Gunpowder Treason & Plot (National Trust)

Member Name: anjipanji

Product:	National Trust
Date:	24/10/01 (409 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: NT do such good work, Very good day out, Child friendly

Disadvantages: expensive if not a member, in the Midlands area

Coughton Court (pronounced Coat-un) is a National Trust property in Alcester, Warwickshire, just a little way outside Stratford. Before I tell you the features of the property, I will tell you a little about the history that lies behind it.

The Tudor House, has been owned by the Throckmorton family since 1409. John de Throckmorton, Under Treasurer to Henry VI, came to Coughton and married Eleanor de Spiney. The Throckmorton family still live in the house today, and have made many additions and alterations to the house over the years.

The family are Roman Catholic, and the Catholic Church that is in the grounds of the house was built in 1855 by, and is still owned by the family. There is also a Church of England Parish Church on the land too, which was added some time later (not owned by the family) and are both open to visitors.

There is a great deal of history attached to this house, and no way can I go into it all, but I will pick out a couple of interesting historical events.

As I mentioned, the family were Roman Catholic. After the Reformation they were persecuted for their continuing adherance to the Roman Catholic Faith. Under the Reign of Henry VIII (don’t quote me on that), Catholicism was outlawed and Priests were being killed by the Protestant Rulers. Many of the big Catholic Houses of the time had Priest Holes built, by Nicholas Owen, to hide their local Priests. Coughton had one Priest hole upstairs that was directly above the kitchen and another was a double Priest Hole that went toward the cellar. Very often Protestant people would come to the houses and search for Priests that may have been hidden, often staying for days. I believe that one was found in Coughton and one of the Ancestors was beheaded for the “Crime”. These Priest Holes actually saved the lives of hundreds of Priests during this time. Nicholas Owen was captured for his part in hiding the Priests in 1606 and was tortured to death
in the Tower of London.

A second interesting fact is that there is a strong link between the Throckmorton family and the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. One of Sir Robert Throckmorton’s daughters was married to Francis Tresham and another of his daughters to Robert Catesby. They were the two Chief Plotters alongside Guy Fawkes. Also some of the wives of the other men involved in the Plot, waited at Coughton for news from London on the night of the act itself. There is a very interesting Gunpowder Plot Exhibition in one of the converted stables. Well worth a look. Incidentally, incase anybody is interested, the house that was next door to Parliament at the time of the Gunpowder Plot was owned by Sir Thomas Ferrers, the then owner of Baddesley Clinton, which is another National Trust Property, also in Warwickshire. Sir Thomas unknowingly rented it out to the Plotters, and it was from here that they started to dig their way in!

Right, let me now tell you what you will find at the property.


1. The house itself. Very grand, full of all the usual sorts of things you find in these places. An extremely interesting history indeed. Some of the Ancestors spent a time hunting in Africa, and there are rugs made of the skins of tiger and leopard in the upstairs tapestry room and bedroom. You can climb one of the top towers and stand out on the roof and have a fantastic view over their land and the surrounding area.

2. Gifts and plant sales. A gift shop with items of historical interest and also National Trust Gifts and nick nacks for children. Lots of varied plants, many that you will find planted on the Estate.

3. Restaurant. Serves home made lunches, snacks, morning coffee, afternoon teas and home made cakes.

4. Domestic Farm Buildings and Play Area. These were restored in 1988. They house some domestic animals for the children to look at whilst in the Play Area. You can spot, brown and black hens, water fowl, sheep
, goats and a small pony. All but the birds have been removed during the foot and mouth outbreak.

5. Formal Gardens. Designed in 1992 by one of Mrs Throckmorton’s Daughters, Christins Williams. It has an Elizabethan knot garden theme.

6. Walled garden. This was opened in 1996. It is a very large garden that in my opinion is the nicest of the two gardens. You will probably be charged an extra admittance fee of £2.50. (including Trust Members). Well worth the cost. Looks beautiful whatever the season.

7. Riverside and Lake Walk. The River Arrow runs through the property and a peaceful walk has been created alongside it. It has been planted with Willow, native shrubs and trees (great for conker collecting). You can walk in a circle from the house and back again, or you can continue to a specially created Bog garden.

8. Bog Garden. Fantastic bog garden full of fearns, those huge plants that look like giant rhubarb leaves and lots more. As they all stand in boggy mud, you walk around it by way of a boardwalk and bridges that cross the little streams and river. The bog garden was originally a second lake, but was drained many years ago. It never completely dried and was re-planted and opened in 1997.

9. Orchard. Varieties of apple, pear, plum, cherry and nuts grow here. Along with the vegetables that are grown behind the restaurant, they are all used to produce wonderful local dishes for the restaurant to serve.

The house and gardens vary in opening times, but is approximately 11.30 – 5.00. Best to check opening times as it varies quite a lot. Prices are as follows:-

House and gardens. Adults £6.95 – Child £3.45
Gardens only. Adults £5.10 – Child £2.55
Family ticket (2 adults, up to 4 children) will admit to house and gardens £21.50. Gardens only £15.75

Wheelchair access for Riverside walk and gardens. Disabled toilets and access to restaurant and café. Limite
d access in the house.

For further information contact:-

www.coughtoncourt.co.uk
email: carol@throckmortons.co.uk

Telephone Office 01789 400777 – Visitor Info 01789 762435

The house also has lots of events through out the year. Again, check for intinery.

Summary: