Summary

Boscobel House was a woodland lodge, built by John Giffard, a local landowner, in the early 17th century.

Boscobel House was a woodland lodge, built by John Giffard, a local landowner, in the early 17th century. It played a brief but important role in English history when the future Charles II hid at Boscobel after his defeat at the battle of Worcester in 1651 – first in an oak tree and then in a priest hole in the attic. The house has been famous ever since.In the 19th century, Boscobel was bought by Walter Evans, a Derbyshire industrialist, who refurbished the house in a 17th century style, inspired by the story of the fleeing king.This guide sheds light on Boscobel’s history, including the momentous events of 1651, and also provides a tour of the house and farm.