Stokesay Court
Stokesay Court is a remarkable late-Victorian survival set within extensive grounds in the rolling South Shropshire countryside, with panoramic views across to Ludlow and the Clee Hills.
Onibury, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 9BD
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
This family home, with a stunning oak-carved, double-height, galleried Great Hall, rose to fame as the setting for the Tallis House in the film Atonement starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy.
The house was built in 1889 for John Derby Allcroft, a wealthy Victorian manufacturer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, who had made his fortune in the glove-making business in partnership with the Dent brothers. Designed by Thomas Harris, the house was at the cutting edge of technology when it was completed in 1892, only six months before owner John Derby Allcroft’s death. Equipped with a large boiler and under-floor heating, the house was one of the first private homes in England to have integral electric light, powered by large lead batteries. Much of the early technology has been preserved, nowadays mostly for display. The visitor will discover an unusually unaltered and intact interior for a house of this period.
In WW1 the house became an Auxiliary Military Hospital for convalescent soldiers. Stokesay Court’s remarkable hospital archive contains around 300 letters from soldiers and their families, and many official hospital documents. After WW2 the house fell into gradual decline. John Derby Allcroft’s granddaughter Jewell and her biographer husband, Sir Philip Magnus lived in one wing.
In 1994 a major contents sale took place following Jewell’s death, and in 1995 her niece, Caroline Magnus, moved in and began restoring the house and refurnishing the interiors. The work is still ongoing.
Today’s visitors get a glimpse of the Victorian past as well as experiencing the present-day revival. There are also behind the scenes views of Atonement’s setting and artefacts from the film.
The landscaped gardens and grounds contain a fountain, grotto, woodland walks and a series of pools connected by cascades, rills and steps.
Tours that are scheduled will be listed below. If none are scheduled yet, please check back later, or find other tours you might enjoy on our tours listing page here.
Meet the owners of two Shropshire gems
Enjoy an afternoon visit to the magnificent gardens at Broadward Hall, followed by an early evening house tour at nearby Stokesay Court, both hosted by the owners. Joint tour £49 including tea and cakes at Broadward Hall and drinks and canapés at Stokesay Court. Click on the tour dates below for more information and to book.
Ingenuity and Entertainment – a Grand Day Out
Join the owners of two magnificent Shropshire country houses on an interactive tour of their unique homes, including lunch and afternoon tea. At Stokesay Court learn how the house was built with cutting edge technology, much of which has stood the test of time in the modern world, then a short drive takes you to Acton Scott Hall, where the Acton family will entertain you with an interactive demonstration of their wonderful collection of music machines. Click on the tour dates below for more information and to book.
Groups are welcome by arrangement. Refreshments, lunch and dinner can be provided.
Please contact us to arrange:
+44 (0)1584 856238
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
Stokesay Court at Christmas
Stokesay Court at Christmas
No two days are the same. I may be taking a tour, entertaining friends and family, laying fires and keeping them going in winter, organising events, making sure that there are enough supplies, shopping, supervising builders. There is never a dull moment and rarely enough time for rest and relaxation.
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