Summary
One of the finest moated manor houses in England, nestling in a lovely
setting, boasting excellent period gardens.
The House
Baddesley Clinton has been described as 'the perfect late medieval
manor house', and it is not hard to see why. The manor occupies an
island hemmed in on all sides by a wide moat, where swans float peacefully.
There are three ranges, or wings of the manor arranged around a lovely
courtyard garden. At one time there was a fourth side on the west,
making Baddesley Clinton a square, but the west range was demolished
in the 18th century.
The house is approached over a two-arched bridge
leading to an imposing gatehouse with a large Elizabethan window
above the entrance. Walk through the entrance, and you find yourself
in a small, formal garden surrounded on three sides by the wings
of the manor, and on the fourth by the moat.
The
manor at Baddesley Clinton was probably begun in the 14th century,
though there are no exact records to verify the date. It is indeed
possible that the moat dates back to the 13th century. The house we
see today was built in the 15th century, and has remained essentially
unchanged since the 1630s.
Much of what remains is the work of the Elizabethan, Henry Ferrers,
who is responsible for the south wing and the beautifully decorated
interiors, which are a delightful example of Elizabethan style. The
chambers are exquisitely panelled, and feature carved Elizabethan overmantles.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Baddesley Clinton is the presence
of not one, not two, but three secret priest's holes. These hidden
chambers were built during the height of religious strife in 17th century
England, and afforded visiting Jesuit priests a place to hide from
prying eyes.
The
Gardens and Grounds
The manor is set in lovely grounds, with a variety of pleasant walks.
There is a medieval stewpond, a lakeside trail, and a more modern nature
walk to enjoy. There is also a children's trail and quiz available
to keep younger visitors amused.
Baddesley Clinton is a National Trust property, and
Trust members are admitted free.
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Houses > Baddesley Clinton
The
manor at Baddesley Clinton was probably begun in the 14th century,
though there are no exact records to verify the date. It is indeed
possible that the moat dates back to the 13th century. The house we
see today was built in the 15th century, and has remained essentially
unchanged since the 1630s. 