Boscobel House and The Royal Oak, Staffordshire

Boscobel House was built in about 1632, when John Giffard of Whiteladies Priory converted a timber-framed farmhouse into a hunting lodge. Giffard called the new hunting lodge Boscobel House which is believed to come from the Italian phrase "bosco bello" meaning "in the midst of fair woods". The Giffard family were Roman Catholics, at a time when the religion suffered persecution. It is believed that the true purpose of Boscobel was to serve as a secret place for the shelter of Catholic priests. It has at least one priest-hole.

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. Charles confirmed to Samuel Pepys in 1680 that while he was hiding in the tree, a Parliamentarian soldier passed directly below it.

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.

Opening Times

Opening Days vary. Please check the website.
The house opens at 10am and closes at 4pm in winter and 5pm in summer.

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Ticket Prices

Adults: £5.80
Children: £3.50 (5-15yrs)
Concessions: £5.20
Family Ticket: £15.10

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Disabled Facilities

Access is via the shop or side gate. There is a cobbled farmyard surface. Assistance may be required. There is no wheelchair access to house.
Assistance needed to access exhibition. Access to gardens via paths. A virtual tour of the site is available in the shop.

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More Information

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