Why is Witley Court a ruin?

In 1937 a major fire caused great damage to the court, the estate was broken up and sold and the house was subsequently stripped of its fittings and furnishings. Forty years of decay followed before the house and grounds were taken into the care of The Department of the Environment in 1972.

What happened Witley Court?

HISTORIC Witley Court has been sold to a mystery buyer. The new owners – who have not been named – have bought the entire 40-acre estate at Great Witley, saving it from being split into separate plots.

Who was Witley Court originally built for?

Samuel Daukes
John Nash
Witley Court and Gardens/Architects

Which member of the royal family partied at Witley Court?

Queen Adelaide
So Witley Court was let to Queen Adelaide, widow of King William IV, until 1846 when Lord Ward took over and set about transforming it again. Ornate Italianate style was the peak of fashion, so the whole house was remodelled to match over the next six years.

Is Witley Court free?

If you are a Member and wish to book, your ticket will still be free. Please remember to bring your English Heritage membership card with you. Members are able to book tickets for those included in the membership only. Any additional bookings made will be chargeable on site.

When was the oldest part of Witley Court built?

The earliest phase of the Witley Court buildings dates to the 13th century. A substantial new house was constructed on the site at the end of the 15th century, and this in turn was remodelled and extended in the early 17th century. Thirty years later the estate was sold to the Foley family of industrialists.

How much is it to get into Witley Court?

Prices From

Who owns Witley Park?

The landscaped park remained. In 1982 the estate, now comprising some 1,300 acres, was purchased by Sir Raymond and Lady Brown. In 2002 the Brown family sold the 450 acres of walled-off Parkland, Gate Lodges and Cottages, retaining Witley Park Farm to the south.

What is Witley Court used for?

Witley Court was once of the great country houses of England, reaching its peak in the Victorian period when it was the setting for extravagant parties and royal entertainments. After a devastating fire in 1937, however, it became one of the country’s most spectacular ruins.

How much does it cost to get into Witley Court?

How much is parking at Witley Court?

Parking free for members. The car park has over 100 spaces (including an overflow car park) and is adjacent to the visitor centre (approx. 500 metres from the house). The path has a hard surface, but wheelchair users will probably need assistance.

What year was the fire at Witley Court?

1937
Witley Court was once of the great country houses of England, reaching its peak in the Victorian period when it was the setting for extravagant parties and royal entertainments. After a devastating fire in 1937, however, it became one of the country’s most spectacular ruins.

Where was the Congregation of the servants of the Paraclete?

Fitzgerald accepted and moved quickly, buying 2,000 acres (8.1 km2) in Jemez Springs, New Mexico and founding The Congregation of the Servants of the Paraclete in 1947. Fitzgerald believed in spiritual treatment, such as Eucharistic adoration, and was vehemently against psychological treatment.

Where was the village of Witley Court located?

The ruined splendour of Witley Court lies in the countryside between Worcester and Kidderminster, close by the village of Great Witley. Its early history is a little vague. There is an Iron Age fort to the south-west, at Woodbury Hill, and the original village was simply Witley, a Saxon name, now Little Witley, to the south east.

Who was the trustee of the Witley estate?

In 1833 the Foleys sold the Witley estate to the trustees of William Ward (1817–85). Although still a minor, Ward was one of the richest individuals in England. Like the Foleys, his fortune came from industry, in this case the income from more than 200 Black Country coal mines.

How is the ruin of Witley Court saved?

It was rescued from total destruction by the Government in 1972 and, now in the care of English Heritage, the ruin of Witley Court is an extraordinary place to visit. Access is through wooded gardens, where there are forest walks and a kiddies’ play area, to a lake in front of the house.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZitENwbCzJQ