England
Oxfordshire

Minster Lovell Hall

Located in a picturesque position beside the River Windrush in the lovely village of Minster Lovell are the ruins of this 15th century manor house, home of the Lovel family for centuries. The manor of Lovell was once in the hands of the crown, and appears to have been granted to the Lovel family by Henry I prior to 1124. The manor holding passed through a succession of Lovels until John Lovel (d. 1310) was created first Lord Lovel.

The manor was briefly held by Hugh le Despenser, favourite of King Edward II, during the infancy of the third Lord Lovell. Francis, Lord Lovell, was created Viscount Lovell in 1477, but after he foiught on behalf of Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth his estates were siezed by the crown. For a time it was held by Jasper Tudor, uncle of Henry VII, and then by a succession of tennants.

The Hall that you can see today was built in the 1430s for William Lovel on the foundations of an older house. The Hall is constructed of rubble faced with ashlar, facing the river, with a cobbled path leading to the main entrance on the north side, nearest the 14th century parish church of St Kenelm. A vaulted gateway passage leads into the east end of the hall. High walls on the west and south remain, though access to upper floors is not possible. Nothing beyond foundations remain to the east, where accommodation chambers may have been sited. At least one king is known to have stayed at Minster Lovell Hall (Henry VII) and it is possible that Richard III did so also, as a guest of the ill-fated Francis Lovell.

Ghosts at Minster Lovell?
The story goes that Francis, Viscount Lovel supported Richard III against Henry VII. When Richard was killed at the Battle of Bosworth Fields, Lovel fled to his manor of Minster Lovell, where he hid in a secret chamber. The chamber's existance was known only to an old and trusted servant, who brought his lord food and drink. When the servant died suddenly, Lord Lovell's hiding place became a tomb, as the rebellious lord was left to slowly starve to death. It is said that the piteous moans of Lord Lovell can be heard amidst the ruins of his family home to this day.

Adjoining the Hall is a medieval dovecote (no access to interior).

Photos of Minster Lovell Hall >>

Location
Church Lane
Minster Lovell
map

Parking
There is a small car park about 200 yards from the Hall. Access via a gravel walk through the churchyard.

Entry
Free

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