Earliest Recorded Date of Construction: 01/01/1723
Additional Dates of Construction:
The present building dates from 1786 which incorporated the 1723 building by Francis Smith into the fabric to create the house as we see it today.
Architectural Period/Style: Georgian
Architect (if known): John Soane
Landscape Designer (if known): Capability Brown
Type of Building e.g. Country House, Stately Home, Manor:
Country House
Interesting Historical Facts or Connections:
The Giffard's cross reputedly marks the spot where Sir John Giffard in the reign of Henry VIII shot dead with a bow and arrow a panther as it was about to pounce upon a woman and child.
The panther was part of a menagerie of exotic animals possessed by Sir John and had escaped into the forest of Brewood. As Sir John shot, his son, at the crucial moment shouted “Prenez haleine, tirez fort”, “Take breath, pull strong”.
From this incident the families two crests were granted in 1513 as a “Panther’s head couped full-faced spotted various with flames issuing from his mouth”. And in 1523 a “demi-archer bearded and couped at the knees from his middle, a short coat, paly argend and gule, at his middle a quiver of arrows, drawn to the head”.
Listed Building Status (if applicable): Grade 1
Main Material of Construction: Brick
Private/Public Access: Limited access.
Opening Hours (if applicable): From: 2:00 PM To: 5:00 PM
Related Website: [Web Link]
Rating: 
Admission Fee (if applicable): Not Listed
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