Visiting the house at Baddesley Clinton

View across the moat to Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire — View across the moat to Baddesley Clinton | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Over the course of its 500-year history, the house at Baddesley Clinton has been a refuge for those seeking to escape the outside world, never more so than when it became a place of safety for Catholic priests living in dangerous times. From the bridge, moat and gatehouse entrance to the Great Hall and a 19th-century artist studio, discover the house that passed down through 12 generations of the Ferrers family.

The gatehouse entrance and historic courtyard

At the beautiful gatehouse, with its combination of bridge, moat and crenelated gatehouse, look out for the stonework and windows from several different periods.

Once you’ve passed through the gatehouse, you’ll enter the courtyard which was created in 1889, where the yews, lawns and brick paths have little changed since creation. The main charge of the Ferrers’ arms (seven mascles, or lozenges) is laid out on the lawn and is planted in its gold and red heraldic colours.

The Great Hall at Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire — The Great Hall at Baddesley Clinton | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Exploring the house

You enter the house through the Scullery in the courtyard before exploring the ground floor and first-floor rooms. Look out for a glimpse of the 500-year-old priest hide and 19th-century artist studio.

The Great Hall was constructed in the 1570s and is dominated by a magnificent stone chimneypiece, which was originally elsewhere in the house. From here you can visit the other rooms such as the chapel, library, Henry Ferrers’ bedroom and more.

Take your time, wander around the house; the friendly volunteers are posted around to tell you more about the history of Baddesley Clinton.

Tour the House

Here are some of the rooms you can visit on your tour of the house.

The Kitchen

The first main room you will see is the Kitchen. Get a glimpse of historic life below stairs.

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Look out for the Ferrers’ arms

Everywhere you look in the house you will see the Ferrers’ coat of arms. It’s above the door as you enter, in the windows, on the fireplaces and even in the garden.

The arms were adopted by William Ferrers, 1st Baron Groby (1272-1325), and his son Henry began the tradition of installing stained glass windows to commemorate marriages.