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Boscobel House
Travel Information and nearby accommodation
Boscobel House is a historic timber-framed building built by John Giffard in about 1632. Giffard's modest house replaced an earlier farmhouse that existed here since the 16th century. The Giffard family were staunch Catholics at a time when Catholics were heavily persecuted, and it is possible that Boscobel House was intended to serve as a refuge, or hiding place for Catholics.
Boscobel's moment in the spotight of history occured in 1651, when Charles, Prince of Wales (the future Charles II) sought refuge here after the Battle of Worcester. Charles, son of the executed King Charles I, made an unlike bid to retake the throne. His army was defeated at Worcester, and Charles had to fle for his life. He tried to escape into Wales, but found his route cut off by Parliamentary troops. He was forced to hide with a companion in the leafy brances of an oak tree at Boscobel, a tree which became famous as the Royal Oak. He then found a somewhat more comfortable refuge in a priest's hole, or hidden chamber, in the attic of Boscobel House. From there he eventually made his way to France and safety.
After the restoration of the monarchy, Boscobel House and the Royal Oak became very popular with visitors, though the house itself was never more than an attractive farmhouse.
The oldest section is the north wing, which stands two stories high. The main section of the house, built around 1630, is set at right angles to the north wing. A later Victorian farmhouse range completes the house. The house is surrounded by a small formal garden which dates to 1651 and was restored in 1812.
The Royal Oak in which Charles found refuge no longer stands, however, about 137 metres south west of Boscobel House is a tree thought to be a descendant of the original Royal Oak.
Bishops Wood,
Shropshire,
England, ST19 9AR
About Boscobel House
Attraction Type: Historic Property
Location: On a minor road just south of Bishops Wood, almost on the border with Staffordshire. On site parking. Seasonal openiing only.
Website: Boscobel House
English Heritage
Location
map
OS SJ832083
Heritage Highlight: A descendent of the Royal Oak still stands
Heritage Rating:  ?
Nearest Accommodation to Boscobel House
Nearest Self Catering Cottages |
 Rickyard Cottage -
12.6
miles from Boscobel House
Leighton, Shropshire
Sleeps: 2
Stay from: £170 |
 The Byre Cottage -
12.6
miles from Boscobel House
Leighton, Shropshire
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £180 |
 The Cornhouse -
12.6
miles from Boscobel House
Leighton, Shropshire
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £195 |
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Nearest Tourist
Information Centre
Wolverhampton
Tourist Information Centre
18 Queen Square
Wolverhampton
West Midlands
England
WV1 1TQ
Tel: 01902 556 110
Alternate Tel: 01902 556 112
Fax: 01902 556 111
Email: visitorinfo@wolverhampton.gov.uk
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