Boscobel House |
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Boscobel House was built in about 1632, when John Giffard of Whiteladies converted a timber-framed farmhouse into a hunting lodge.
The Giffard family were Roman Catholics, at a time when the religion suffered persecution. Tradition holds that the true purpose of Boscobel was to serve as a secret place for the shelter of Catholics in times of need.
The house was, however, destined for greater fame. Following the execution of King Charles I in 1649, his eldest son made a brave though misguided attempt to regain the throne. In 1651 his hopes were crushed at Worcester in the final conflict of the Civil War. Young Charles was forced to flee for his life.
Initially the future King Charles II set out to cross the River Severn into Wales, but found his way blocked by Cromwell's patrols. He sought refuge instead at Boscobel, hiding first in a tree which is now known as The Royal Oak and then spending the night in a priest- hole in the house's attic. He then travelled on in disguise via other safe houses before escaping to France.
Boscobel later became a much visited place, although it remained a working farm. Visitors can also see the dairy, farmyard, smithy, gardens, and a descendant of The Royal Oak.
White Ladies Priory, another of Charles's hiding places, is nearby.
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Opening Times
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(2011 times)
1st April - 31st October:Wednesday - Sunday 10.00 - 17.00 1st November - 23rd December: Saturday and Sunday 10.00 - 16.00 24th - 30th December and 1st January: Closed 31st December: Saturday 10.00 - 16.00 2nd January - 31st March 2012: Saturday and Sunday 10.00 - 16.00 |
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Admission Charges
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(2011 prices)
House and Grounds:Adult £5.80; Concession £5.20; Child 5-15yrs £3.50 Family (2+3) £15.10. English Heritage Members free. |
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Directions
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By Car: On minor road from A41 to A5 8 miles NW of Wolverhampton. By Train: Cosford Station 3 miles. |
| Show map of Boscobel House... |
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Boscobel House Postcode for SatNav: ST19 9AR |
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Nearby Attractions
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Weston Park
(2 Miles)*
Visit Weston Park, set in the spectacular Shropshire countryside, and you will marvel at the beautiful Seventeenth Century House and the splendour of the 1,000 acre Parkland in which it rests. |
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Royal Air Force Museum Cosford
(4 Miles)*
The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford houses one of the largest aviation collections in the United Kingdom. |
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Wightwick Manor and Gardens
(7 Miles)*
This fascinating house contains one of the finest collections of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement. Visitors can explore this Victorian masterpiece with its Great Parlour and timber-framed exterior. |
| more attractions in Brewood and things to do in Brewood ... |
| more things to do in Staffordshire and days out in Staffordshire... |
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Nearby Hotels
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Nearby Self Catering
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