Places Stories

Not many stately homes can boast being the inspiration for a classic of English literature, and to have been chosen as the place for the Royal family to be evacuated to in World War II.

Madresfield Court has never been sold in its long history, remaining in the hands of the Lygon family.

The main hall dates back to the 12th century, and the whole house was rebuilt in 1593, and then remodelled in the 19th century, in the style of a moated Elizabethan house.

The chapel is very spectacular - designed by the architect Philip Charles Hardwick, and adorned with illustration by artists from the Birmingham Group, including Henry Payne, William Bidlake and Charles March Gere.

The house, and the Lygon family, have been linked to Evelyn Waugh's famous novel Brideshead Revisisted - the author was a frequent house guest of the family.

If the Germans had invaded in World War Two the Royal family would have been evacuated to Madresfield Court.

To find Madresfield Court take the A449 Worcester to Malvern road. Just before you enter Malvern look for a left hand turn signposted for Madresfield. The entrance to the Court is on the left, in the village.

Visits to the house can be made, by appointment only, between April and July each year. The estate office number is 01905 830680