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The Dawes Family

Birtsmorton Court has been a home to the Dawes family for over 50 years. The manor is a fine example of a moated grange, much of which was built in the 15th Century with some of the original foundations laid in 1241 which still form part of the Court today. In the 15th century, the Court was home to the Nanfan family for some 300 years, and their connections with the Royal House of Tudor are recorded in the oak and plaster carvings in the private quarters of the Court’s Banqueting Hall.

Within our grounds is a historic church which has hosted many Christian ceremonies and blessings over the years. We have the luxury of being able to host civil ceremonies in your choice of location around the estate too. There’s a 12th century hall, several romantic gardens to choose from and an atmospheric barn conversion which all hold a license. We welcome other style ceremonies too and have many beautiful backdrops to suggest.

Sip cocktails on the terrace over-looking the moat and make use of the extensive lawns for drinks, canapés, lawn games and photos. There’s a view to enjoy in every direction, Birtsmorton really is a dream when it comes to your wedding photos.

When it’s time for dinner, take your seat in our oak beamed, light-filled dining room, The Linney – the perfect contemporary space for you to style just as you choose. When it’s time to get the party started, our oak framed, glass fronted barn will be ready for you. We have the flexibility to ensure your evening guests feel just as welcome as your day guests.

Make our family’s history, your family’s history.

Our History

The Court

The earliest reference to Birtsmorton Court is found in the Domesday Book. The present house, partly timbered, is built on a courtyard plan and dates back to the 12th century. In 1424–25, Birtsmorton became the seat of Sir John Nanfan, who had most of the earlier structure demolished before his death in 1447. The house was remodelled for Giles Nanfan in about 1572, as heraldry in the Great Hall suggests. The last male heir, Bridges Nanfan, left the estate to his daughter Catherine. The present aspect of the house is in part due to restoration by Frederick S. Waller, 1871–72. The east range was destroyed by a devasting fire in the 18th century and rebuilt in 1929–30 by A. Hill Parker and Son, under the ownership of Francis Bradley-Birt. Bradley-Birt married Norah Spencer-Churchill in 1920 (a cousin of Winston Churchill).

William Huskisson was born at Birtsmorton Court on the 11th March 1770 and spent his childhood here until he was 13. Huskisson was made famous as the world’s first railway casualty as he was run over and killed by George Stephenson’s locomotive the ‘Rocket’. The house was a setting for William Samuel Symonds’ historical novel, Malvern Chase.

The Moat

There are perhaps around 6000 moated sites in Britain, of which no more than 30 still contain water and only a handful have a double moat like the one at Birtsmorton Court. The moat and other waters are full of fish, a reminder of the days when they once supplied the larder of the house.

The moat is filled from the streams of the Malvern Hills via a large collecting pond to the west of the house, known as the Westminster pool. Tradition has it that the Pool has the same dimensions as the nave of Westminster Abbey and was dug in the same year of its consecration, which would date it to 1269 or earlier.

The second moat lies to the east of the house, and was dug to create a safe night-time sanctuary for livestock, protecting it from attack by wild boar (hence the stone boar which now sits on the on the terrace!).

The Great Hall and Courtyard

The Great Hall, now used for civil ceremonies and drinks receptions, is the oldest room in the manor. It has a large open fireplace and timbered walls, with a great coat of arms painted on the plaster above the panelling. The beautiful William and Mary style ceiling was added in the late 17th Century.

In the Great Hall you can see the lower part of the old staircase that leads up to the Cardinal Wolsey room. From this room there is a view onto the courtyard through a stained-glass window with the inscription CW, which was installed in Wolsey’s memory. Before becoming cardinal, Thomas Wolsey was presented to King Henry VII by a member of the Nanfan family.

The Courtyard has seen the full range of minor and major changes of architecture over the years. It’s in the Courtyard where you can see the house develop its own unique identity over which over time now flourishes as one of the most unique wedding venues in Worcestershire and all of West Midlands.

The Gardens

The extensive formal gardens at Birtsmorton are perhaps its most appreciated feature. The top lawn is the best place to get an overview of the gardens which includes the ancient Wolsey tree, the topiary and the White Garden. Legend has it that Cardinal Wolsey, whilst working for Sir Richard Nanfan at Birtsmorton, foresaw his own execution one day as he sat beneath the Wolsey Tree.

The White Garden lies in the middle of the yew tree topiary and was created by Mrs. Rosalie Dawes in 1997. It features extensive ironwork and a gazebo which contains a wide variety of white shrubs and perennials. The arches are covered with Iceberg roses, jasmine, white clematis and wisteria.

Just outside the brick wall lay the Potager which comprises four square gardens divided by two wide cross tunnels. The Potager is surrounded by a large variety of espaliered pear and apple trees, and contains a mix of permanent plantings alongside rotated annual vegetable crops.

Discover and explore our family home

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Celebrate at Birtsmorton Court

Marry With Us

Whether you choose to marry in our onsite Church, enjoy a civil ceremony amongst our lakes and lawns, or create something completely different, we will host it for you! With idyllic ceremony locations both indoor and outdoor, you are truly spoilt for choice.

Fizz and Feast

The choice of food for your wedding is only limited by your imagination. From fine dining five-course menus to relaxed street-style food, we have many options designed to cater to all.

Let’s Party

Our huge disco ball, chequered dancefloor, onsite photobooth, firepit and party-ready barn filled with fairy lights is the perfect party destination.