room also benefits from a large open log fire which is lit for all winter events.
Other Important Rooms
The house also has the old court room, known as the Council Chamber where the local barons used to hold court sessions. This room is oak panelled and features a secret passage way that used to go under the moat directly to the church. From the outside you would think, with its smart red brick, this room was Georgian but it is in fact Medieval. Behind the red brick exterior is a medieval inner skin which is clearly visible today.
Standing in the Great Hall one can see the lower part of the old staircase that leads up to the Cardinal Wolsey room. From this room there is a view onto the courtyard through a stained glass window with the inscription CW, which was installed in this great man's memory. Through his association with Birtsmorton, Thomas Wolsey was presented to King Henry VII by a member of the Nanfan family, and later became Cardinal Wolsey.
The Gardens
The extensive formal gardens at Birtsmorton are perhaps its most appreciated feature. The top lawn is the best place to get an overview of the gardens which includes the ancient Wolsey tree, the topiary and the White Garden. The ancient Wolsey yew tree is said to be where Thomas Wolsey often sat during his time as chaplain at Birtsmorton.
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Birtsmorton Court
This 180 degree tour shows the house and moat in all its glory from the bottom lawn. |
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The Great Hall, Empty
The Great Hall can seat 60 and accommodate a further 20 standing for a Civil Ceremony. You can see the generous aisle for the Bride & Groom. |
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The Great Hall, In Service
The Great Hall, as set up for a Civil Ceremony. |
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The Terrace
This south facing terrace is the perfect place to view the splendour of this beautiful estate. |
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The White Garden
The White Garden has been designed by Rosalie Dawes and Veronica Adams to flower from late May to late October. |
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