Bushwood Hall

Description

Bushwood Hall moated site survives well and is largely unencumbered by modern development. The moated island will retain structural and artefactual evidence for the original house which existed here. Additionally, organic material will be preserved within the waterlogged moat ditches which will allow an insight into the economy of the site's inhabitants. The importance of the site is enhanced by the survival of related historical documentation.
The monument is situated in an isolated context adjacent to a stream channel flowing north-south and includes a moated site. The moated site has external dimensions of approximately 70m square. The arms of the moat measure up to 12m wide and are waterfilled. The extreme eastern end of the northern moat arm has been infilled and is partly overlaid by an outbuilding of the present Bushwood Hall. At the north western corner of the site, the moat projects slightly westwards to form a pond area, and this is included in the scheduling. There is an external bank along the northern side of the moated site, approximately 5m wide. The moated island is slightly raised above the surrounding ground surface particularly on its western side. The northern part of the island is occupied by the present Bushwood Hall, a Grade II Listed Building, which dates from the 17th century with 19th century alterations. It is not included in the scheduling although the ground below is included. Access to the moated island is thought to have been across the eastern arm of the moat and an oak cantilever drawbridge was recovered from this moat arm during dredging operations in the 1950s or 1960s. Bushwood was, at one time, the property of the Bishop of Worcester. Documentary sources indicate that in c.1314 Sir John de Bishopesdon arranged for a gatehouse to be constructed at the site. The room above the gatehouse is known to have included two fireplaces and two privies. (Scheduling Report)

Circa C17, front section rebuilt 1708, altered early C19. Situated on an earlier moated site. Stuccoed brick front range with timber-framed rear wing. Steeply pitched plain tile roofs with gabled ends. Two storeys, three window front. Front (west) elevation with three gables, the central one projecting slightly. Three steps up to central four-centred arched doorway, plank door and hood-mould. To left and right a 6-light mullion/transom window with leaded panes. At first floor a central two-light and to left and right three-light mullioned casements with leaded panes. Central window has hood mould. Twin shafted brick chimney stack at north gable. The earlier portions of the house are lower and comprise a parallel range with wing at right angles. Robert Catesby, the chief originator of the Gunpower Plot was born here in 1573. He was a lineal descendant of William Catesby, the favourite of Richard III. (Listed Building Report)

A 17th century timber framed house on the site of earlier moat. The moat is approximately 70 metres square, 12 metres wide and waterfilled, except for the eastern part of the northern arm which lies under an extension to the later house. The current house dates from the 17th century, with the front section rebuilt in brick in 1708 and further alterations carried out in the early 19th century. A deed of 1313 refers to a gatehouse on the site. (PastScape)