Boscobel House

Heritage Site in Shropshire

England

Boscobel House

Pasture by Ivetsey Bank Farm in Staffordshire North of Bishopswood.
Pasture by Ivetsey Bank Farm in Staffordshire Credit: Roger D Kidd

Boscobel House, located in Shropshire, England, is a historic site of great significance. Dating back to the 16th century, this timber-framed farmhouse has witnessed several notable events throughout its existence.

Boscobel House gained widespread recognition during the English Civil War in the 17th century. It became a hiding place for King Charles II after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. The king sought refuge in the house's priest hole, a secret hiding place concealed within the building. It is said that Charles II spent a night in an oak tree on the estate, known today as the Royal Oak, to evade capture by Cromwell's forces.

Today, Boscobel House stands as a testament to this historic event and provides visitors with an immersive experience into this turbulent period of English history. The house has been extensively restored, allowing visitors to explore the rooms and witness the hiding places used by the king.

In addition to the house itself, the estate features beautifully landscaped gardens and woodland. Visitors can wander through the serene surroundings, taking in the sights and sounds of nature. The gardens are meticulously maintained, showcasing the beauty of the English countryside.

Boscobel House offers guided tours, providing insight into the history of the building and its connection to the monarchy. The site also hosts various events and reenactments, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the life of Charles II during his time of hiding.

Overall, Boscobel House is a captivating heritage site that offers a glimpse into a significant moment in British history. Its well-preserved architecture, stunning gardens, and rich historical significance make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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Boscobel House Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.673/-2.243 or Grid Reference SJ8308. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pasture by Ivetsey Bank Farm in Staffordshire North of Bishopswood.
Pasture by Ivetsey Bank Farm in Staffordshire
North of Bishopswood.
Ivetsey Bank Road north of Bishopswood in Staffordshire Looking north towards the A5 Watling Street near Ivetsey Bank. Ivetsey Bank Farm buildings can be seen to the right of the road.
Ivetsey Bank Road north of Bishopswood in Staffordshire
Looking north towards the A5 Watling Street near Ivetsey Bank. Ivetsey Bank Farm buildings can be seen to the right of the road.
Farmland and woodland north of Bishopswood, Staffordshire Looking north-east from Ivetsey Bank Road.
Farmland and woodland north of Bishopswood, Staffordshire
Looking north-east from Ivetsey Bank Road.
Drainage ditch and hedge near White Ladies Priory
Drainage ditch and hedge near White Ladies Priory
Old fishpool in copse near White Ladies One of several shallow pools in the copse, which were presumably attached to the nearby priory, and suggest they supplied fish for the residents
Old fishpool in copse near White Ladies
One of several shallow pools in the copse, which were presumably attached to the nearby priory, and suggest they supplied fish for the residents
Earthworks to the west of White Ladies Priory One of a number of deep excavations in fields and the nearby copse; they were presumably associated with the Priory in its day, although the purpose isn't entirely clear. Those in the copse still hold water, albeit shallow, so may have been fishponds <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2322003">SJ8207 : Old fishpool in copse near White Ladies</a>
Earthworks to the west of White Ladies Priory
One of a number of deep excavations in fields and the nearby copse; they were presumably associated with the Priory in its day, although the purpose isn't entirely clear. Those in the copse still hold water, albeit shallow, so may have been fishponds SJ8207 : Old fishpool in copse near White Ladies
Offoxey Road, looking east to Bishops Wood
Offoxey Road, looking east to Bishops Wood
House on Offoxey Road, Bishops Wood
House on Offoxey Road, Bishops Wood
Housing Association Bungalows, Bishops Wood
Housing Association Bungalows, Bishops Wood
Shackerley Lane, looking southwest Photographed from near the footpath which leads off the lane, and gives access to White Ladies Priory.
Shackerley Lane, looking southwest
Photographed from near the footpath which leads off the lane, and gives access to White Ladies Priory.
Shackerley Lane, looking northeast Photographed from near the footpath which leads off the lane, and gives access to White Ladies Priory.
Shackerley Lane, looking northeast
Photographed from near the footpath which leads off the lane, and gives access to White Ladies Priory.
Public footpath off Shackerley Lane The wooded footpath leads off Shackerley Lane, passes through the gate, and after a fairly short distance gives access to the ruins of White Ladies Priory, the name by which the former Priory of St. Leonard is usually known. The footpath carries on, as it is part of a longer route. This section might even be a bridleway, but I'm not sure on that.
Public footpath off Shackerley Lane
The wooded footpath leads off Shackerley Lane, passes through the gate, and after a fairly short distance gives access to the ruins of White Ladies Priory, the name by which the former Priory of St. Leonard is usually known. The footpath carries on, as it is part of a longer route. This section might even be a bridleway, but I'm not sure on that.
Public footpath to Shackerley Lane Shackerley Lane  is in the distance.
Public footpath to Shackerley Lane
Shackerley Lane is in the distance.
View from footpath near Shackerley Lane A view from the footpath which runs between Shackerley Lane and White Ladies Priory, and beyond.

<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2631251">SJ8207 : Public footpath to Shackerley Lane</a>.
View from footpath near Shackerley Lane
A view from the footpath which runs between Shackerley Lane and White Ladies Priory, and beyond. SJ8207 : Public footpath to Shackerley Lane.
North towards Boscobel Dingle Farmland near Boscobel
North towards Boscobel Dingle
Farmland near Boscobel
A small copse near Meashill Farm The copse has grown up around a dried-up pool, the remains of which are visible when you're at the side of the wood.
A small copse near Meashill Farm
The copse has grown up around a dried-up pool, the remains of which are visible when you're at the side of the wood.
Southwards to Spring Coppice Farmland and woods in a small valley near Boscobel.
Southwards to Spring Coppice
Farmland and woods in a small valley near Boscobel.
Irrigation equipment on a field near Boscobel Early April, and the irrigation kit is out. What's wrong with the weather these days?
Irrigation equipment on a field near Boscobel
Early April, and the irrigation kit is out. What's wrong with the weather these days?
Show me another place!

Boscobel House is located at Grid Ref: SJ8308 (Lat: 52.673, Lng: -2.243)

Unitary Authority: Shropshire

Police Authority: West Mercia

What 3 Words

///lawful.frostbite.ponies. Near Tong, Shropshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.673,-2.243
Bicycle Parking
Capacity: 5
Covered: no
Shelter: no
Lat/Long: 52.6720586/-2.2418272
Parking
Lat/Long: 52.6721458/-2.2418856
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 52.6692367/-2.2455618
Boscobel
Place: hamlet
Wikidata: Q3811768
Lat/Long: 52.671039/-2.2437707
Bench
Source: survey
Lat/Long: 52.6701181/-2.2422238
Bench
Source: survey
Lat/Long: 52.6702743/-2.2420398
Bench
Source: survey
Lat/Long: 52.6702949/-2.2419662
Barrier: kissing_gate
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 52.6711223/-2.2431042
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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