Harvington Hall

Throughout those troubled times, Humphrey and his family continued to celebrate Mass and needed hiding places to secrete the priest should the house suddenly be searched by troops.  There are still seven hiding places in existence at the Hall, the greatest series of any in the country, and it is to see these and the rare Elizabethan wall paintings that visitors flock to Harvington Hall today.   There are also four chapels, two in the Hall, one in the grounds and one across the car park, three of which are used still today for services. 

The small charming gardens are surrounded by a moat with abundant wildlife.   There is also a small herb garden, planted and managed by the Hereford and Worcester Gardens Trust, which has the initials of the three families who lived in the Hall, the Pakingtons, the Yates and the Throckmortons, planted in santalina.

The Throckmorton family owned the Hall at the beginning of the 20th Century, but no longer lived there, as they had other properties elsewhere.   The Hall was in a derelict state when it was bought from the Throckmortons by a benefactress and given to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham, who have restored it and cared for it ever since.  

There is free parking, a gift shop and a tea room serving light lunches and home-made afternoon teas. The Hall is open from April to September, Wednesdays to Sundays, and weekends in March and October.

Throughout the year there are a series of varied events, from outdoor music and theatre, to tours by candlelight and living history weekends.  

Telephone 01562 777846