Search  Updates  View Map   | Castles   Houses  Misc  People  Religious  | Links   About   Home

Baddesley Clinton - Coventry Warwickshire (NT)

The moated site of this manor was probably established in the 13th century when large areas of the Forest of Arden were converted to farmland. John Brome, then the Under Treasurer of England, bought the manor in 1438 and it remained with his descendants until 1940.

The front, except for the extension to the left which is 18th century, date from the Brome period. There are some interesting fortifications to be found within this manor: gun-ports in the gatehouse resemble those at Kirby Muxloe (1480-84) and there appears to have been provision for a drawbridge.

The large mullioned and transomed window above the entrance facing east was inserted by Henry Ferrers when he built the great Parlour. The name Ferrers was introduced into the manor's history when John Brome's granddaughter married Sir Edward Ferrers.

The Elizabethan and Jacobean Periods

Henry Ferrers 'the Antiquary' (1549-1633)  was one of Baddesley's wealthiest owners. As Squire for almost seventy years he made many modifications may of which remain today. He introduced most of the paneling and chimney pieces and established in the house the tradition of armorial glass which so clearly reflects his genealogical interests.  His most ambitious building work was that of the timber framed Great Hall on the south side of the courtyard, most probably in the 1580s. He added rooms and a corridor above the hall and corridors to the west range.

Henry Ferrers let the house to two Catholic sisters of the Vaux family in the 1590s when it became the centre of recusancy and various hiding places were created about the house.

The 18th Century

Work on the stable and barnyard was reported to be in progress from 1713. The present stable with its clock turret was probably constructed in 1714 and the barn in 1721-22. By the mid 18th century a formal entrance courtyard had been created to replace a huddle of farm buildings, while the walls of Henry Ferrers' hall were rebuilt in brick.

The 19th and 20th Centuries

Towards the end of the 18th century Baddesley fell into decay and although it was made habitable again early in the19th century few alterations were made.

Similar fortified and moated houses of interest:

Back to the Home Page of the UK Heritage collection.

This information has been researched and published here by: