Harvington Hall

History

The manor dates to the medieval period, with the moated house taking much of its present Elizabethan form under the Pakington family, who were recusant Catholics and faced fines and persecution for refusing to attend Anglican services. The priest hides built into the fabric of the house are attributed to Nicholas Owen, the Jesuit lay brother renowned for constructing hiding places across Catholic households in this period. Owen was captured and died under torture in 1606. The house passed through various hands after the Pakingtons before opening to the public.

Architecture

The Hall combines medieval origins with a substantial Elizabethan rebuilding, set within a moat, and retains original timber panelling, floorboards and painted wall schemes from that period.

Worth knowing

The Hall is associated with Nicholas Owen, the master builder of priest hides who constructed several of Harvington's seven hiding places before his own capture and death under torture in 1606.

Gardens & grounds

The gardens surrounding the moated Hall are open alongside the house and include the Elizabethan Malt House, now a small coffee shop serving food made with local produce.