Witley Court - Worcestershire

Only a hundred years ago and Witley Court was one of England's finest country houses. Unfortunately today it is a spectacular ruin.

A visit to Witley Court gives the visitor a glance into a bygone age of prosperity. This house would have played host to many social events and royal weekend parties.

It was built by Thomas Foley in 1655 on the site of a former manor house near Great Witley. Subsequent additions were designed by John Nash in the early 1800s and the Court was subsequently bought by the Dudley family in 1837.

In the 1850s, the Earl of Dudley engaged the architect Samuel Daukes, who had already altered his London house and the church at Great Witley, to remodel the house in Italianate style using ashlar stone. He also commissioned the garden designer W. A. Nesfield to transform the gardens. This was Nesfield's 'Monster Work'.

In 1920 Witley Court was sold by the 2nd Earl to Sir Herbert Smith, a Kidderminster carpet manufacturer. The property was sold again following an accidental fire in 1938. Thereafter the estate was broken up and, with the exception of the church, allowed to fall into ruin.

In 1972 the remnants of the house and garden were acquired by the government. Almost 70 years after the devastation, its ruins are still spectacular, and today the property is in the care of English Heritage. Great Witley Church, which is attached to the ruins, survived the fire, and so visitors can still view the paintings.

The immense fountains created by Nesfield have survived. The largest, the Poseidon Fountain has been restored to working order by English Heritage.

The grounds are extensive and ideal for picnics and leisurely walks around the beautiful gardens, lake and woodlands. The ornate parish church of Great Witney and the tea rooms are definately worth a visit. To visit the photo gallery click here.

Great Witley, Worcestershire, WR6 6JT. Tel: 01299 896636